Can Allergies Cause Nosebleeds?

Experiencing allergies can be annoying, with all the sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. But did you know that allergies can also sometimes cause nosebleeds? If you've ever wondered whether your allergies might be the reason for your nosebleeds, you're not alone.

Maybe you've noticed more nosebleeds during allergy season. This article will help you understand the connection between allergies and nosebleeds. We'll go over why they happen, how to manage them, and when it's a good idea to see a doctor.

Can Allergies Cause Nosebleeds?

Yes, allergies can cause nosebleeds. This happens when tiny blood vessels inside your nose get damaged. Allergies can dry out and inflame your nose, and some allergy medicines can make it even drier. Blowing or picking your nose too much can also increase the risk of nosebleeds [*].

Dry nose

Allergies can sometimes cause nosebleeds, and one of the main reasons is dryness. When you have allergies, your nose gets inflamed and swollen. This swelling makes it harder to breathe and dries out the inside of your nose. Dryness can weaken blood vessels, making them more likely to rupture and cause a nosebleed.

Nasal irritation

When someone has allergies, their nose may feel itchy, runny, or stuffy [*]. This often makes them sneeze a lot or frequently blow and rub their nose. Constant sneezing and rubbing create friction inside the nose, which can irritate tiny blood vessels.

If these fragile blood vessels break, a nosebleed can happen. Picking the nose, which some people do when it feels itchy or blocked, can also increase the risk of bleeding.

Allergy medications

Oral Allergy medications like antihistamines and decongestants help control sneezing, a runny nose, and congestion by reducing extra mucus in the nose. However, they can also make the inside of your nose too dry.

Antihistamines block a chemical called histamine, which your body releases during an allergic reaction. Histamine causes swelling and extra mucus, so blocking it helps dry up a runny nose [*].

Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose, making it easier to breathe. But this also reduces moisture, which leads to dryness [*].

How to Treat Nosebleeds

If you experience a nosebleed due to allergies, knowing how to handle it quickly can make a big difference. Here’s what to do if your nose starts bleeding:

1. Stay calm and sit up straight. Lean your head slightly forward so the blood doesn’t go down your throat.
2. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch both nostrils shut. Keep holding for 10–15 minutes without letting go. This helps stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the blood vessels.
3. Breathe through your mouth while keeping your nose pinched.
4. Place an ice pack or a cold cloth on the bridge of your nose. This helps shrink the blood vessels and slow the bleeding.
5. Check if the bleeding has stopped. After 10–15 minutes, slowly let go of your nose. If it’s still bleeding, repeat the process for another 10–15 minutes.
6. Once the bleeding stops, apply a little saline spray or petroleum jelly inside your nostrils to prevent dryness and future nosebleeds
7. Consider seeing an ENT and allergist for recurrent nosebleeds.

How to Prevent Nosebleeds from Allergies

Now that you know how to stop a nosebleed, it’s also important to take steps to prevent it — especially if allergies are the cause. To minimize the risk of nosebleeds, consider the following preventive measures:

• Keep your nasal passages moist: Use a saline spray or nasal gel. It can help keep your nose from drying out, especially in air-conditioned or heated spaces. Try Allermi’s all-natural moisturizing saline nasal mist that hydrates and soothes your nasal passages.
• Use a nasal saline spray regularly: This can also help keep the nasal passages hydrated.
• Avoid nose picking: This can damage delicate nasal tissue and cause bleeding. If you feel the urge to pick your nose because of dryness or irritation, use a soft tissue to wipe the inside of your nostrils.
• Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated keeps your mucous membranes from becoming too dry.
• Be gentle when blowing your nose: Blowing too hard can irritate the blood vessels inside your nose, which increases the risk of nosebleeds.
• Use nasal sprays properly: Always follow the instructions to prevent irritation or overuse. Using a nasal spray improperly and irritating the midline septum can lead to nosebleeds.
• Limit oral and nasal allergy medication side effects: Some antihistamines and decongestants can dry out your nose. If this happens, try reducing your dosage or switching to a different option. Talk to your doctor if dryness persists.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if a nosebleed lasts longer than 30 minutes, even after applying pressure. Prolonged bleeding may indicate a clotting problem or another medical condition that requires professional care.

A healthcare provider can help identify the cause of your nosebleeds and recommend appropriate treatment.

The Bottom Line

Allergies can lead to nosebleeds by drying out and irritating your nose. To prevent this, keep your nasal passages moist, stay hydrated, and be gentle when blowing your nose. Using a nasal saline spray regularly avoiding nose picking can also help.

If allergy medications make your nose too dry, try Allermi’s combination nasal spray. It contains up to four active ingredients in micro-doses. In the thousands of patients that have used Allermi, side effects have been minor. Each formula could be  adjusted to mitigate side effects and help lead to personalized relief.

References:

1. Nosebleed (Epistaxis). (2025, February 11). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13464-nosebleed-epistaxis
2. Hay fever (Rhinitis) | Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website. (2023, February 21). ACAAI Patient. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/
3. Antihistamine (oral route, parenteral route, rectal route). (2025, February 1). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/antihistamine-oral-route-parenteral-route-rectal-route/description/drg-20070373
4. Content - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=56&contentid=2914