Pain in any part of the head due to different reasons is called a headache. On the other hand, nosebleeds happen when blood vessels in the nose burst or break suddenly.
If you are experiencing headaches and nosebleeds, it could indicate some underlying health issues. From minor problems like hay fever to serious conditions like low red blood cell count, it can indicate different issues. Therefore, understating the cause behind headaches with nosebleeds is important to getting the right treatment.
What Causes Nose Bleeds With Headaches?
Pain in a part or complete head, accompanied by a rupture in the nose’s blood vessel, can happen due to different reasons. Below are some common causes-
Deviated septum: It is a condition when the nasal septum is displaced to one side. The nasal septum is the thin wall that separates the right and left nasal passages. Other symptoms of deviated septum include the following-
- Blockage in one or both nostrils
- Pain in face
- Noisy breathing while sleeping
Hay Fever: Also called allergic rhinitis, hay fever usually causes cold-like symptoms wherein sometimes nose rupture can occur along with headache. It happens when the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens.
Sinus infection: When fluid develops in the sinuses (air-filled cavities around the nasal passage), they become inflamed. It causes headaches. In severe cases, nosebleeds can also happen.
Migraine: According to a study, people with migraine are more susceptible to getting nosebleeds (1).
Besides these potential causes, common cold, dry mucus in the nose, and excessive use of nasal spray can also lead to headaches and nosebleeds. Moreover, certain environmental conditions and lifestyle habits can also lead to their occurrence, such as
- Excessively dry environment
- Excessive inhalation of carbon monoxide or ammonia
- Infection of nose
- High blood pressure
- Overuse of cocaine
- Side effects of drugs, such as warfarin
- Head injury
If your nose is bleeding as a result of a head injury, visit a doctor immediately. Head injuries always require immediate medical attention.
What Causes Headaches And Nosebleeds In Children?
Besides adults, children are also prone to getting headaches with nosebleeds, especially those with migraine issues (2). Children also pick their noses often, which sometimes causes their nose vessels to get scratched and bleed.
Other reasons for children to have headaches with nosebleeds include-
- Improper diet
- Lack of sleep
- Poor posture
If the child is bleeding excessively, it may indicate more serious conditions like anemia, leukemia, and high blood pressure.
When Should You Seek Medical Help For Headaches With Nosebleeds?
Usually, when there is nothing serious, the nose stops bleeding after a few minutes, and the headache subsides after taking pain relief medications. However, if you faint, feel confused, and have trouble moving or walking, visit an emergency room.
At the same time, if the bleeding is not stopping and interfering with breathing, immediate medical attention becomes necessary.
Also, if there are recurrent episodes of headache and nosebleeds that keep getting worse and don’t improve with over-the-counter medicines, talk to your doctor.
How to Treat Headache And Nosebleed?
Heating tools: For excessive bleeding, the doctor may use heating tools to seal the broken blood vessels in the nose. It prevents blood from further oozing out.
Surgery: Usually, the doctor recommends surgery if the reason behind the nosebleed and headache is a deviated septum. It is also done when a foreign object enters the nose, causing all the trouble.
Medications: Do not take aspirin if you are having a nosebleed along with a headache. Even though aspirin can help with pain, it makes the blood thin, allowing more blood to flow.
However, if a headache and nosebleeds is happening among children, the line of treatment differs. Usually, non-pharmacological approaches are taken that include-
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes proper diet, sleep, and exercise
- Changing environmental conditions
- Practicing relaxation techniques
How To Manage Headaches And Nosebleeds At Home?
Since one of the major causes of nosebleeds is the hot environment, shifting to colder temperatures can provide relief. Here are some ways to easily manage the condition-
- Reduce pressure on nasal passage to minimize bleeding
- Tilt head upwards to prevent blood from coming out of nostrils and entering the mouth
- Put slight pressure on the nose by pinching both nostrils
- Put cotton pads in your nose to prevent blood from escaping
It is important to manage nosebleeds first and then ease headaches. Taking pain relief medications or using warm or cool compresses can reduce the pain. You can also use pain relief ointments if the headache is around the forehead.
Once the symptoms get a little bearable, rest in a cool and dark room, avoiding bright light. It helps in managing the exuberating pain and gives instant relief from headaches.
How To Prevent Headaches And Nosebleeds?
If you often get headaches which is accompanied by nosebleeds, take the below preventive measures-
- Keep air humid by using vaporizers in the dry season
- For seasonal allergies, keep over-the-counter drugs in handy to manage headache and nasal symptoms
- Do not let your child pick their nose
- Keep small objects out of their reach to prevent them from getting inside the nose
- Reduce stress
- Work on your sitting position
- Avoid triggers that cause headaches with nosebleeds
Conclusion
Headaches with nosebleeds are common problems that may affect adults and children equally. In most cases, it happens as a result of the extremely hot environment that ruptures or breaks the blood vessels.
At the same time, getting headaches in hot weather is also not uncommon. Such cases of headaches and nosebleeds resolve on their own.
However, if they are happening due to some underlying issue, medical attention becomes necessary. Check if these symptoms are accompanied by other signs as well, and if so, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
References
- Academic Scientific Journals – The Association Of Migraine And Recurrent Epistaxis In Adults
- National Library Of Medicine – Migraine-Induced Epistaxis and Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine: Unusual Features in the Same Patient
- National Library Of Medicine – The evaluation and management of paediatric headaches
