Can stress cause nose bleeds?
You may be familiar with nosebleeds as a result of dry air, allergies, injuries, or other irritations to the inside of the nose. But could stress be a potential cause of a bloody nose, and if so, how?
In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of stress-related nosebleeds in more detail, including why they may occur, what other physical effects stress may have on the body, and how therapy may be helpful for those who experience physical symptoms as a result of chronic stress.
What is a nosebleed?
According to the National Library of Medicine, a nosebleed—also known as “epistaxis”—is defined as “loss of blood from the tissue lining the nose. Bleeding most often occurs in one nostril only”. If your nose bleeds, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Blood running from one or both nostrils
- An urge to swallow
- A sensation of runniness in the throat
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Nausea
The inside of the nose contains a high number of small, superficial, and fragile blood vessels, which may easily become irritated or damaged due to factors such as:
- Dry climate
- High altitude
- Upper respiratory infections
- An object entering the nose
- Allergies
- Trauma to the nose or face
- Recreational drugs that are taken in through the nose
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- A deviated septum
In some cases, other factors—such as blood-thinning medications, nasal tumors or polyps, hemophilia, pregnancy, or certain nasal sprays—may also make an individual more susceptible to developing nosebleeds.
What causes nosebleeds?
A nosebleed, also called epistaxis, usually occurs when a blood vessel in the nose lining cracks or bursts. There may be multiple potential causes of a nosebleed. These may include health conditions, physical injuries, allergies, stress, and environmental conditions.
There are generally two known types of nosebleeds: anterior nosebleeds and posterior nosebleeds.
Anterior nosebleeds normally flow from the front of your nose. They can be caused by scratching or dry air. On the other hand, a posterior nosebleed typically comes from the back of your nasal cavity and might be caused by a bleeding disorder. This nosebleed may be more serious and could require further tests to identify underlying conditions.
During a stressful event, the body typically releases cortisol, which is commonly thought of as the stress hormone. When cortisol is released into the body, it can constrict blood vessels, potentially causing the blood flow to redirect to the muscles. This can give the muscles energy to fight or escape any potential threat.
Like other parts of the body, the nose generally also has blood vessels that can constrict due to cortisol's effects on the body. When the nose's blood vessels constrict, they may rupture and cause a stress-related nosebleed.
A stress-related nosebleed may occur when you feel anxious or stressed. If you notice you have nosebleeds whenever you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it's possible that stress could be the culprit. If you have frequent nosebleeds, it's usually best to seek medical attention, whether you believe they're stress-induced or not.
How to treat nosebleeds caused by stress
If you ever experience a nosebleed that could be caused by stress, try not to panic. The steps in treating stress-related nosebleeds are typically similar to treating the usual nosebleed.
1. Sit up straight and slightly tilt your head forward.
This can prevent the blood from going down your throat. When blood goes down your throat, you may choke or develop an upset stomach.
2. Use your fingers to pinch your nose shut.
By pinching, you may be able to put pressure on the nose’s blood vessels and stop the blood flow. Keep pinching your nose shut for at least five minutes. After five minutes, let go of your nose and check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the blood continues to flow, try to pinch your nose again for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Relax and slowly breathe in and out through your mouth.
Continue pinching your nose while slowly breathing in and out through your mouth to relax your body and mind. If your nose continues to bleed after 20 minutes, it can be best to seek medical attention.
How to prevent stress-related nosebleeds
The best way to prevent stress-related nosebleeds can be to focus on their root cause. You should generally try to address the signs of stress as soon as possible before it affects your physical and mental health. Healthy lifestyle changes can be excellent ways to relieve stress. You might consider the following:
- Practice regular exercise or other physical activities.
- Eat nutrient-dense foods.
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
- Quit smoking.
- Meditate.
- Journal.
- Reach out to family and friends.
- Connect with a professional.
Doing these things may help you relieve stress and live your life with more calmness and happiness. However, if you've been living with long-term chronic stress, therapy can be an effective way to address it.
If your stress levels and corresponding symptoms (like nosebleeds) have become unmanageable, you might want to consider online therapy. This type of therapy can be especially convenient because it typically allows you to attend sessions with a licensed professional from the comfort of your home or any location with an internet connection. Plus, there is usually greater scheduling flexibility, and you may be able to schedule sessions outside of typical office hours.
While online therapy may not take place in a therapist’s office, it can still be highly effective. This study generally recommended the use of online psychotherapeutic interventions for anxiety and depression.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Can nose picking cause bleeding?
Excessive nose-picking can sometimes cause your nose to bleed.
How do I quit nose picking?
You may be able to quit nose-picking by determining the reasons why you pick your nose and addressing them directly. It may be helpful to work with a mental health professional to get to the root of the issue.
What can cause nose bleeds for no reason?
Inflammation and trauma can both cause nosebleeds. Nosebleeds can also be common in people with dry nasal passages.
What are common diseases, conditions, and other factors behind a nose bleed?
Diseases, conditions, and other issues that can cause a nosebleed may include:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Blood thinners
- Hemophilia
Do I have a sinus infection?
People with a sinus infection typically experience fever, nasal congestion and itching, facial swelling, and headaches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should generally schedule an appointment with your physician.
How do you stop a nosebleed?
To stop a nosebleed, you should usually sit down and pinch the tip of your nose above your nostrils for at least 10 minutes. You should also lean forward and breathe through your mouth to prevent the blood from falling back into your throat.
What should you do after a nosebleed?
You should usually rest and avoid vigorous activities after a nosebleed.
What is hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia?
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a health disorder that can cause abnormal connections to develop between various arteries and veins in the body, such as the nose and the brain.
Does hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia cause nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds can be common in people with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Does taking drug supplements help nosebleeds?
In general, supplements are not recommended for nosebleeds. It’s typically best to consult your doctor regarding supplements and medication.
Does stress cause high blood pressure?
Stressful situations can cause high blood pressure for a short amount of time. However, there is currently no proof that stress alone can cause long-term high blood pressure.
How does blood pressure affect my health?
Your blood pressure measures the force that the circulation of your blood makes on the walls of your blood vessels. Having high blood pressure can be harmful to your health. High blood pressure can damage your arteries and decrease blood flow to your heart. This can lead to chest pain and heart disease.
What should I do if I think I have high blood pressure?
You should generally schedule an appointment with your physician so you can know for certain whether you have high blood pressure.
Is it possible to lower my blood pressure?
Exercising, following a low-sodium diet, limiting your alcohol intake, and reducing stress can all significantly lower your blood pressure. Drinking plenty of water can also help you keep your blood pressure at a normal level.
Can I develop blood clots from a bloody nose?
To stop the bleeding and begin repairing the damage from the broken blood vessel, your body will generally form a blood clot.
What are common home remedies for dealing with a bloody nose?
Some home remedies for treating nosebleeds can include foods that are rich in vitamin K and vitamin C. Applying saline water to the inside of your nose can moisturize it. You may also drink plenty of water every day to prevent dryness in the mucous membranes.
Can blood thinners stop a bloody nose?
Blood-thinning medications can reduce the blood’s ability to clot. By taking blood-thinning medications, you can prolong nosebleeds and make them heavier.
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