Food Allergies And Nosebleeds: Everything You Need to Know

can food allergies cause nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can be frustrating. It comes with unpleasant symptoms. Even though it’s painless, no one wishes to see blood oozing out of their bodies. 

A damaged septum causes most nosebleeds. It’s a condition that separates the right and left walls of the nose. And it’s not you alone. About 60% of people suffer from nosebleeds at least once in their lifetime. 

The best thing is that nosebleeds are not life-threatening. And they can affect anyone between 10 and over 50 years old. 

Unfortunately, no one thing causes nosebleeds. That makes it hard to tell what’s causing your nosebleed.

Common Causes of Nosebleeds 

Sometimes you might think that nosebleeds are random. But that’s not always the case. These are triggers and specific causes of nosebleeds. The following are the most common causes of nosebleeds. 

  • Picking the nose 
  • Dry air 
  • Chemical irritants 
  • Allergies 
  • Nasal septal deformity
  • The common cold 
  • Trauma or injury 
  • Overuse of nasal spray 
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
  • Medication 
  • Vascular diseases 

Nosebleeds are medically called epistaxis. And the blood comes from the vascular supply on the nasal mucous membranes. The role of the vascular supply is to warm the air passing through the nose. When it’s cold or you’re sick, excessive scratching, picking, sneezing, and nose-blowing—easily leads to nosebleeds. This is because the membrane breaks or tears down with consistent or vigorous activities.

As previously mentioned, the nasal membrane has blood vessels that warm air getting into your body. And when your nose is dry, it can cause nosebleeds. The dry nose mainly occurs due to low humidity, dehydration, regularly blowing your nose, or taking antihistamines. And when the nose is dry, the membrane can easily break. This causes nosebleeds. 

Antihistamines and decongestants work by drying your nasal secretion. This helps to prevent allergens from thriving on the nasal tract. But on the flip side, as the nose becomes dry, you are at risk of blood vessel damage. As a result, blood will begin oozing out of your nose. 

Different irritations could trigger nosebleeds. These are irritations that could lead to frequent sneezing or blowing your nose. When you’re sneezing or blowing your nose regularly, it results in bleeding. Sneezing and nose-blowing mainly damage the vessels. 

Can Food Allergies Cause Nosebleeds? 

Different allergens can cause nosebleeds. However, there’s no evidence that food intolerance causes nosebleeds. Other allergic reactions, such as pollen or cold temperatures, could lead to other serious issues on the nose that could actually cause nosebleeds. But there’s no specific food that is known to cause nosebleeds. 

So, if you’re having nosebleeds, it doesn’t really mean you’re getting it from the food. It could be caused by other factors that are not related to food allergy. 

Should You Be Worried By Nosebleeds? 

Sometimes if it’s your first time seeing blood coming out of your nose can be scary. But it’s not always a situation to worry about. It’s something that can be managed at home. However, some serious nosebleeds need medical attention. If you get frequent and heavy nosebleeds, then get medical attention. It could signify something serious.

Different Types of Nosebleeds 

The site of their bleed differentiates nosebleeds. They are mainly anterior and posterior nosebleeds. 

  1. Anterior Nosebleed 

This type of nosebleed begins on the lower part of the walls separating the nose sides—also called the septum. It has fragile blood vessels that easily break and bleed.

Anterior nosebleed is the most common type of nosebleed, and it’s never serious. It’s more common in children. And it can easily be treated at home. 

  1. Posterior Nosebleed 

This is a type of nosebleed that occur inside the nose. It’s caused by breakage or bleeding in larger vessels in the nose part near the throat. And it’s a more serious nosebleed as compared to the former type. Sometimes the bleeding could be serious and flow back to the throat. And when you experience this type of nosebleed, it’s advisable to seek medical attention immediately. 

Who Can Get Nosebleeds? 

Anyone is a culprit of nosebleeds. Most people only have a one-time nosebleed experience. However, the following people are likely to have a regular nosebleeds. 

  • Young children between two and 10 years. This is because they are more prone to dry air, colds, sticking fingers and objects in the nose, or different allergies. 
  • Adult Between 45 and 65 years. This is because blood takes a long time to clot in older adults and mid-life. And some people around this age use blood-thinking drugs like aspirin. And that’s the age you find most people with a bleeding disorder, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis—arteries wall hardening. 
  • Pregnant Wome. Sometimes the blood vessels around the nose expand. This puts more pressure on delicate blood vessels around the nose lining. 
  • People with blood clotting disorders. 
  • Anyone who regularly takes blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin or aspirin. 

Steps To Stop Nosebleeds 

Nosebleeds can be managed at home without the need for a medical expert. Follow the steps below when you notice blood coming out of your nose. 

Step 1: Relax 

Step 2: Sit Upright and lean your head and body slightly forward to prevent blood from running into your throat. DO NOT put your legs between your legs or lay flat. 

Step 3: Breathe through the mouth.

Step 4: Use towel paper or a damp washcloth to remove the blood 

Step 5: Pinch together your nose soft par using your thumb and index finger. Pinch it against the soft part of the nose. This puts pressure on the bleeding area and stops it. And do this for up to 5 minutes. Or until your nose stops bleeding. 

Step 6: App an Ice Pack on the bridge to constrict blood vessels and give more comfort to your nose. 

Additionally, you can spray an over-the-counter spray to decongest your breathing system. However, don’t overuse the decongestant sprays. Dependency on them increases the rates of nosebleeds. 

And after the bleeding has stopped, don’t strain or lift heavy weights. 

When To Seek Emergency Noseebleeds Medical Attention 

Call your doctor or dial 911 in the following situations. 

  • When bleeding persists beyond 15 minutes of applying pressure on the nose, as described above. 
  • When you have rapid bleeding. 
  • Difficulty in breathing 
  • Vomiting after swallowing blood clots 
  • Nosebleed results from a blow or trauma on your head or body. 
  • Often nosebleeds 
  • Anemia symptoms—tired, feeling weak, short of breath, cold, or pale skin. 
  • A child below two years 
  • Nosebleed after taking medication 
  • When you’re on thinning blood medication 

What Next? 

Nosebleeds are common. And sometimes you don’t have to worry about them. Different allergens and irritations around the nose trigger them. However, there’s no evidence that food allergies cause nosebleeds. But when it’s persistent, you should always seek medical attention. You shouldn’t leave anything to chance. 

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