Hidung berdarah (a nosebleed) is common, especially in children, and is not usually a sign of anything serious; most can be stopped at home. Nosebleeds usually happen when the delicate inside of the nose is damaged by picking, blowing too hard or dryness. To stop one, sit down, lean forward and pinch the soft part of your nose just above the nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes while breathing through your mouth. Go to the emergency department if bleeding lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes, is heavy, follows a head injury, or you feel weak or dizzy. See a doctor if nosebleeds keep coming back.
Is hidung berdarah (a nosebleed) serious?
According to the NHS, nosebleeds are not usually a sign of anything serious. They are common, particularly in children, and most can be easily treated at home.
Nosebleeds that need medical attention can come from deeper inside the nose and usually affect adults.
Punca hidung berdarah: why does your nose bleed?
The inside of the nose is easy to damage, and that is when nosebleeds happen. According to the NHS, common causes are:
- picking your nose;
- blowing your nose too hard;
- the inside of your nose being too dry, for example because of a change in air temperature.
Nosebleeds that need medical attention can be caused by:
- an injury or a broken nose;
- conditions that affect the blood vessels or how the blood clots;
- certain medicines, such as the blood thinner warfarin.
Sometimes the cause is unknown. If a blocked or runny nose makes you blow your nose often, blow gently; for common nose problems, see our guides to resdung and sinus.
Who gets nosebleeds more often?
According to the NHS, some people are more likely to get nosebleeds:
- children;
- adults over 45;
- pregnant women;
- people with high blood pressure (see our guide to darah tinggi).
Cara hentikan hidung berdarah: how to stop a nosebleed
If you have a nosebleed, the NHS advises:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Sit and lean forward | Sit down and lean forward, with your head tilted forward and your mouth open |
| 2. Pinch your nose | Pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostrils, for 10 to 15 minutes |
| 3. Breathe through your mouth | Keep breathing through your mouth while you keep pressing |
| 4. Optional: cold pack | An ice pack, or frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel, on the top of the nose may help, although the evidence is not very strong |
Many people tilt the head back during a nosebleed, but the NHS advice is to lean forward with your head tilted forward.
What to avoid after a nosebleed
When a nosebleed has stopped, the NHS suggests trying not to do the following for 24 hours, to reduce the chance of it starting again:
- blow your nose;
- pick your nose or any scabs;
- drink hot drinks or alcohol;
- do heavy lifting or strenuous exercise;
- lie down flat.
When is a nosebleed an emergency?
Go to the emergency department, according to the NHS, if you have a nosebleed and:
- it lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes;
- the bleeding seems excessive;
- you are swallowing a large amount of blood that makes you vomit;
- it started after a blow to your head;
- you feel weak or dizzy;
- you have difficulty breathing.
Do not drive yourself; ask someone to take you or call 999 for an ambulance.
In Malaysia, also remember that bleeding from the nose or gums during or just after a fever can be a warning sign of severe dengue, which needs hospital care immediately; see our guide to demam denggi.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor, according to the NHS, if:
- a child under 2 has had a nosebleed;
- you have regular nosebleeds;
- you have symptoms of anaemia, such as a faster heartbeat, shortness of breath and paler skin (see our guide to kurang darah);
- you have a nosebleed and take a medicine that helps prevent blood clots, such as warfarin;
- you have a nosebleed and a condition that stops your blood clotting properly, such as haemophilia.
The doctor may test for conditions such as anaemia or bleeding disorders.
How do doctors treat nosebleeds?
If a doctor can see where the blood is coming from, according to the NHS, they may:
- use a stick with a chemical on it to seal the bleeding area inside the nostril (cautery);
- if that is not possible, pack the nose with ribbon gauze or a sponge, which may mean a day or two in hospital;
- after the bleeding stops, prescribe an antiseptic cream for inside the nose to stop crusting and scabs (check the ingredients first if you have a peanut or soya allergy).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does my nose bleed (kenapa hidung berdarah)?
The inside of the nose is easy to damage, which is when nosebleeds happen. Common causes are picking your nose, blowing it too hard, and the inside of the nose becoming too dry, for example with a change in air temperature. Less often, nosebleeds come from deeper inside the nose and are caused by an injury, conditions that affect blood vessels or clotting, or medicines such as warfarin. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
How do I stop a nosebleed (cara hentikan hidung berdarah)?
Sit down and lean forward with your head tilted forward and your mouth open. Pinch the soft part of your nose just above the nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes without letting go, and breathe through your mouth. An ice pack on the top of the nose may help, although the evidence is not strong. Go to hospital if it lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes.
Should I tilt my head back during a nosebleed?
No. The NHS advice is to sit down and lean forward with your head tilted forward, then pinch your nose and breathe through your mouth. If you swallow so much blood that you vomit, go to the emergency department.
Are nosebleeds dangerous?
Usually not. Nosebleeds are common, especially in children, and most can be treated at home. Go to the emergency department if the bleeding lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes, seems excessive, makes you vomit swallowed blood, started after a blow to the head, or you feel weak or dizzy or have difficulty breathing.
Who gets nosebleeds more often?
According to the NHS, nosebleeds are more likely in children, adults over 45, pregnant women and people with high blood pressure. People taking blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, or with a condition that stops the blood clotting properly, should see a doctor if they have a nosebleed.
When should I see a doctor about nosebleeds?
See a doctor if a child under 2 has a nosebleed, if you have regular nosebleeds, if you have signs of anaemia such as a fast heartbeat, breathlessness or paler skin, or if you take a blood thinner or have a bleeding disorder. In Malaysia, a nosebleed during or just after a fever can also be a warning sign of severe dengue, which needs urgent care.
What should I avoid after a nosebleed?
For 24 hours after a nosebleed, try not to blow or pick your nose, pick any scabs, drink hot drinks or alcohol, do heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, or lie down flat. This reduces the chance of another nosebleed.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
