Hay fever and nosebleeds

Allergic rhinitis makes the nose itchy and inflamed. Repeated rubbing, sneezing and hard nose blowing can disturb the fragile surface near the front of the nose. Dry air or a dry indoor environment may add irritation. Most brief episodes stop with correct first aid, but frequent bleeding can have other contributors, including medicines that affect clotting, an injury or a nasal problem. Hay fever-related bleeding does not explain every nosebleed.

Sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously while breathing through the mouth. Do not tilt the head back or keep checking too soon. Once bleeding stops, avoid vigorous blowing, nose picking, strenuous activity and hot drinks for a while. Saline spray or a suitable moisturising product may reduce dryness; ask a pharmacist what is safe for you. Control the itch so rubbing becomes less frequent, and use nasal sprays as directed.

Get urgent care if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant injury, causes weakness or breathing difficulty, or does not stop despite sustained pressure. Arrange a medical review for repeated episodes, bleeding from both nostrils, easy bruising, or bleeding while taking a blood-thinning medicine. Also seek advice if congestion is one-sided or accompanied by persistent facial pain.

Could my allergy treatment be drying the nose? Should I change how I use the spray? Do my other medicines or repeated bleeding warrant an examination?