SYMPTOMS

What is bloody nasal discharge?

Bloody nasal discharge refers to the presence of blood in nasal secretions, commonly seen in conditions such as inflammation, trauma, foreign bodies, stones, or tumors (e.g., maxillary sinus malignancies, nasopharyngeal carcinoma) of the nose and sinuses. If bloody nasal discharge is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical examination of the nose and sinuses should be performed, and if necessary, a full-body checkup to determine the cause and location of the bleeding.

TREATMENT

How to relieve bloody nasal discharge?

If you have bloody nasal discharge, it is best to seek medical attention. Relevant examinations of the nose and sinuses should be performed, and systemic examinations may be necessary to determine the cause and location of the bleeding.

• If it is confirmed to be caused by infectious inflammation of the nose or sinuses, nasal irrigation followed by the use of corticosteroid nasal sprays to relieve rhinitis symptoms may alleviate the bloody nasal discharge.

• If it is confirmed to be caused by allergic rhinitis, or bloody nasal discharge due to sneezing, rubbing, or picking the nose, nasal irrigation followed by the use of antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays may also relieve the symptoms.

• If it is caused by trauma, local compression can be applied to temporarily stop the bleeding.

It is important to note that if these measures do not relieve the bloody nasal discharge or if the condition worsens, prompt medical attention is required to further identify the underlying cause.

DIAGNOSIS

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Bloody Nasal Discharge?

You should actively seek medical attention if bloody nasal discharge is accompanied by, but not limited to, the following conditions:

• Persistent nasal congestion or progressively worsening nasal congestion.

• Decreased sense of smell.

• Localized sinus pain or headache.

• Symptoms such as nasal itching, sneezing, clear nasal discharge, or purulent nasal discharge.

• Foul-smelling nasal discharge or bad breath.

• Fever, lethargy, irritability, or rapid breathing.

• Skin petechiae or bleeding in other areas.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What are the possible causes of bloody nasal discharge?

Bloody nasal discharge can result from various factors, which may be related to climate changes (including temperature and humidity fluctuations) or pathological conditions. Potential causes include but are not limited to the following:

• Nose picking is a common cause. Bleeding often occurs near the mucocutaneous junction, where the submucosal tissue is thin, and exposed blood vessels may retract into this area.

• Acute or chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis.

• Trauma to the external nose, nasal cavity, or sinuses.

• Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity or sinuses.

• Nasal or sinus stones (rhinoliths).

• Benign or malignant tumors of the nasal cavity or sinuses (e.g., maxillary sinus malignancies, nasopharyngeal carcinoma).

• Chronic mucosal erosion may lead to small perforations in the nasal septum, with fragile granulation tissue around the perforation prone to bleeding. Long-term intranasal drug use (e.g., cocaine) can cause similar symptoms.

• Nosebleeds are the most common primary symptom in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu disease).