Bleeding nose and vomiting: what should you know?

Blood from the back of the nose can run into the throat and be swallowed. This may make the stomach unsettled and can bring up dark red or brown material. Forceful vomiting can also irritate the throat and restart a nosebleed. A nosebleed may occur with dry air, nose picking, an injury, a cold, or nasal irritation. Vomiting itself can have causes such as food poisoning, gastroenteritis, migraine, or other conditions; these related topics can help you understand the wider symptom picture.

Sit upright and lean slightly forward so blood leaves the mouth instead of being swallowed. Pinch the soft part of the nose continuously for several minutes while breathing through the mouth. Spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Once the bleeding stops, take small sips of water and avoid vigorous nose blowing, picking, or strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Do not lie flat while actively bleeding.

Seek emergency help if bleeding is heavy, does not stop with firm pressure, vomiting contains a large amount of blood, or the material looks like coffee grounds. Get urgent assessment for faintness, confusion, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, a severe headache, stiff neck, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a medical review if episodes recur, follow an injury, or occur while taking medicine that affects clotting.

Ask whether the bleeding source is in the nose, throat, or stomach; whether your medicines could contribute; and whether you need an examination or blood tests. Tell the clinician when the episode began, how long it lasted, the colour and amount of vomit, and whether you had pain, fever, dizziness, or recent illness.