What should you know about nose bleed after vomiting?

Retching raises pressure in the small blood vessels of the face and nose. Dry air, rubbing, forceful nose blowing or irritation from stomach contents can make a fragile vessel bleed. Blood from the nose may run into the throat and be swallowed, which can make nausea worse. The vomiting itself may come from a stomach infection, food poisoning, migraine or another condition; the nosebleed does not identify its cause. Note whether the blood is coming from the nostril, mixed with vomit, or appearing dark and granular, because these details help a clinician distinguish swallowed nasal blood from bleeding higher in the digestive tract.

Sit upright and lean slightly forward so blood does not run down the throat. Pinch the soft part of the nose continuously for a full ten minutes while breathing through the mouth. Spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Once it stops, avoid picking, vigorous blowing, heavy exertion and very hot drinks for the rest of the day. Take small sips of fluid if you can keep them down. Do not tilt your head back or pack the nose with tissue. A pharmacist can advise on suitable moisture measures if the nose feels dry.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is heavy, continues despite firm pressure, follows a head injury, or occurs with faintness, confusion, trouble breathing or marked weakness. Get prompt help if you vomit blood repeatedly, pass black stools, have severe abdominal pain, a stiff neck, or cannot keep fluids down. Arrange a review for repeated nosebleeds, easy bruising, regular vomiting or medicines that affect clotting. A clinician may check hydration, blood pressure, the nose and the cause of vomiting.

Could the blood have come from my nose or from the stomach? Do I need treatment for dehydration or the cause of vomiting? Could any medicine I take be increasing bleeding?