For a nosebleed, where should you pinch?

For a nosebleed, where should you pinch?

• A. Pinch the nose firmly
• B. Pinch the nose and apply pressure on the upper lip just below the nose
• C. Pinch the cheek
• D. Press on the bridge of the nose

Answer: (B)

When stopping a nosebleed, you want to compress the area where the bleeding usually starts—the soft part of the nose near the nostrils. Pinch the nose and apply pressure on the upper lip just below the nose. This combination directs pressure to the front nasal vessels and creates a counter-pressure that helps stop the flow quickly. Leaning the person slightly forward and holding this pinch for about 5 to 10 minutes without releasing is important, because the pressure needs time to seal the vessels. The bridge of the nose or the cheeks aren’t the right places to press for stopping this bleed, since they don’t compress the same bleeding vessels. After the bleeding stops, avoid rubbing or blowing the nose for a while, and seek medical help if it continues after about 15 minutes.

When stopping a nosebleed, you want to compress the area where the bleeding usually starts—the soft part of the nose near the nostrils. Pinch the nose and apply pressure on the upper lip just below the nose. This combination directs pressure to the front nasal vessels and creates a counter-pressure that helps stop the flow quickly.

Leaning the person slightly forward and holding this pinch for about 5 to 10 minutes without releasing is important, because the pressure needs time to seal the vessels. The bridge of the nose or the cheeks aren’t the right places to press for stopping this bleed, since they don’t compress the same bleeding vessels. After the bleeding stops, avoid rubbing or blowing the nose for a while, and seek medical help if it continues after about 15 minutes.