Blood in nasal mucus, often appearing as a pink tinge or reddish streaks, is a common occurrence typically stemming from minor irritation. The nasal passages are lined with the mucosa, a delicate membrane rich in fragile capillaries. These capillaries lie extremely close to the surface, particularly in the anterior nasal septum (Kiesselbach’s plexus). When these vessels are compromised, even by subtle stress, they can rupture and release small amounts of blood that mix with the mucus. While sometimes alarming, this symptom is usually a localized issue and not a serious medical emergency.
The Most Common Reasons for Nasal Irritation
The most frequent cause of blood in the mucus is a physical or environmental factor that dries out or damages the nasal lining. Dry air, whether from low humidity, high altitude, or indoor heating, causes the nasal mucosa to lose moisture rapidly. When the lining becomes dry, it loses elasticity, cracks, and makes the underlying capillaries brittle and vulnerable to rupture.
Mechanical irritation is another common trigger, particularly from aggressive nose blowing or minor nasal trauma like nose picking. Excessive force when blowing the nose creates enough pressure to break weakened blood vessels, especially during a cold or allergy flare-up. Even constant rubbing of the nose can damage the capillaries near the surface.
Simple steps can keep the nasal environment moist and protected. Using a cool-mist humidifier, especially while sleeping, helps counteract the drying effects of forced-air heat and low humidity. Applying a saline nasal spray or rinse several times a day can lubricate the nasal passages and soothe the irritated membrane. It is also helpful to blow your nose gently, using a soft tissue, and avoid inserting fingers or objects into the nostrils.
Underlying Conditions and Medication Effects
When environmental or mechanical causes are ruled out, inflammation from infections or chronic conditions often explains the persistent presence of blood in snot. Acute conditions like colds, influenza, or sinusitis cause swelling and congestion within the nasal cavities. This inflammation forces the delicate blood vessels to expand and makes them more prone to bleeding with minimal provocation, such as sneezing or light nose blowing.
Chronic allergic rhinitis contributes to this fragility by maintaining long-term nasal tissue inflammation. Similarly, structural issues like nasal polyps or a significantly deviated septum can disrupt airflow and cause localized dryness or pressure, which increases the likelihood of a vessel rupture. In children, a foreign object lodged in the nose is a specific cause of irritation and bloody discharge that requires professional removal.
Certain medications can also compromise the integrity of the blood vessels or affect the body’s clotting mechanism. Blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin and anticoagulants, make any small bleed more likely and more difficult to stop naturally. Additionally, the long-term use or misuse of some nasal sprays, including decongestants and inhaled corticosteroids, can cause drying and thinning of the nasal lining, making it susceptible to minor trauma and bleeding.
Identifying Serious Symptoms and Seeking Care
While most instances of blood-tinged mucus are benign, certain characteristics of the bleeding warrant prompt medical evaluation. You should consult a doctor if the bleeding is heavy, or if it persists for more than seven to ten consecutive days without improvement. Bleeding that is consistently unilateral (occurring only on one side without known cause) should also be investigated.
Seek immediate care if the bloody snot is accompanied by other severe symptoms, including a high fever, sudden vision changes, severe facial pain, or intense headache. Uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of applying direct pressure to the soft part of the nose is considered a medical emergency. These signs may suggest a more complex underlying issue, such as a severe infection, an uncontrolled clotting disorder, or, in very rare cases, a nasal tumor.