What should you know about light headed after nosebleed?

A nosebleed can be triggered by dry air, nose picking, irritation, allergies, a cold or sinus inflammation. Seeing blood and swallowing some of it can cause nausea, while fear, pain or standing quickly can make you feel faint. Repeated nosebleeds may occur with nasal inflammation or high blood pressure, although one episode does not establish the cause. Light-headedness that continues after the bleeding has stopped, especially with weakness, breathlessness or paleness, needs a clinician to assess the bleeding and other possible causes.

Sit upright, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously with your fingers. Breathe through your mouth and spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Avoid lying flat, blowing your nose, picking it or strenuous activity soon after the bleed. Once steady, drink fluids and rise slowly. If the nosebleed keeps returning, arrange a review and mention nasal sprays, blood-thinning medicines, allergies and recent illness.

Seek emergency help if bleeding is heavy, follows an injury, causes fainting or breathing difficulty, or does not stop with firm pressure. Get urgent assessment for ongoing light-headedness, confusion, chest pain, severe weakness, or blood flowing into the throat. Children, older adults and people taking blood thinners may need earlier advice.

Could dryness, allergy, infection, blood pressure or a medicine be contributing? How should I manage another bleed? Do I need blood tests or an examination of the nose?