Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, can happen to anyone, but they’re more common in people with conditions that dry out the nasal lining— like allergies.
How Do Allergies Cause Nosebleeds?
Your nose has tiny blood vessels that help warm and moisten the air you breathe. Because the vessels lie close to the surface of your nose, dryness or irritation can cause them to break or burst, resulting in a nosebleed.
When you’re suffering from allergies, the constant nose blowing, sneezing, antihistamines and nasal spray can irritate the lining of your nose, increasing your risk of a nosebleed.
How Can I Prevent Allergy-Related Nosebleeds?
The best way to prevent allergy-related nosebleeds is to keep the nose hydrated. A few ways you can do this include:
- Limit the use of nasal decongestants
- Stay hydrated with plenty of water, herbal tea or fruit juices from Good Habits
- Run a humidifier during smoky or dry seasons
- Inhale steam during a hot shower or bath
- Blow your nose gently and use soft tissues
- Avoid picking or scratching at your nose
- Use a saline nasal rinse to remove dried-up or excess mucus
In addition to keeping your nose hydrated, try a few of these tips to minimize allergic reactions:
- Avoid parks and hiking on high-pollen days
- Clean your home regularly to reduce dust, mold, pet dander and pollen
- Run the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom after cooking and showering to prevent mold growth
- Consider long-term treatments like immunotherapy (which gradually decreases your sensitivity to allergens)
- Visit one of our allergists for allergy testing if you’re unsure which substance is causing your reactions
How Do I Stop a Nosebleed?
Minor nosebleeds are usually no big deal, and you likely won’t notice them unless your mucus is a little red when you blow your nose. If your nosebleed is minor enough that it doesn’t drain out on its own, avoid blowing your nose until the tissue has healed. If you continue to have bloody mucus, make an appointment with your ENT provider.
If your nose starts bleeding enough to drain out, take the following steps:
- Sit up with your head forward
- Pinch the sides of your nose just above the nostrils
- Use a damp tissue or washcloth to catch the blood
- Continue these steps until the bleeding stops
If the bleeding continues longer than 15 to 20 minutes or you bleed excessively, seek immediate medical care.
Contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today to schedule an appointment with one of our ENT specialists.
