How common is nosebleed in common cold?

A cold can make the inside of the nose swollen and fragile. Frequent blowing, wiping, sneezing, heated indoor air, or picking at a crust can break tiny surface blood vessels. The bleeding often comes from the front part of one nostril and may be brief. A nosebleed can have other causes too, so it does not identify the reason for your cold or confirm that a cold is the cause.

Sit upright and lean slightly forward so blood does not run into your throat. Pinch the soft part of the nose closed continuously and breathe through your mouth. Avoid checking too soon, blowing your nose, heavy lifting, or hot drinks immediately afterwards. Once it has stopped, gentle saline spray or a small amount of moisturising nasal product may reduce dryness; follow the product instructions and seek pharmacist advice if you are unsure.

Get urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant injury, causes faintness or breathing difficulty, or continues despite steady pressure. Arrange medical advice for repeated nosebleeds, bleeding while taking medicines that affect clotting, or bruising or bleeding elsewhere. A clinician can examine the nasal lining and review contributing medicines or health conditions.

Ask whether your nasal sprays, tablets, or workplace air exposure could be drying the nose. If nosebleeds recur, ask whether an examination of the front of the nose or a review of blood pressure and medicines would be useful.