Blood in mucus when blowing nose is a common occurrence, often not a cause for alarm. The delicate lining of the nose contains numerous blood vessels, which can easily rupture and result in bleeding. Common causes of blood in nose mucus include nose-picking or forceful nose blowing, however, there can be other reasons behind it too. So, let’s explore the common causes of blood in nasal mucus.
Causes of Blood in Nasal Mucus
Here are some of the most common reasons behind blood in sinus mucus:
1. Blowing Your Nose Too Hard
Forceful nose blowing can lead to the discharge of bloody mucus from nose. The nasal lining is exceptionally delicate and well-supplied with blood vessels. When one blows his/her nose forcefully, it causes a sudden and substantial rise in blood pressure. This abrupt surge in pressure can result in the rupture or tearing of some of these fragile blood vessels, leading to the appearance of small amounts of blood in nose mucus.
This occurrence is often associated with frequent nose blowing or rubbing and is typically not a cause for alarm. To aid in the healing of these broken blood vessels and reduce the likelihood of future issues, it’s advisable to moisturise nasal passages using a humidifier, saline nasal gels or a saline nasal spray.
2. Dry or Cold Weather
Dry or cold weather conditions, particularly prevalent in arid environments like deserts, can contribute to the presence of blood in nose mucus. In dry climate, air lacks the necessary moisture, leading to dry and irritated nasal passages. When you inhale this dry air, it has a tendency to dry out the normal mucus in your nose, which can, over time, irritate the delicate nasal lining.
Dry air can also result from the use of air conditioning and heating systems, making nosebleeds more common, especially during the winter season. If you find dried blood in your nose in the mornings, then it’s possible that the air in your bedroom lacks the required humidity.
3. Sinus Infection
In case of a sinus infection, bloody mucus is a common occurrence. Often triggered by conditions like allergies or cold, sinusitis occurs when sinus cavities become blocked, inflamed and filled with fluid.
Alongside blood in nasal mucus, which can sometimes appear green or yellow, individuals with sinusitis may experience various symptoms such as post-nasal drip, a congested nose, headache, facial pressure (especially around the eyes, nose and forehead), tooth or ear pain, bad breath, fatigue, cough and fever.
Treatment for sinusitis varies depending on its intensity and can involve over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants, nasal saline irrigation, and cold and allergy medications.
4. Certain Medications
The presence of blood-tinged mucus from nose can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications. Medicines that have blood-thinning properties, preventing normal clotting, can lead to the development of bloody crusts. Examples of such medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, non-steroidal pain relievers and coumadin.
Additionally, certain herbal supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo and ginseng may increase the risk of bleeding. Nasal sprays such as fluticasone can also irritate and dry out nasal passages in some individuals. If you believe that your medication is causing bloody mucus, then it’s advisable to consult your doctor, who can potentially recommend alternative treatments. In the meantime, keeping your nasal passages moisturised can help manage the symptoms.
5. Underlying Health Issues
In rare cases, the presence of blood in nose mucus may be linked to underlying autoimmune disorders. Certain autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener’s) can lead to the formation of thick, dry nasal crusts. Patients with these conditions may occasionally notice streaks of blood within these crusts, primarily due to ongoing irritation of mucous membranes.
While these disorders are relatively uncommon, it’s advisable to consult your doctor if you experience persistent nasal issues, particularly if you have a family history of any autoimmune diseases.
Conclusion
Blood in nose mucus can be attributed to various factors that can also lead to nosebleeds, including conditions like nasal injuries, cold, and exposure to dry air. To prevent the occurrence of bloody nasal mucus, individuals can take measures to safeguard their nose from potential irritants that might trigger bleeding.
Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help maintain adequate moisture levels and reduce dryness. Furthermore, refraining from picking the nose is essential to avoid such issues. If bloody nasal discharge persists and is accompanied by other symptoms like nasal pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention, as it may indicate an underlying health concern.
