Headache Accompanied by Nosebleed: What Are the Causes?

A headache is the most common type of body pain that is usually caused by dehydration, stress, or allergies. Meanwhile, a nosebleed or epistaxis, is the loss of blood from the rupture of thin and delicate blood vessels in the nostrils. This usually happens due to injury or an allergy. While most people have experienced either of these conditions separately, there are some instances when headaches and nosebleeds occur at the same time. The causes of a headache accompanied by nosebleed can vary. Read on to find out more. 

Common Causes of a Headache Accompanied by Nosebleed

A headache accompanied by nosebleed can be triggered by factors like the environment, lifestyle, and pre-existing health conditions:

Allergies 

Allergies usually lead to an itchy, runny, and stuffy nose. These can give an uncomfortable feeling in your head and nose that can result in a headache accompanied by nosebleed. In addition, using nasal sprays, aspirators, or other allergy medications can damage the delicate vessels of the nose.

Anemia

Anemia is a common blood disorder. Some of the symptoms of this condition are headaches and nosebleeds. However, when the headache is accompanied by a nosebleed, it can result in iron deficiency which can contribute to further blood loss.

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is the displacement of the septum (the cartilage that separates the nostrils inside the nose), which makes one nasal air passage smaller than the other. This respiratory condition can lead to facial pain and difficulty breathing, which may damage the thin vessels in the nose.

Head Injury

Head injuries are common in sports. Such unfortunate events can lead to head injuries and concussions. A sudden strike or bump in the head of a player, for instance, may result in a headache accompanied by a nosebleed. This can also lead to more serious complications.

Migraine

Some studies suggest that nosebleeds are possibly related to migraines or throbbing headaches. According to research, a headache or migraine accompanied by nosebleed occurs because of a sudden increase in blood pressure, as well as the nasal congestion that widens the thin blood vessels in the nose.

Weather 

Dry and humid weather can contribute to headaches and nosebleeds. The dryness of the atmosphere at certain times, the sudden drop and increase of temperature, and seasonal changes can cause the tissues of the vessels in the nose to dry up and form cracks. 

Viruses

Similar to allergies, viral infections can also lead to a headache accompanied by nosebleed. The common cold tends to block the nasal airway. It can also damage the blood vessels.

Serious Causes of a Headache Accompanied by Nosebleed

Hypertension 

A rapid increase in blood pressure that is mostly experienced by adults, hypertension can bring symptoms such as a headache and severe nosebleed.  

Leukemia

Headache and excessive nosebleed are possible early signs of leukemia, a form of cancer in the blood with the increase of white blood cells in the body.

Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is one of the more severe health conditions that contribute to headaches and nosebleeds. Brought about by the collection of abnormal cells that grow inside the brain, excessive pressure from the abnormal cells in the brain can damage the nerves that result in a headache accompanied by nosebleed.

Headaches and Nosebleeds in Children

At an early stage, children are prone to hazards while playing or exploring. They tend to bite on things that they are holding or to use them to pick their noses. The bacterial infection brought by these objects can cause headaches and nosebleeds. Children are also prone to viral and bacterial infections. This can lead to a common cold or ruptures of their nasal vessels.

Cause of Headaches and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the heart beats faster and pumps harder for increased circulation inside your body. In turn, the blood vessels widen up to allow an increased amount of blood to flow throughout the body. When blood flows through the nasal passage, pregnant women may discomfort and experience the bursting of thin blood vessels inside the nose, causing a headache accompanied by nosebleed.

Cure for Headaches and Nosebleeds

When experiencing a headache and nosebleed together, lean forward to prevent the flowing of blood through the nose and mouth. Put pressure on both nostrils and insert cotton balls or soft cloth for blood absorption. When bleeding stops, it is advisable to rest in a well-ventilated room and put a cold compress on the head or neck.

If the headaches and nosebleeds occur with vomiting and nausea, it is best to consult a doctor.

Key Takeaway

Headaches and nosebleeds are two common health conditions. However, our body may experience both of these health conditions due to a variety of factors. While most cases are due to common factors like the weather, experiencing these at the same time can signify an underlying health problem. 

Learn more about Nose Conditions here.