What should you know about caffeine nosebleed?

Caffeine can make some people feel flushed or aware of their heartbeat, but a nosebleed commonly begins when fragile blood vessels inside the nose are irritated. Dry air, nose picking, forceful blowing, allergies, a cold or sinus inflammation can contribute. High blood pressure can be relevant when bleeding is recurrent or difficult to control, although a nosebleed does not by itself diagnose hypertension.

Sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of your nose continuously. Breathe through your mouth and spit out blood rather than swallowing it. After bleeding stops, avoid picking or forceful nose blowing for a while and keep the nasal lining moist with suitable saline care. Do not tilt your head back. Record whether caffeine, heat, allergy symptoms or nasal sprays preceded the episode.

Get urgent help if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant injury, causes faintness or breathing difficulty, or does not stop with firm pressure. Arrange a medical review for frequent episodes, bleeding from both nostrils, easy bruising or known high blood pressure. A clinician can examine the nose and review medicines that affect clotting.

Ask whether dryness, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or blood pressure could be contributing; whether your nasal products are suitable; and which warning signs should prompt urgent care.