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Nosebleed (Epistaxis) Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is a nosebleed?

A nosebleed, medically called epistaxis, is bleeding from the lining of the nasal cavity. About 90% of nosebleeds are anterior, arising from a network of small vessels on the front of the septum known as Kiesselbach's plexus (Little's area). Posterior nosebleeds come from larger vessels deeper in the nose, are less common, tend to be heavier and occur more often in older adults.

Symptoms

• Blood flowing from one or both nostrils
• Blood running down the back of the throat, sometimes swallowed
• Repeated short bleeds from the same side
• Crusting and scabs inside the nostril

Common causes

• Dry air, especially during Seoul's cold, dry winters and in heated or air-conditioned rooms
• Nose picking and forceful blowing
• Colds, allergies and sinus infections that inflame the lining
• A deviated septum that exposes one area to drying airflow
• Incorrect steroid spray technique aimed at the septum
• Injury, including a nasal bone fracture
• Blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or newer anticoagulants
• Less commonly, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, hereditary vascular conditions or a tumor

First aid

• Sit up and lean slightly forward; do not tilt your head back.
• Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10–15 minutes without releasing to check.
• Breathe through your mouth and spit out blood rather than swallowing it.
• A cold compress over the bridge may help.
• Avoid blowing the nose, bending or heavy lifting for 24 hours afterward.

How it is diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim uses nasal endoscopy to locate the bleeding point, which may be a prominent vessel on the septum or a source further back. He reviews your medicines and medical history and checks for features suggesting an underlying cause. Persistent one-sided bleeding with blockage may prompt a CT scan to exclude a growth, as discussed on our sinonasal tumors page.

Treatment options

• Moisturizing care – saline sprays, nasal ointment and a humidifier often prevent minor recurrent bleeds.
• Chemical or electrical cautery – a visible bleeding vessel can be sealed under local anesthetic in a few minutes.
• Nasal packing – used for active bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
• Treating the cause – correcting spray technique, managing rhinitis, or septoplasty for a deviation that causes repeated bleeding.

More details are on our nosebleed treatment page. Never stop prescribed blood thinners without speaking to the doctor who prescribed them.

When to see a doctor

Book an ENT visit for nosebleeds that recur several times a month or keep coming from the same side. Go to an emergency department if bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes despite firm pressure, is very heavy, follows a significant head injury, or causes dizziness, fainting or difficulty breathing.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former Yonsei and Ajou rhinology professor, treats nosebleeds in English and can often cauterize a bleeding vessel in the same visit. Walk-ins are welcome; check our hours before coming.

Frequently asked questions

Should I tilt my head back during a nosebleed?

No. Tilting the head back sends blood down the throat, which can cause coughing, nausea or vomiting and hides how much you are bleeding. Lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for 10 to 15 minutes.

Why do I get nosebleeds every winter in Seoul?

Cold outdoor air and heated indoor air are very dry, which makes the delicate vessels on the front of the septum crack and bleed. Using a humidifier, saline spray and a thin layer of ointment inside the nostrils usually reduces winter nosebleeds.

Is nasal cautery painful?

Cautery is done after numbing the inside of the nose with a local anesthetic, so most people feel only pressure or mild stinging. It takes a few minutes. Afterward you should avoid picking, rubbing or forcefully blowing your nose while the area heals.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.