What should you know about intense nosebleed?

Most nosebleeds start from delicate blood vessels near the front of the nasal passage. Dry air, nose picking, forceful blowing, an injury, or irritation from a cold or allergic rhinitis can break these vessels. Sinusitis may cause inflamed, congested nasal tissues. High blood pressure can make bleeding harder to control, although a nosebleed alone cannot diagnose it. Blood-thinning medicines and bleeding disorders can also increase concern.

Note which nostril is bleeding, how much blood there is, whether it followed an injury, and whether you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.

Sit upright and lean slightly forward so blood does not run into your throat. Breathe through your mouth and pinch the soft part of the nose firmly. Keep steady pressure while you stay calm; checking repeatedly can restart bleeding. Spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Do not tilt your head back, lie flat, blow your nose, pick the area, or pack it with tissues. After it stops, avoid strenuous activity and hot drinks for a while.

Get emergency help if bleeding is heavy, follows a significant head or facial injury, causes faintness or breathing difficulty, or continues despite sustained pressure. Seek prompt medical advice if you take blood thinners, have a known bleeding problem, or nosebleeds keep recurring. A clinician can check your nose, blood pressure, medicines, and possible underlying causes.

Could dryness, allergy, sinus symptoms, blood pressure, or my medicines be contributing? Do I need treatment to protect the nasal lining? What should I do if bleeding returns?