OpenHealth Q&A

Nosebleed Episode After Extended Dry Heaving

I’m a 28-year-old male, standing at 5'7.5" and weighing 280 pounds. My background is Jewish, though I don't believe that detail is particularly relevant here. I deal with various health conditions including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), potential May-Thurner syndrome (still under evaluation by my doctor), restless leg syndrome, sciatica, spinal stenosis, plantar fasciitis, along with a range of mental health challenges. My current medications consist of minoxidil, lamotrigine, bupropion, and a low dosage of Xanax. Greetings everyone! I have been struggling with relentless bouts of retching—primarily dry heaves, akin to ‘morning sickness’—that have persisted throughout January and into February. I can’t pinpoint any changes in my diet, medications, or lifestyle that could have triggered this episode. Interestingly, I don't usually feel nausea in my belly; instead, it manifests mostly in my throat and chest. Although I suffer from GERD, this is an unusual level of discomfort for me. I normally manage it with calcium supplements and occasional omeprazole, but I keep that to a minimum to avoid additional stomach issues. Despite my efforts, my dietary choices aren't particularly acidic. I find myself expelling mostly saliva and stomach acid rather than actual food. Zofran hasn’t alleviated the persistent nausea I’m experiencing. I consulted my primary care physician about these issues, but unfortunately, his recommendations weren’t helpful. He implies that my nausea stems from not maintaining a proper diet, suggesting that if I could just afford better food, I wouldn’t have this problem. He was far from supportive, and to make matters worse, every GI clinic nearby isn't accepting new patients for months, so finding a specialist has been quite challenging. Today, during another episode of retching, I finally ended up vomiting a small piece of apple along with the usual saliva and stomach acid. This was alarming, but even more concerning was the sudden onset of a severe nosebleed. It wasn’t a mere trickle; blood was pouring from my nose, staining my chin and dripping onto the floor. I hurried to the bathroom and managed to curb the bleeding within five minutes, but the experience rattled me considerably. I felt dizzy and unsteady throughout the day following this incident. Could there be a link between the excessive vomiting and the nosebleed? Is it possible that such intense straining caused a rupture in a blood vessel in my nose? Additionally, I’m curious if anyone has insight into the cause of my persistent nausea. With the recent bleeding, my speculation leans towards an irritation in my sinuses causing me to unknowingly swallow blood at night, contributing to the nausea. Despite retching five to ten times daily, this sudden, severe bleeding is a new development. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions; apologies for the lengthy post!

Answers (1)

2/7/2026, 6:20:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about the connection between your intense retching and the sudden nosebleed. There are indeed potential links between excessive vomiting or straining and nosebleeds, and it’s important to approach your symptoms methodically.

Main Points:

1. Potential Causes of Nosebleed: Your retching can cause increased pressure in your blood vessels, potentially leading to a rupture in the small blood vessels in your nose.
2. Persistent Nausea Factors: Your nausea might stem from multiple causes, including GERD, anxiety, or the impact of current medications.
3. Immediate Actions: Focus on managing the retching and maintaining hydration, and consider enhancing your nasal care.

Explanation:

• Nosebleed Connection: Straining from continuous retching can elevate blood pressure in the vessels within your nose, leading to a nosebleed. The combination of straining and possible irritation from stomach acid might also increase sensitivity in your nasal passages.
• Persistent Nausea: This may not only relate to your GERD but could also be linked to other factors, including anxiety or medication side effects. Since you're already under treatment for various conditions, a nuanced approach is necessary.

Next Steps:

1. Hydration and Diet Management:

   • Stay well-hydrated, as this can help alleviate the effects of both the retching and potential nasal issues.
   • Keep a food diary to identify any specific trigger foods; make sure you're eating small, frequent meals that are easy on the stomach.

2. Avoid Irritants:

   • Avoid environmental irritants, such as strong odors or smoke, to minimize nasal irritation that could contribute to nosebleeds.

3. Nasal Care:

   • Consider using a saline nasal spray or humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist and reduce bleeding risk.

4. Relaxation Techniques:

   • Implement stress-reducing practices such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness to help manage anxiety that might worsen your nausea and retching.

5. Symptom Tracking:

   • Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when retching occurs, the severity, dietary intake, and episodes of nausea or nosebleeds. This can be very useful information for future consultations with your healthcare providers.

Please prioritize these steps while keeping an eye on your symptoms. If nosebleeds continue, or if you experience severe dizziness or any additional concerning symptoms, it would be wise to seek medical attention right away. It’s crucial to feel empowered and supported in managing your health concerns. Feel free to reach out if you need more specific advice or reassurance!