Hvordan stoppe neseblod?
- Fysiobasen
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
A nosebleed, or epistaxis, is a common and usually harmless condition that affects both children and adults.
Although it can look dramatic, in most cases the bleeding stops quickly when handled correctly.
Still, it’s important to know what to do, when to see a doctor, and how to prevent recurrences.
Why Does a Nosebleed Occur?
A nosebleed happens when small blood vessels inside the nasal lining rupture.
These vessels lie very close to the surface — particularly in the front part of the nasal septum, an area known as Little’s area.
Several arteries meet here, making the site vulnerable to irritation and dryness.
Common causes include:
Dry indoor air, especially during winter
Picking or blowing the nose
Respiratory infections
Allergies and frequent nasal spray use
Nose injuries or trauma
Blood-thinning medications
High blood pressure
Benefits of Early and Correct Management
Handling a nosebleed quickly and properly has several advantages:
Reduces bleeding time and discomfort
Prevents further injury to the nasal lining
Improves confidence in managing recurring episodes
Lowers the need for medical treatment
Limitations and When It’s Not Enough
In some cases, standard first aid measures may not stop the bleeding.
This can happen when:
The bleeding comes from a deeper vessel in the back of the nose
There are underlying blood or vascular disorders
A larger artery is damaged
The person takes anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication
When this occurs, medical evaluation and possible specialist treatment are required.
How to Stop a Nosebleed — Step by Step
1. Tilt Your Head Slightly Forward
Lean forward to avoid swallowing blood, which can cause nausea or vomiting.
Do not tilt your head backward.
2. Pinch the Nose
Use your thumb and index finger to firmly pinch the soft, lower part of the nose.
Hold continuously for 10–15 minutes without releasing.
This gives time for a clot to form and the bleeding to stop.
3. Breathe Through the Mouth and Stay Calm
Avoid talking or moving during the process.
Staying calm, especially for children, helps the body stop bleeding faster.
4. Apply a Cold Compress if Needed
Place a cold towel or ice pack on the bridge of the nose or the back of the neck.
This can help constrict blood vessels but should be used only as an adjunct, not the main treatment.
5. Avoid Touching or Blowing the Nose Afterward
Once the bleeding stops, don’t touch or blow your nose for several hours.
Bending forward or sneezing too soon can restart the bleeding.
What Not to Do
Do not tilt your head backward — this sends blood into the throat and stomach.
Do not stuff cotton or tissue deep inside your nose without medical guidance.
Do not use nasal spray while bleeding unless prescribed by a doctor.
When to Contact a Doctor
The bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes despite correct pinching technique
The nosebleeds are frequent or heavy
You use blood-thinning medication and the bleeding won’t stop
You experience symptoms of blood loss: pale skin, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, cold sweats
The bleeding follows a facial injury with suspected nasal fracture
Preventing Nosebleeds
Use saline spray or nasal ointment to keep nasal membranes moist
Avoid picking or blowing your nose aggressively
Limit decongestant nasal spray use
Maintain good air humidity, especially during winter
Manage high blood pressure under medical supervision
Summary
Nosebleeds are common and usually harmless.
They can be stopped effectively with simple techniques: tilt the head forward, pinch the soft part of the nose, and remain calm for 10–15 minutes.
Frequent or severe nosebleeds — especially when using blood-thinning medication — require medical evaluation.
Preventing nosebleeds mainly involves protecting the nasal lining and avoiding unnecessary irritation.
Sources
Schlosser RJ. (2009). Clinical practice. Epistaxis. N Engl J Med, 360(8):784–789.
Pope LE, Hobbs CG. (2005). Epistaxis: an update on current management. Postgrad Med J, 81(955):309–314.
Pollice PA, Yoder MG. (1997). Epistaxis: a retrospective review of hospitalized patients. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 117(1):49–53.
Walker TW, Macfarlane TV, McGarry GW. (2007). The epidemiology and chronobiology of epistaxis: an investigation of Scottish hospital admissions 1995–2004. Clin Otolaryngol, 32(5):361–365.
