Nosebleeds are not usually a sign of anything serious. They're common, particularly in children, and most can be easily treated at home.

See a GP if:

Go to A&E if:

The inside of the nose is easy to damage and that's when nosebleeds happen. This can be caused by:

• picking your nose
• blowing your nose too hard
• the inside of your nose being too dry (maybe because of a change in air temperature)

Nosebleeds that need medical attention can come from deeper inside the nose and usually affect adults. They can be caused by:

• an injury or broken nose
• conditions that affect the blood vessels or how the blood clots
• certain medicines, like warfarin

Sometimes the cause of a nosebleed is unknown.

Certain people are more likely to getting nosebleeds, including:

• children
• adults over 45 years old
• pregnant women
• people with high blood pressure

If you have a nosebleed, you should:

• sit down and lean forward, with your head tilted forward and your mouth open
• pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes
• breathe through your mouth

Holding an icepack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on the top of the nose may help reduce the blood flow. But the evidence to show it works is not very strong.

If you have a nosebleed and a doctor can see where the blood is coming from, they may use a stick with a chemical on it to stop the bleeding. This is pushed into the nostril to seal the area.

If this is not possible, they might pack your nose with ribbon gauze or sponge, to stop the bleeding. You may need to stay in hospital for a day or two.

When your nosebleed stops, a doctor may prescribe an antiseptic cream to use inside your nose. This stops crusting, or scabs forming. Check the cream's ingredients first, as it may not be suitable if you have a peanut or soya allergy.

After a nosebleed, to reduce the chance of another nosebleed, try not to do the following for 24 hours:

• blow your nose
• pick your nose
• drink hot drinks or alcohol
• do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise
• pick any scabs
• lie down flat