How long does it take to stop a bleed?
Hemostasis is based on a highly complex chain of different building blocks and factors in the blood. This is activated as soon as an injury is present and bleeding occurs. How long it takes to stop the bleeding depends on the extent and location of the bleeding, the blood‘s ability to clot and the measures taken to support hemostasis.
Smaller, superficial bleedings are usually stopped within a few minutes. By squeezing the blood coagulates much faster but even without this the body is able to stop the bleeding. In the case of larger injuries and nosebleeds, the bleeding can take more than ten minutes to stop. Bleeding that lasts longer than 15 minutes and cannot be stopped even with sufficient pressure should be examined by a doctor.
Hemostasis for nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are a very common complaint, which is usually harmless, can be stopped by simple measures and in most cases does not require a visit to a doctor. The measures described apply to spontaneously occurring nosebleeds without a recognisable cause. However, if a bloody nose is caused by an injury such as a blow or if the nosebleed is very frequent, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
In the case of a nosebleed, it is essential to remain calm and to act as a helper to calm the affected person. Blood loss is only very rarely relevant to the body and is often overestimated. The affected person should sit upright and squeeze the nostrils with thumb or index finger for at least five, better ten minutes without interruption.
The head is best tilted forward and supported if necessary. Breathing through the mouth should be normal and calm. Afterwards the pressure is carefully released.
Often the bleeding is already stopped. Otherwise, the pressure should be resumed and maintained for another ten minutes. In addition, the neck can be cooled by, for example, a cooling damp towel or a cold compress in a cloth.
This also helps to stop bleeding, as blood vessels contract in the cold. If the described measures do not lead to hemostasis, an emergency presentation to the doctor is indicated in case of nosebleeds. Likewise, people with an organically caused tendency to bleed (liver disease, haemophilia) or those who are taking blood-thinning medication, for example because of a heart rhythm disorder, should consult a doctor early in the case of a nosebleed. The measures described above should nevertheless be taken without fail.
