Are nosebleeds with hypertension dangerous?

Dry air, nose picking, irritation, allergies and minor injury commonly disturb small blood vessels inside the nose. Blood pressure may rise during fear or active bleeding. Hypertension can also make bleeding harder to control, but most nosebleeds do not by themselves show that a dangerous pressure crisis is occurring.

Tell a clinician if nosebleeds recur, last longer than expected, follow a new medicine, or occur with easy bruising. Blood-thinning medicines and nasal products can change the situation. A clinician can check the nose, blood pressure and medicines together.

Sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously. Breathe through the mouth and spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Once it stops, avoid blowing or picking the nose and avoid strenuous activity for a while. Do not tilt your head back.

Arrange a review when bleeding is recurrent or your home readings remain high. Use your prescribed blood pressure treatment as directed; do not double a missed dose unless your prescriber has told you how to do so. A humidifier or saline nasal care may help if dryness is a trigger.

Seek emergency care if bleeding is heavy, you feel faint or weak, you are vomiting blood, or it does not settle despite sustained pressure. Get immediate help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, sudden weakness, trouble speaking or vision change with a high reading.

People taking anticoagulants, those with a bleeding disorder, and anyone who has had a significant injury should seek advice sooner. Do not drive if dizzy or if neurological symptoms are present.

Ask whether any medicine or nasal spray is contributing, how to record pressure after bleeding has stopped, and whether you need an examination of the nasal blood vessels. Confirm exactly when to attend an emergency department.