What should you avoid doing during a nosebleed?

During a nosebleed, it is recommended to avoid swallowing blood because doing so can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or nausea. When blood is swallowed, it passes into the stomach, where it can irritate the lining and potentially cause feelings of sickness or vomiting. Moreover, if large amounts of blood are swallowed, it may also complicate the situation, especially if the individual has a significant nosebleed.

Leaning forward is generally advised to prevent blood from flowing down the throat, which aligns with a more effective approach to managing a nosebleed. Pinching the nostrils and applying pressure are often depicted as the correct actions to help slow down or stop the bleeding by restricting blood flow from the nostrils. Thus, avoiding swallowing blood helps in managing the incident effectively, maintaining comfort, and reducing the risk of further complications.