It is common to encounter blood in nasal mucus, often appearing as reddish or brownish streaks or spots within boogers, especially when sick. While unsettling, this is usually benign and not a cause for serious concern. Understanding the reasons can help alleviate apprehension.
Why Illness Can Lead to Bloody Mucus
The nasal passages contain a delicate lining with numerous tiny blood vessels. During an illness like a cold, flu, or allergies, inflammation can occur, making these vessels more fragile and prone to bleeding. This increases sensitivity within the nasal lining.
Dry air, particularly in environments with heating or air conditioning, can dehydrate nasal membranes. When dry, these membranes can crack and irritate underlying blood vessels, making them more likely to bleed. Frequent or forceful nose blowing during sickness can rupture small capillaries in the nasal lining, leading to minor bleeding. Dehydration from illness also thickens mucus, contributing to irritation and difficulty in clearing nasal passages. When blood mixes with this mucus and dries, it forms bloody boogers.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most instances of bloody mucus are not serious, certain signs indicate the need for medical consultation. Seek medical attention if you observe large amounts of blood, persistent bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure, or frequent recurrence of bleeding. Bleeding that lasts longer than 15 to 20 minutes, even with pressure, warrants professional evaluation.
Other accompanying symptoms can also signal a more concerning situation. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
Severe headache, changes in vision, facial pain, or a fever not attributable to the current illness.
Bloody mucus following a head injury, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue.
Nosebleeds while taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin, as these can prolong bleeding and make it heavier.
Simple Steps for Relief and Prevention
To manage and prevent bloody mucus when sick, several steps can be taken. When blowing your nose, do so gently, one nostril at a time, to minimize pressure and reduce the risk of rupturing delicate blood vessels. Forceful blowing can push mucus into the sinuses, potentially causing further issues.
Using saline nasal sprays or rinses helps keep nasal passages moist, which can prevent dryness and irritation that lead to bleeding. A humidifier, especially in dry environments, adds moisture to the air and helps maintain hydrated nasal membranes.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids also contributes to moist nasal passages and helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear. Avoiding picking or scratching the inside of the nose is important, as this can easily damage the nasal lining and cause bleeding. Allowing the body adequate rest during illness supports overall recovery and can reduce nasal irritation.