Can You Have a Nosebleed Due to Allergies?

According to Dr. Alan Greene, blood can flow from the nose for numerous reasons due to the fragility of blood vessels and nasal tissue. The mucus membrane covering nasal blood vessels is very thin, making it highly susceptible to bleeding from cracking and drying associated with allergies.

Significance

• Nosebleeds are common among people who suffer from nasal allergies and colds, and they are also more prevalent during winter months when dry air causes nasal tissue to dry out.

Time Frame

• According to Greene, nosebleeds typically last no longer than 10 minutes with proper treatment. Nosebleeds associated with allergies may recur for the duration of allergy symptoms.

Considerations

• Direct pressure is the best method to treat a nosebleed. Gently pinch the nostrils against the soft center of the nose using your thumb and forefinger. Maintain pressure for five to 10 minutes without releasing for the complete duration of the treatment time.

Prevention/Solution

• Greene recommends using a humidifier to increase the air moisture in a home to moisturize nasal tissue and soothe allergy symptoms. Saline drops can also be used to promote nasal tissue moisture and reduce nasal congestion.

Warning

• Contact your physician if you experience allergy-related nosebleeds that do not stop. If particular blood vessels seem to be the culprit of persistent nosebleeds, your physician may opt to cauterize the vessel to prevent further bleeding.