Tilting the head back stops a nosebleed.

VerdictFalse

Can be harmful

Checked against southtees.nhs.uk, nwas.nhs.uk

Tilting the head back does not stop a nosebleed. It sends blood down the throat and airway instead, which can make a person choke or vomit. The right way is to sit up, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose.

What experts say

Nosebleeds mostly happen when a small blood vessel at the front of the nose bursts.1
Tilting the head back does not keep blood inside the nose. It makes blood run down the throat or into the airway.1 2
The right way is to sit down, lean forward, breathe through the mouth, and pinch the nose just above the nostrils for about 10 to 15 minutes.1 2
A cold cloth or ice pack on the forehead can slow the bleeding.1
After the bleeding stops, do not pick or blow the nose.1 2

Why people believe it

It feels like tilting the head back keeps the blood inside the nose and stops it faster. In truth the blood just drains backwards into the throat.

What to do

Sit down and lean forward, not back.1 2
Pinch the soft part of the nose just above the nostrils for about 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through the mouth.1 2
If it is still bleeding after pressing again for another 10 minutes, get medical help.1
Once it stops, avoid picking or blowing the nose for at least a day.1 2

See a doctor if

Bleeding that does not stop after two rounds of 10-minute pressure.1
If the person takes blood-thinning medicine or has a bleeding disorder, tell the doctor.1