When nosebleeds happen more often in winter

Dr. S. Langford December 24, 2025

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter

Introduction

Nosebleeds are common and can happen for many reasons. This information focuses on first aid and prevention for nosebleeds, especially when nosebleeds happen more often in winter. It is meant to help people in Canada manage nosebleeds safely at home. This is not a full medical training manual but a guide to keep you and your family safe.

During winter, dry indoor air and cold weather can make the inside of your nose dry and cracked. This dryness can cause nosebleeds to occur more frequently. Understanding how to care for nosebleeds at home and When to seek medical help is important.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

What you can do safely at home

Keep your home humidified to prevent dryness.
Gently pinch the soft part of your nose and lean forward to stop bleeding.
Avoid picking or blowing your nose forcefully.
Use saline nasal sprays to keep your nasal passages moist.

What to avoid

Do not tilt your head back during a nosebleed.
Avoid inserting objects or cotton swabs deep into your nose.
Do not ignore frequent or heavy nosebleeds.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes despite first aid.
Seek urgent care if you have difficulty breathing, feel faint, or if the nosebleed follows a head injury.
Visit your healthcare provider if nosebleeds happen often or are very heavy.

Key facts about when nosebleeds happen more often in winter

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, dry indoor air is a common cause. Using a humidifier can help keep nasal passages moist and reduce bleeding.
Gently blowing your nose and avoiding nose picking are safe habits that prevent irritation and nosebleeds at home.
If a nosebleed starts, sit upright and lean slightly forward. Pinch the soft part of your nose for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing pressure.
Avoid tilting your head back or lying down during a nosebleed, as this can cause blood to flow down the throat and lead to choking or vomiting.
Do not insert tissues, cotton, or any objects inside the nose to stop bleeding, as this may worsen the injury or cause infection.
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if the bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes despite applying pressure, if the nosebleed follows a head injury, or if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Seek urgent care if nosebleeds happen frequently or with little cause, as this may indicate an underlying health issue that needs medical assessment.

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Nosebleeds can vary from mild to severe. When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, dry air and cold temperatures often cause irritation inside the nose. Most nosebleeds are mild and stop on their own or with simple first aid at home.

Mild symptoms

Light bleeding from one nostril
Bleeding stops within 10 to 15 minutes with gentle pressure
No dizziness or weakness

These mild nosebleeds can usually be managed safely at home by sitting upright and pinching the soft part of the nose.

Moderate symptoms

Bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes despite applying pressure
Bleeding from both nostrils
Repeated nosebleeds over several days

If you experience moderate symptoms, avoid leaning back or tilting your head up. Instead, keep your head forward and seek urgent care if bleeding does not stop or if you feel unwell.

Severe symptoms and red flags

Heavy bleeding soaking through clothing or bedding
Bleeding after a head injury
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
Bleeding that recurs frequently without clear cause

These signs suggest an emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Immediate first aid steps when nosebleeds happen more often in winter

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, dry indoor air and cold weather can irritate the nasal lining. Knowing safe first aid steps helps you manage bleeding at home while waiting for help if needed.

What to do right away

Stay calm and sit down with your head slightly tilted forward. This prevents blood from flowing down the throat, which can cause coughing or choking.
Gently pinch the soft part of your nose just below the bony bridge using your thumb and index finger.
Maintain steady pressure for at least 10 minutes without releasing. Use a clock or timer to keep track.
Breathe through your mouth while pinching your nose.
After 10 minutes, check if the bleeding has stopped. If it continues, pinch your nose for another 10 minutes.
Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the bridge of your nose to reduce swelling and slow bleeding.

What to avoid

Do not tilt your head backward, as this can cause blood to enter your throat.
Avoid blowing your nose or picking at it for several hours after the bleeding stops.
Do not insert tissues, cotton, or any objects inside your nostrils.

When to seek emergency care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if:

The bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes despite applying pressure.
You experience heavy bleeding that soaks through multiple dressings.
You feel weak, dizzy, or have difficulty breathing.
The nosebleed follows a head injury or is accompanied by severe facial pain.

What NOT to do when nosebleeds happen more often in winter

It is important to avoid common mistakes that can make bleeding worse or cause harm. Here are key actions you must NOT take:

Do not tilt your head backward. This can cause blood to flow down your throat, leading to choking or vomiting.
Do not pick or blow your nose forcefully. This can irritate the blood vessels and restart the bleeding.
Do not insert cotton swabs, tissues, or other objects deep into your nostrils. This may damage delicate nasal tissues and increase bleeding risk.
Do not ignore repeated or heavy nosebleeds. Frequent bleeding in winter may signal underlying issues that need medical evaluation.
Do not apply ice directly inside the nose. Cold packs can be used on the bridge of the nose but avoid placing anything inside the nostrils.

If the bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes despite applying gentle pressure, or if you experience difficulty breathing, weakness, or large amounts of blood, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. These signs may indicate a serious problem requiring urgent care.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, it is important to know when to seek urgent care or call 911. Most nosebleeds can be managed safely at home, but some situations require immediate medical attention.

Call 911 or emergency services if:

The bleeding is heavy and does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure.
There is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
The nosebleed follows a head injury or a fall.
You feel weak, dizzy, or faint during the nosebleed.
There is blood coming from the mouth or coughing up blood.

Go to the emergency department if:

The nosebleed recurs frequently and is hard to control at home.
You have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication.
The nosebleed is accompanied by severe facial pain or swelling.
There is a large amount of blood or clots that block the airway.

Visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor if:

Nosebleeds happen more often in winter but stop with home care.
You want advice on preventing nosebleeds or managing dry nasal passages.
The bleeding is mild and stops quickly but recurs over days or weeks.

Always avoid inserting objects into the nose or tilting your head back during a nosebleed. Applying firm pressure by pinching the soft part of the nose and leaning forward is safe and effective. When in doubt, seek medical help promptly to ensure safety.

Ongoing care and follow-up

After a nosebleed, it is important to monitor your condition carefully. When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, dry indoor air and cold weather can make the inside of your nose fragile. You can take simple steps at home to support healing and prevent further bleeding.

At-home care

Keep your head elevated, especially when resting or sleeping, to reduce pressure in the nose.
Use a humidifier or place a bowl of water near a heat source to add moisture to dry indoor air.
Apply a thin layer of saline nasal spray or water-based nasal gel to keep the nasal passages moist.
Avoid picking or blowing your nose forcefully, as this can cause new bleeding.
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

When to seek medical advice

Book a follow-up appointment with your family doctor if:

Nosebleeds become frequent or last longer than 20 minutes despite basic first aid.
You notice bruising easily or have other bleeding issues.
You have underlying health conditions or take blood-thinning medications.
There is a change in the colour or amount of blood, or if bleeding occurs after an injury.

Warning signs requiring urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:

Heavy bleeding that soaks through several tissues or does not stop after 20 minutes of pressure.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Signs of shock such as dizziness, weakness, or rapid heartbeat.
Bleeding after a head injury or if you lose consciousness.

Prevention tips for when nosebleeds happen more often in winter

Simple changes at home, work, school, and in the community can help reduce the frequency of nosebleeds. Dry air and cold weather often cause the inside of the nose to become dry and cracked, leading to bleeding. Taking practical steps can protect your nose and keep you safe.

At home

Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air, especially during heating season.
Avoid picking or rubbing your nose, as this can irritate the lining and cause bleeding.
Apply a thin layer of saline nasal spray or a water-based nasal gel to keep nasal passages moist.
Keep your home smoke-free, as smoke can dry and irritate nasal tissues.

At work and school

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Avoid prolonged exposure to dry, heated environments; take breaks in more humid areas if possible.
Use personal saline sprays if allowed, to maintain nasal moisture.

In the community

Wear scarves or masks over your nose in cold, dry weather to protect nasal passages from harsh air.
Avoid exposure to irritants such as smoke, strong chemicals, or allergens that can worsen nasal dryness.

Important: If a nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes despite applying gentle pressure, or if it follows a head injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Also seek urgent care if nosebleeds occur frequently with other symptoms like bruising, weakness, or difficulty breathing.

FAQs

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, why does this occur?

Nosebleeds are more common in winter because cold air and indoor heating dry out the nasal membranes. This dryness makes the blood vessels inside the nose fragile and more likely to bleed.

What can I safely do at home to stop a nosebleed?

Stay calm and sit upright to reduce blood pressure in the nose.
Lean slightly forward to avoid swallowing blood.
Pinch the soft part of your nose firmly for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing pressure.
Apply a cold compress to the bridge of your nose to help constrict blood vessels.

What should I avoid doing during a nosebleed?

Do not tilt your head back, as this can cause blood to enter your throat.
Avoid picking or blowing your nose for several hours after bleeding stops.
Do not insert cotton swabs or other objects into your nose.

When should I call 911 or seek urgent medical care?

If the bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes despite applying pressure.
If the nosebleed follows a head injury or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If you feel faint, weak, or have heavy bleeding that soaks through multiple tissues.
If nosebleeds happen frequently or with no clear cause.

Summary

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter, dry indoor air and cold weather can irritate the nasal lining. Most nosebleeds are minor and can be safely managed at home by gently pinching the nose and leaning forward. Avoid picking or blowing the nose forcefully, as this can worsen bleeding.

It is important to keep the nasal passages moist using saline sprays or a humidifier, especially during the dry winter months. If nosebleeds become frequent, last longer than 20 minutes, or occur after an injury, seek medical advice promptly.

Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if the bleeding is heavy, if you feel faint or weak, or if the nosebleed follows a head injury. These signs may indicate a serious problem requiring urgent care.

Remember, while most nosebleeds are not dangerous, being cautious and knowing when to get help ensures your safety during the winter season.

Additional resources

See also: [How to prevent winter dry skin]

See also: [Managing allergies in winter]

See also: [First aid for minor cuts and bruises]

See also: [When to seek emergency care for bleeding]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter

When nosebleeds happen more often in winter