Can Red Wine Cause Nosebleeds? The Scientific Truth

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, 45% of patients admitted to the emergency room for nosebleeds reported consuming alcohol within 24 hours of admission. This provides significant evidence for the link between alcohol and nosebleeds, which includes the consumption of red wine.

Quick Summary

This article explores the direct and indirect physiological factors that link red wine consumption to an increased risk of nosebleeds, including its effects on blood thinning, vessel dilation, and dehydration.

Key Points

Alcohol is a vasodilator: The alcohol in red wine widens blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the delicate vessels in the nose and making them more likely to rupture.
Blood-thinning effects: Excessive alcohol use can impair the function of blood platelets, hindering blood clotting and making a nosebleed harder to stop.
Dehydration risk: Alcohol's diuretic effect leads to dehydration, which dries out the nasal passages and increases the risk of bleeding.
Histamine sensitivity: For some individuals with histamine intolerance, the higher histamine content in red wine can trigger allergic-like reactions that contribute to nasal issues.
Exacerbated by other factors: The link between red wine and nosebleeds is often worsened by high blood pressure, certain medications, or environmental factors like dry air.
Severity depends on consumption: The risk of alcohol-related nosebleeds increases with the amount and frequency of consumption, with heavy drinking posing a greater risk than moderate intake.

The Connection Between Red Wine and Nosebleeds

While it might seem anecdotal, the idea that red wine can contribute to nosebleeds is grounded in several physiological effects of alcohol. The alcohol in red wine, like other types of alcohol, acts as a vasodilator and a diuretic, and can impact the body's blood clotting mechanisms. These effects combine to create conditions where a nosebleed is more likely to occur, especially for those who are already susceptible.

How Alcohol Affects Blood and Blood Vessels

One of the primary ways alcohol influences nosebleeds is by affecting the circulatory system. The blood vessels in the nasal passages are very delicate and lie close to the surface, making them prone to injury. Alcohol consumption has two key effects that impact these vessels:

Vasodilation: Alcohol causes the blood vessels to widen, or dilate, increasing blood flow. With more blood flowing through the delicate nasal vessels, they become more susceptible to rupturing from even minor irritations.
Blood Thinning: Heavy alcohol consumption can interfere with the production and function of platelets, the cells responsible for blood clotting. This makes the blood less able to clot properly, so once a nosebleed starts, it can be harder to stop.

The Role of Dehydration in Nosebleeds

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and leads to dehydration. Dehydration is a well-established cause of nosebleeds because it dries out the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose. When these membranes become dry and crusty, they can crack and expose the tiny blood vessels underneath, leading to bleeding. The dehydrating effect of alcohol can amplify this risk, particularly in dry climates or during winter when indoor heating further dries the air.

Histamines and Other Compounds in Red Wine

While alcohol is the main culprit, certain compounds unique to red wine may also play a role for sensitive individuals. Red wine contains higher levels of histamines than white wine, which can trigger allergic-like symptoms in some people. For those with a histamine intolerance, this can lead to flushing, a stuffy or runny nose, and an increase in blood vessel dilation, all of which could contribute to a nosebleed. Additionally, a study on Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) found that certain foods, including red wine, could exacerbate nosebleeds, possibly due to histamines or other compounds like salicylates.

Other Contributing Factors to Consider

Nosebleeds are often the result of multiple factors working together. While red wine can be a trigger, it often interacts with other pre-existing conditions or environmental factors to cause an episode.

High Blood Pressure: Heavy drinking, and consistent alcohol use, is linked to high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts extra strain on blood vessels throughout the body, including the fragile ones in the nose, making them more likely to bleed.
Medications: Combining alcohol with certain medications, such as aspirin or other blood thinners, dramatically increases the risk of bleeding.
Environment: Dry air, whether from a dry climate or high altitude, can increase the risk of nosebleeds, and alcohol's dehydrating effect worsens this.

Comparison of Alcohol's Effects on Nosebleeds


Effect	Description	Impact on Nosebleeds
Vasodilation	Alcohol widens blood vessels, increasing blood flow.	Higher blood flow in delicate nasal vessels increases rupture risk.
Blood Thinning	Alcohol interferes with platelet function and number.	Impairs blood clotting, making bleeding harder to stop.
Dehydration	Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing fluid loss.	Dries out nasal membranes, making them prone to cracking and bleeding.
High Blood Pressure	Heavy drinking contributes to chronic hypertension.	Puts added pressure on nasal blood vessels, increasing rupture risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, red wine, through its alcohol content, can contribute to nosebleeds by dilating blood vessels, thinning the blood, and causing dehydration. While the effect is not a direct causation and varies by individual, the physiological mechanisms are well-documented. For those who experience frequent nosebleeds, reducing alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and managing blood pressure are crucial preventive steps. If nosebleeds persist, especially after heavy drinking, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.

For more information on managing nosebleeds, consult the resources from the Cleveland Clinic, as referenced by Allermi in their blog on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moderate consumption is less likely to cause a nosebleed, but it can still have a temporary effect on blood vessel dilation and clotting. The risk is significantly higher with heavy or excessive drinking over time.

Alcohol thins the blood by reducing the activity of blood platelets and interfering with their production in the bone marrow, which are crucial for blood clotting.

Yes, alcohol is a diuretic that causes dehydration, which dries out the nasal membranes. This dryness can cause the membranes to crack, exposing fragile blood vessels that can easily bleed.

In individuals with a histamine intolerance, the higher histamine content in red wine can cause allergic-like symptoms, including nasal issues, which could contribute to nosebleeds.

Pinch the soft part of your nose, lean forward slightly, and apply pressure for 10–15 minutes. Staying calm and hydrating with water can also help.

Seek medical attention if a nosebleed lasts for more than 20 minutes, occurs after an injury, or if you experience frequent nosebleeds (more than twice a week) after drinking.

Yes, chronic high blood pressure from heavy drinking can put extra strain on the delicate blood vessels in the nose, making them more prone to rupturing and bleeding.