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What to do if…
you start having repeated nosebleeds or bleeding gums without a clear cause

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

If you are bleeding now, deal with the active bleed first. If nosebleeds keep happening, your gums bleed without a clear trigger, or you also have bruising, tiny red or purple spots, blood in your pee or poo, or feel unwell, get medical advice today through NHS 111 or your GP if they are open.

Do not do these things

  • Do not lean your head back or lie flat during a nosebleed; this can make you swallow blood.
  • Do not keep releasing pressure every minute to check a nosebleed; set a timer.
  • Do not stop prescribed blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines unless a clinician tells you to.
  • Do not ignore other bleeding signs, such as easy bruising, tiny red or purple spots, blood in pee or poo, or very heavy periods.
  • Do not assume it is only brushing too hard if gum bleeding is new, frequent, happens without brushing, or comes with nosebleeds or bruising.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 now if the bleeding is heavy, you feel very unwell, or you cannot stay safely upright.
    Call 999 if you feel faint or weak, have difficulty breathing, are vomiting blood or swallowed blood, have heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop, or the bleeding started after a blow to your head or face.

  2. Stop an active nosebleed.
    Sit down, lean forward, keep your mouth open, and pinch the soft part of your nose just above your nostrils. Hold steady pressure for 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through your mouth. Do not keep letting go to check.

  3. Go to A&E for a nosebleed if any NHS emergency signs apply.
    Go to A&E if the nosebleed lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes, the bleeding seems excessive, you are swallowing a lot of blood and it makes you vomit, it started after a blow to your head, you feel weak or dizzy, or you have difficulty breathing. Do not drive to A&E; ask someone to take you or call 999 for an ambulance.

  4. Get same-day advice for repeated or unusual bleeding.
    If you are having regular nosebleeds, new gum bleeding without a clear trigger, or bleeding in more than one place, use NHS 111 now or contact your GP urgently if they are open.

  5. Choose the right first contact for gum bleeding.
    If gums mainly bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating, and you also have sore or swollen gums or bad breath, contact a dentist. If gum bleeding happens when you are not brushing, comes with nosebleeds, easy bruising, tiny red or purple spots, or you feel generally unwell, use NHS 111 now or contact your GP urgently if they are open.

  6. If you take medicines that affect clotting, ask for advice today.
    This includes medicines such as warfarin, other blood thinners, or antiplatelet medicines. Do not stop them yourself; use NHS 111, your GP, or your usual anticoagulation contact for advice.

  7. Write down the key details before you speak to someone.
    Note when it started, how often it happens, how long nosebleeds last, how heavy the bleeding is, any recent cold, allergy, nasal dryness, dental work, pregnancy or postpartum period, recent alcohol use, and all medicines or supplements, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal products. Bring the list and any medicines with you if you are seen.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out the cause right now.
  • You do not need to search symptoms for hours.
  • You do not need to book a specialist yourself today.
  • You do not need to change medicines without clinician advice.
  • You do not need to decide whether this is dental or medical alone; NHS 111, your GP, or a dentist can help direct you.

Important reassurance

Repeated bleeding can feel frightening, especially when there is no clear cause. Many causes are treatable and not an emergency, but new, repeated, heavy, or hard-to-stop bleeding should be checked promptly so you are not left guessing.

Scope note

These are first steps for stopping bleeding and finding the right urgent route. They do not diagnose the cause, and later decisions may need help from a GP, dentist, urgent care clinician, or another specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or professional diagnosis. If you are very unwell, the bleeding is heavy, or you cannot stop it, seek emergency care immediately.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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