When should I seek medical help for nosebleeds?

Although seeing blood coming out of your nose can be alarming, most nosebleeds aren’t serious. You can usually manage them at home. We highly recommend seeing your consultant to rule out any underlying medical conditions if:

• you experience more than 3 to 4 nosebleeds a week (or 6 or more in a month)

• you feel weak, faint, tired, cold, short of breath or have paler skin than usual – as these could be symptoms of anaemia due to blood loss

• you get a nosebleed around the time you start a new medication

• your nosebleeds come alongside unusual bruising all over your body — this combination may indicate a more serious condition, such as a blood-clotting disorder

• your child is under age 2 and has a nosebleed