Bloody nose and headache: what to know

Dry air, nose rubbing, forceful blowing and minor injury can break delicate vessels in the front of the nose. A blocked or inflamed nose from Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis, Common Cold or COVID-19 may lead to pressure around the face and a headache; the bleeding can result from irritation rather than the headache itself. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion can cause headache and dry nasal tissue, especially after time in a hot environment. Anxiety can also bring muscle tension and faster breathing, which may make symptoms feel more intense.

A headache does not identify the cause of a nosebleed by itself. Note when each symptom began, whether the pain is familiar, where the blood came from, and whether you have fever, weakness, vision change or recent heat exposure.

Sit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose without checking repeatedly for ten minutes. Keep the mouth open to breathe and spit out blood rather than swallowing it. After bleeding stops, avoid nose blowing, heavy exertion and picking for the rest of the day. Move to a cool place, drink fluids in small amounts and rest if heat or dehydration may be involved. Use saline for dryness, and ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief if you take blood-thinning medicine or have other health conditions.

Call emergency services for a sudden, extreme or unfamiliar headache, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, vision loss, breathing difficulty or bleeding that is heavy or will not stop with pressure. Seek same-day advice after a head injury, with repeated vomiting, a stiff neck, high fever, marked dehydration or easy bruising. Arrange review for recurring nosebleeds or headaches that are becoming more frequent.

Ask whether congestion, allergies, sinus disease, heat or a medicine could explain the pattern; whether your headache has warning features; and which nasal moisturising or pain-relief options are appropriate for you.