Blowing bloody snot can be alarming, but it’s often due to common, non-serious reasons. The nose’s delicate lining has many small, surface-level blood vessels, making them prone to injury and bleeding. Understanding the causes can help alleviate worry.
Common Reasons for Bloody Nasal Discharge
Dry air is a frequent cause, especially in low humidity. It dries nasal membranes, leading to cracking and irritation. These fragile, dried blood vessels can easily rupture from minor disturbances like rubbing the nose, sneezing, or even breathing.
Nose picking is a common cause, especially in children. It directly damages superficial blood vessels within the nasal septum, the wall dividing the nostrils, leading to bleeding.
Common colds, allergies, and mild sinus infections contribute to bloody mucus. These conditions inflame and swell nasal passages, making blood vessels fragile and prone to bleeding from frequent nose blowing or congestion.
Forceful nose blowing can rupture blood vessels, as the pressure damages the delicate lining. Foreign objects in the nose, more common in children, can irritate the nasal lining and cause bleeding.
Other Contributing Factors
Certain medications can increase bloody nasal discharge. Blood thinners like aspirin and warfarin reduce clotting, making nosebleeds more frequent and potentially heavier. Some nasal sprays, including decongestants and inhaled corticosteroids, can dry out nasal passages, contributing to irritation and bleeding with prolonged use.
Environmental irritants also play a role. Exposure to dust, chemicals, or smoke can inflame the nasal lining, making it vulnerable to damage. Smoking, for instance, dries out and irritates nasal passages. Frequent airplane travel, where air is dry, can increase bleeding risk.
Underlying anatomical issues like a deviated septum can contribute to localized dryness and irritation. This structural variation can alter airflow, leading to specific areas becoming excessively dry and more susceptible to bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While often benign, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. Persistent or worsening bleeding, especially if it doesn’t stop after 15 to 20 minutes of direct pressure, requires attention. Heavy bleeding needs immediate care. Consult a healthcare provider if bleeding is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty breathing.
Medical attention is advised if bloody nasal discharge occurs after a head injury, as this could indicate a serious underlying issue. Individuals on blood thinners who experience new or recurrent bloody discharge should seek advice, as their dosage may need adjustment. Recurrent nosebleeds, even minor ones occurring frequently (e.g., several times a week), should be discussed with a doctor to identify underlying causes.
Managing and Preventing Bloody Snot
Immediate management of a mild nosebleed involves staying calm and sitting upright with your head slightly tilted forward. Pinch the soft part of the nose just above the nostrils firmly for 10 to 15 minutes, breathing through your mouth. Leaning forward helps prevent blood from draining down the back of the throat, which can cause nausea. After bleeding stops, avoid blowing your nose or strenuous activity for several hours to allow blood vessels to heal.
Preventive measures focus on maintaining nasal moisture and avoiding irritation. Using a humidifier, especially in the bedroom during dry months, adds moisture and helps keep nasal membranes hydrated. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment just inside the nostrils can moisturize the nasal lining. Regular use of saline nasal sprays helps keep nasal passages moist.
Avoiding aggressive nose blowing and nose picking prevents trauma to delicate nasal vessels. Keeping fingernails trimmed, especially for children, reduces damage from inadvertent picking. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids also contributes to overall mucous membrane health. Minimizing exposure to environmental irritants like smoke or dust can help reduce nasal irritation.