Epistaxis symptoms

Bleeding may appear as a slow trickle or a steady flow. Blood can travel into the throat, especially when you lie down, and may cause nausea if swallowed. The front of the nose is a common source after dryness, rubbing, allergies, a cold, or forceful blowing. Bleeding farther back can be harder to see and may send more blood down the throat.

A nosebleed can occur without a serious underlying problem, but repeated episodes may accompany nasal inflammation, sinusitis, high blood pressure, or a medicine that affects clotting.

Sit up and lean forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly and continuously while breathing through your mouth. Do not lie flat, tilt your head backward, pack the nostril with tissue, or keep checking before the pressure has had time to work. Afterward, avoid nose blowing and picking, and note the duration, side, trigger, and amount of bleeding.

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, faintness, breathing difficulty, blood after a significant injury, or bleeding that will not settle with sustained pressure. Arrange a review for frequent episodes, easy bruising, bleeding from other sites, or symptoms such as severe headache, weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking.

Ask what may be irritating your nose, whether medicines or blood pressure need review, and how to prevent recurrence. Describe nasal symptoms, allergies, recent infections, and any family or personal bleeding history.