When to worry about a nosebleed if you have hypertension

Nosebleed is a common presentation of Hypertension. Dry nasal lining, irritation, nose picking, allergies, or medicines that affect clotting can also cause bleeding. A nosebleed does not by itself show that blood pressure is dangerously high. Very high blood pressure can strain the body, so measure it if you have a reliable monitor and record the reading, time, symptoms, and prescribed medicines.

Sit upright and lean slightly forward so blood is not swallowed. Pinch the soft part of your nose continuously for ten minutes while breathing through your mouth; do not keep checking early. Spit out blood rather than lying down. After it stops, avoid forceful nose blowing, heavy exertion, and hot drinks for a while. Do not stop blood-pressure treatment or take an extra dose unless a clinician has told you to.

Call emergency services for severe headache, confusion, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, new weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, or vision change with the bleeding. Seek prompt assessment if blood flows heavily, you feel light-headed, you take a blood thinner, the bleeding began after a significant blow, or firm pressure does not control it. Arrange a medical review for repeated episodes or persistently high readings.

Ask whether your blood-pressure readings and medicines need review, whether a nasal treatment could reduce dryness, and what reading or symptoms should trigger emergency help for you.