Can pollen allergies cause nosebleeds?

There are different types of allergies out there and the symptoms are affecting millions of people. Seasonal allergies come around, especially during the growing season and they come with sneezing, or an itchy nose or eyes. Arizona has an all-year-round growing season so pollen allergy is very frequent among Phoenix allergies.

Are you struggling with seasonal allergies and their symptoms? Just like other types of allergies, seasonal allergies happen when our immune system overreacts to a certain allergen, in this case, pollen and happens usually in the growing season, spring, summer or fall, when most of the plants pollinate. Are you also suffering from nosebleeds on top of your allergy symptoms? Have you ever wondered whether pollen allergies can cause nosebleeds? Read on to find out more regarding this subject.

WHY DO ALLERGIES CAUSE NOSEBLEEDS?

To understand why pollen allergies cause nosebleeds, you have to know that your nose contains tiny blood vessels and nasal membranes that can be susceptible to bursting due to reactions to pollen, pet dander, and dust – which can dry out your nasal membranes. The nasal membranes are responsible for humidifying and warming air when we inhale and exhale. When blood vessels are damaged, it can lead to a nosebleed. Most allergy-related nosebleeds are caused by a dry nose. So, since the allergens can dry out the nasal membrane, and dryness can cause irritations, it means that a cough or a sneeze can easily prompt a nosebleed.

Apart from allergy symptoms, nosebleeds can have other causes, such as a common cold, chemical irritants, sinusitis or overuse of nasal sprays. If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, especially during allergy season, visit a board-certified allergy specialist who can help you with an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

WHAT KIND OF ALLERGIES CAN CAUSE NOSEBLEEDS?

Allergies related to the respiratory system are mostly the ones responsible for nosebleeds and they are caused by allergens such as dust mites, mold, pollen or animal dander. In the case of pollen allergies, the allergens go through your nasal cavity and increase mucus production by causing swelling of the sinuses. This will make you want to blow your nose very often which can cause dryness and ultimately lead to nosebleeds.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF POLLEN ALLERGY?

In the case of pollen allergy, your immune system reacts to pollen by producing antibodies which are responsible for your symptoms. Some of the most common pollen allergy symptoms are congestion, water or red eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, or cough. More than 7% of Americans suffer from hay fever and allergic reactions are one of the most common health issues affecting children in the U.S.

HOW TO PREVENT NOSEBLEEDS DURING ALLERGY SEASON?

When the pollen count is high, make sure you stay indoors, as much as you can. Also, avoid having your windows open and instead, use an AC. Wash your clothes, and your pet and shower as frequently as possible. If your allergy symptoms are associated with nosebleeds, also consider using a humidifier in your home and office and try to keep the air humid. Your doctor can also recommend using a saline spray or nasal spray which can help you keep your nasal passage moist. Moreover, the use of aspirin or antihistamines can also dry out your nose, which can make your nosebleeds more frequent. Make sure you always check with your physician – we do not recommend the use of any medication without a medical prescription.

HOW DO YOU STOP A NOSEBLEED?

Nosebleeds can usually be stopped similarly, it doesn’t matter if they are caused by allergies or not. The first step to do is to get a clean tissue to catch the blood and then sit or stand up. If you are reclining, this will increase the risk of choking, so make sure you are not doing that. Your head needs to be tilted forward and you have to breathe through your mouth. Pinch your nose and apply a tiny pressure to stop the nosebleed. Do not bend over for a long period or eat warm and spicy food since this can cause your blood vessels to dilate and worsen the nosebleed.

If your nosebleed is longer than 20 minutes and you additionally feel nauseous or lightheaded, seek immediate medical care.

CONCLUSION

If you suffer from seasonal allergies which also come with nosebleeds, make sure you check with a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to determine the allergen responsible for your symptoms so you can get the right help to ameliorate them. As seen above, pollen allergies can ultimately lead to nosebleeds, due to the dryness of your nose.

Our allergy associates can address the root cause of your allergies that also cause your nosebleeds and recommend the best treatment plan.

Get in touch today for more information!