| If you start to bleed from a cut or wound: |
- Put a gauze pad or clean cloth over the wound. Hold pressure until the bleeding stops. It might take longer than usual for any bleeding to stop. Hold pressure without letting go for at least 15 minutes.
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- If possible, raise the body part that is bleeding above your heart. Keep applying pressure while you do this. This helps slow blood flow to the area.
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| If your nose starts to bleed: |
- Sit down while bending forward a little at the waist. This helps the blood flow out your nose rather than into your throat. Do not lie down or tilt your head back. If blood gets in your mouth, try to spit it out instead of swallowing it.
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- Pinch the soft area toward the tip of your nose. Do not pinch the bony part of your nose.
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- Squeeze your nose shut for at least 10 to 15 minutes without letting go. Use a clock to time yourself.
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- If your nose is still bleeding after following these steps, do the steps again. Squeeze your nose for a total of at least 30 minutes.
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- If your doctor told you to use a nose spray to help slow bleeding, give 2 sprays into the bleeding nostril.
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- If you are soaking through towels, or choking on clots, or if the bleeding does not stop after the steps above, call your doctor or go to the emergency department.
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- If you have new nosebleeds or get nosebleeds a lot, tell your doctor. They can check your warfarin dose and might refer you to a specialist.
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| If your gums are bleeding: |
- Hold pressure on the area with a damp, cold washcloth until the bleeding stops. You can also use a cold tea bag for this.
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- Avoid hard or crunchy foods.
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- Avoid hot drinks and foods.
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- Avoid drinking through a straw.
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