Nosebleed: how to stop it, causes and when to worry

According to MedlinePlus:

According to MedlinePlus, the most common causes are irritation from allergies, colds, sneezing or sinus problems; very cold or dry air; picking the nose; and blowing it hard. Blood thinners and aspirin can make bleeding worse.

In Puerto Rico, long hours in air conditioning can dry out your nose. To prevent that, MedlinePlus suggests keeping the air humid with a vaporizer and using saline nasal spray and a water-based gel so the lining doesn’t dry out.

Watch for dengue: bleeding from the nose or gums is one of the warning signs of severe dengue, according to the CDC, and it usually starts as the fever goes away. If you had a fever in the last few days and now your nose is bleeding, go to the ER and read dengue warning signs.

You see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience, in English or Spanish. She asks how often you bleed, from which side, how long it takes to stop, what medicines you take (including blood thinners, aspirin and nasal sprays), whether you bruise easily or your gums bleed, and whether you have high blood pressure or allergies.

According to MedlinePlus, repeated nosebleeds can be a sign of high blood pressure or another condition. If needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you, such as a complete blood count, and review your blood pressure. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. If the bleeding keeps happening, we refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist in person.

We see adults and children of all ages through primary care by video. If you’re worried about a bleed that has already stopped, this is also virtual urgent care for non-emergencies. You need to be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit.

Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.

1. 1Request your visit. Book a visit and choose "Doctor visit". You pay by card when you request it.
2. 2See the doctor by video. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer. If you have a blood pressure monitor, keep it handy.
3. 3Get your plan. If needed, you get a lab order or a specialist referral. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy.

A visit for nosebleeds is a US$79 doctor visit, the same price for every age, with no membership. You pay by card when you request the visit, and you get a full refund if the visit can’t take place. The lab charges separately. See all prices.

Nosebleeds that keep coming back can be linked to high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, measure it at home and keep a log; if you don’t know your numbers, the doctor helps you check them. See high blood pressure.

For your safety, go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have any of these signs. According to MedlinePlus, dizziness, paleness, confusion, a fast pulse or weakness can be signs of heavy blood loss.

• Bleeding that hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes of pressure
• Bleeding after a head or face injury, or a nose that looks broken or crooked
• You take blood thinners
• You feel dizzy, weak or confused, or look pale
• Nose or gum bleeding a few days after a fever (possible dengue)
• You’ve had nosebleeds in the past that needed treatment