Generally, headaches and nosebleeds don’t overlap. It’s even typical for doctors to treat them as two separate issues if you have them together. However, there are a few cases when having a headache simultaneously as a nosebleed means you should be concerned.
10 Serious Conditions You Need To Know About
1. Anemia
The symptoms of anemia can vary depending on the type you’re dealing with. However, as the condition progresses, you can develop chronic headaches and the occasional nosebleed. Since the early symptoms of anemia can often be attributed to other illnesses, it’s important to get diagnosed quickly and correctly.
2. High Blood Pressure
Some people may not know that they have chronic high blood pressure until they have a heart attack or stroke. However, severe headaches and persistent nosebleeds can also be a sign that your blood pressure is out of control. You need to see a doctor about it as soon as possible because high blood pressure can also cause kidney disease.
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3. Sinus Infection
Sinus infections can be caused by different microorganisms or constant exposure to irritants or illness. Regardless of the cause, inflamed sinuses can lead to pain and pressure that result in a chronic headache. In some cases, you may also get nosebleeds. These need to be treated with medication.
4. Brain Tumor
Dizziness and persistent headaches are usually early signs of a brain tumor. As the tumor grows, it can also cause pressure that causes other symptoms. These can include blurry vision, vomiting, loss of balance, and nosebleeds. It’s always best to get this condition diagnosed as early as possible so you can start treatment.
5. Preeclampsia
Headaches can be common during pregnancy because of changes in your hormone levels. Since you have an increased blood flow during pregnancy, you can also have nosebleeds. That doesn’t mean you should ignore them, though. If your headaches persist into the second trimester and are severe, it could be a sign that you have developed a condition known as preeclampsia. It’s essential to have your doctor get it under control as it can put you and your baby in danger.
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6. Blood Thinners
Generally, blood thinners are prescribed to help people at risk of developing blood clots. However, all of these drugs can increase bleeding. As a result, you may have nosebleeds more often. Some of them also cause headaches. Though they are expected side effects, you should still talk to your doctor because blood thinners can cause serious internal bleeding that can be detrimental.
7. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
It’s not always easy to identify carbon monoxide poisoning but it usually starts with feelings of dizziness and nausea. As the carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin to affect how your body acquires and uses oxygen, you may experience other issues like headaches, confusion, and shortness of breath. Some people also get nosebleeds. Carbon monoxide poisoning must be treated quickly as it can be deadly.
8. Congenital Heart Disease
While this condition is usually diagnosed in newborns or young children, it can be a chronic illness that needs to be monitored. It’s not uncommon for adults who were born with congenital heart disease to need multiple surgeries as a form of continued treatment. Sometimes, they may experience headaches and nosebleeds when the condition is not under control.
9. Leukemia
The early symptoms of leukemia can be subtle. Some people report dealing with headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and joint pain for some time before being diagnosed. An early diagnosis is critical to getting the care you need.
10. Blood Disorders
Blood disorders cover a wide variety of health problems that affect your blood or bone marrow. They can affect red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. When there’s something wrong with any of those cells, you can experience different symptoms including headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, shortness of breath, and being bruised easily. It’s best to contact your doctor as soon as possible.
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What To Tell Your Doctor
If you’re having any signs of the conditions listed above, it’s important to tell your doctor. Some of the information you need to pass on includes any changes in your health, changes in your home or work environment, chronic conditions that you have, medications that you take regularly, supplements that you take regularly, as well as how often you get nosebleeds and headaches together. It can also be helpful if you keep a journal of the incidents. You can point out a trend with triggers or symptoms that precede your headaches and nosebleeds.
Headaches and nosebleeds aren’t often related but when they are, it could be a sign of a serious condition. If you’re not sure, your best bet is to talk to your doctor about all of your symptoms so they can get to the bottom of it.
