Runny nose with blood in an adult

In those suffering from a runny nose, it happens that blood clots are released along with snot. Snot with blood is a phenomenon that can frighten anyone, especially when it occurs in a baby. However, this situation is not always associated with serious health problems. It all depends on the reasons that caused the appearance of blood in the nasal discharge.

Why can you see blood particles in snot? How did she get there? In addition to the epithelium, the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx has capillary structures that include plexuses of small blood vessels.

When there are disturbances in them, which appear for a variety of reasons, blood leaks out, and it ends up in nasal discharge. This situation can be observed not only in people suffering from any ailments, but also in those who are absolutely healthy. In the latter, this occurs due to weak vessel walls.

Where does blood come from in the snot of an adult?

It is important to understand that there is a significant difference between bloody snot and a serious nosebleed. Snot with blood is a mucous discharge containing an admixture in the form of blood streaks, clots or inclusions.

In the first case, the problem is short-term and episodic in nature, in the second, there is a profuse and long-lasting discharge of blood, requiring urgent treatment for qualified medical help.

A runny nose with blood in an adult is provoked by thinned walls of blood vessels that penetrate the mucous membrane in the nasal passages. During inflammation, the cells of the vascular wall, called endothelium, are destroyed. He starts bleeding.

Tiny specks of blood end up in the mucus that comes out of the nose in the form of snot. Due to the inflammatory process, the permeability of the endothelium increases. For this reason, a person is faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as a bloody runny nose.

Reasons for this problem include the following:

1. The habit of blowing your nose a lot.
2. Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the maxillary sinuses (sinusitis), which occurs as a complication after a patient has suffered from influenza, ARVI or tonsillitis.
3. Inflammation of the mucous lining of the paranasal sinuses, called sinusitis.
4. Runny nose.
5. Problems in the functioning of the vascular system, leading to disturbances in the endothelium.
6. Migraines (spasms in the blood vessels of the head).
7. High blood pressure.
8. Taking medications that have vasoconstrictor properties, antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants.
9. Nasal polyps, adenoids in children.
10. Deviation of the nasal septum.

Most often, blood in the snot when blowing your nose appears in diseases such as sinusitis, sinusitis, and rhinitis. With a sharp increase in the amount of blood secreted by the nasal passages of the patient, the period of treatment of the inflammatory process is prolonged.

Runny nose with bloody discharge in an adult

The cause of bloody discharge with snot can be dystrophic changes in the nasal mucosa, curvature of the nasal septum, abnormal development of the vascular system of the nasal cavity, ulcers of a syphilitic, tuberculous or other nature.

Dry rhinitis (runny nose)

A small discharge with blood appears when you remove the crusts adhering to the anterior-inferior part of the nasal septum with your finger. With such tearing off of the crusts, scratches and abrasions occur in the Kisselbach zone (a section of the nasal septum, 1 cm distant from the anterior edge in the middle part in height), where there is a densely looped vascular network. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that the formation of crusts on the nasal mucosa in the Kisselbach zone is associated with a dry anterior runny nose. A slight physical impact with a finger when tearing off a crust or blowing the nose causes damage to the entire layer of mucous membrane down to the cartilage. Here, ulcerations that perforate the septum are possible, which are the source of small recurring bleeding.

Foreign body

Most often, a foreign body in the nasal cavity occurs in childhood, but the cause of bloody discharge can also be a foreign body in an adult. It could be:

• a piece of gauze turunda or cotton wool left during surgery or after tamponade;
• formation that occurs due to excessively abundant and frequent blowing of powdered medications into the nasal cavity, where the powder is wetted, sticks together into a lump, and then cements;
• entry of a foreign body into the nose through the choanae (internal nasal openings) during vomiting is rare;
• entry of a foreign object through the outer surface of the nose due to injuries.

In some cases, the foreign body of the nose is covered with a layer of calcareous and phosphorus calcium salts, forming rhinolith - nasal stone.

Photo: skeeze / Pixabay.com

A foreign body in the nose causes reflex sneezing, lacrimation, and difficulty in nasal breathing. When it stays in the nose for a long time, purulent discharge with blood appears, often with a putrid odor. Usually, snot with blood is separated from one half of the nose, but when a foreign body enters both halves of the nose, the discharge is bilateral. Diagnosing the cause of snot with blood in this case is difficult, since the circumstance in which the object got into the nose is often forgotten: months or years may pass from the moment the foreign body entered the nose. The foreign object becomes covered with granulations and, when examined by a doctor, resembles a tumor.

Hematoma, abscess, perforation of the nasal septum

The cause of discharge with blood can be a hematoma (a limited accumulation of blood in the tissues with the formation of a focus containing liquid or coagulated blood) of the nasal septum, which, as a rule, forms after a trauma to the nose. Hemorrhage occurs between the cartilaginous and bone plate of the septum on one side and the mucous membrane on the other. Hematoma can be one- or two-sided. Nasal breathing may not be impaired, so the patient does not pay attention to the hemorrhage. The hematoma suppurates and becomes an abscess (abscess, abscess) of the nasal septum. There is no pain or it is insignificant, so the patient consults a doctor late. Very quickly, literally within the first few days, the cartilage of the septum is involved in the purulent process. Inflammation of the cartilage tissue leads to defects and deformation of the septum and dorsum of the nose. The danger of a nasal septum abscess is that, spreading upward, the purulent process can reach the roof of the nose and cause intracranial complications.

Injuries of the paranasal sinuses

The cause of discharge with blood and snot can be injuries to the paranasal sinuses. In adults, the frontal and maxillary sinuses are more often damaged. A feature of injuries of this kind is the accumulation of blood in the sinus, and then its suppuration. With closed injuries, the infection enters from the nasal cavity. The wound process turns into purulent sinusitis. Usually the injury is combined with damage to other parts of the facial skeleton, cranial cavity, and eyes. But sometimes it also happens that the external appearance of the injured area does not reflect the depth of the lesion: if the skin is intact, there may be a fracture of the walls of the sinuses with displacement of fragments.

Benign tumors of the nose

Benign tumors of the nose, the symptom of which can be snot with blood, are a bleeding polyp, angioma, papilloma. Typical signs of the development of a benign tumor:

1. persistent difficulty breathing through the half of the nose in which the tumor is located;
2. deterioration of the sense of smell or its complete absence.

In the later stages of the disease, deformation of the facial skeleton, headache, displacement of the eyeballs, and visual disturbances are observed. Papillomas are localized in the vestibule of the nose and grow relatively slowly. Considering that papilloma can degenerate into cancer, it must be removed. But often it grows back. Angiomas (vascular tumors) of the nasal cavity have the appearance of a round, lumpy, red-bluish formation. They develop on the nasal septum, most often in its cartilaginous part, the inferior nasal turbinates, and the vault of the nasal cavity. They grow slowly and bleed periodically, sometimes very heavily. Gradually, the tumor increases, fills the nasal cavity, and can grow into the orbit and maxillary sinus. It needs to be removed. The bleeding polyp is located in the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum and has a wide stalk. It is more common in women, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Its size is usually small, but sometimes the tumor protrudes from the nose. A constant symptom is frequent bleeding, usually in small portions.

Malignant tumors of the nose and sinuses

Snot and blood bleed from malignant diseases in the nose and sinuses. They are relatively rare, usually in middle-aged and elderly men. This is mainly cancer in its various forms and rarely sarcoma. The tumor forms in the sinuses, most often the maxillary (maxillary) sinuses. Rarely, the source of a malignant tumor is the nasal septum. Nasal tumors appear early, but their symptoms are not severe at first. Patients are concerned about gradually increasing difficulty breathing through one half of the nose. The snot first comes without any blood, and then the discharge becomes bloody. Later there may be nosebleeds, ear congestion, spontaneous pain in or near the ear. Malignant tumors that are located in the maxillary sinuses do not manifest themselves for a long time. The first signs of trouble:

• attacks of sharp pain in the area of ​​the affected nerves;
• tooth damage;
• deformation of the facial relief;
• inflammatory process in the sinuses;
• forward displacement of the eyeball (bulging eyes).

A characteristic feature of tumors of the paranasal sinuses is their rapid growth into neighboring organs and tissues: the base of the skull, the orbit, and the oral cavity. A very rare and therefore difficult to diagnose disease is malignant granuloma of the nose. It occurs more often in men and occurs at any age. The disease occurs in three stages. The first lasts from several weeks to several years. Periodic nasal congestion is observed. It is accompanied by watery or serous-bloody discharge. Sometimes superficial ulcers appear in the vestibule of the nose and on its septum. At the second stage of the process, the discharge becomes purulent or purulent-bloody with an unpleasant putrefactive odor. Nasal breathing becomes difficult, and the sense of smell worsens or disappears. Green necrotic plaques appear on the nasal mucosa, which subsequently ulcerate. The process spreads to the nasopharynx, soft tissues of the external nose and other parts of the face. At the third stage of the malignant process, large necrotizing soft tissue defects appear on the face. It is difficult to diagnose a malignant tumor of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the early period. Therefore, it is necessary to exercise oncological vigilance in any painful process in the upper respiratory tract. When snot discharges with blood, it is important to immediately consult a doctor to find out for sure whether a malignant tumor is developing.

Infantile rhinorrhea with blood particles

In newborns, as well as in adolescents, this problem is not uncommon. In babies, especially those under one year of age, the capillary walls are thinner than in adults. They are just going through the process of formation, which is why this type of rhinorrhea can appear even as a consequence of minor injury to the mucous membrane in the nasal passages. For example, if a child often picks his nose.

Possible causes of the problem include:

1. Causing damage to the capillaries of the mucous membrane mechanically (picking your nose with a finger or carelessly using a cotton swab during cleansing). There may not be any serious damage to the mucous membrane, but there will be blood spots in the mucus.
2. Fragile vessels. Often the problem occurs due to a lack of ascorbic acid.
3. Dry mucous membranes. It can be provoked by a household factor (low humidity in the living room) or medication (if you constantly use nasal drops) factor.
4. Infectious diseases that are viral in nature and are accompanied by sneezing. With acute respiratory diseases and influenza in children, rapid thinning of the nasopharyngeal mucosa is observed, in which capillary vessels actively burst.
5. Pressure inside the skull. This is a serious problem that requires an immediate visit to a pediatrician and then to a specialist.
6. Short-term spasm of blood vessels in the head. It mainly occurs from excess loads, changes in climatic conditions or altitude (for example, climbing in the mountains), as well as changes in temperature conditions. Antispasmodics like Drotaverine will help solve this problem.

Provoking factors

The causes of bloody rhinitis include individual structural features of the nasopharynx, congenital developmental anomalies, as well as provoking factors that temporarily have a negative effect on the nasal mucosa. Do not forget about diseases of internal organs that affect the condition of blood vessels, blood, and nasal mucosa.

Why does a runny nose with blood appear?

• vitamin deficiency, hypovitaminosis associated with a decrease in the level of vitamins in the body. The cause of the pathology can be digestive dysfunction, which makes it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients. In addition, a person’s diet influences the vitaminization of the body. Lack of vitamins leads to fragility of blood vessels;
• bad habits. A runny nose with blood is often observed in long-term smokers. The negative effect of toxic products released during the combustion of tobacco damages the nasal mucosa and predisposes the appearance of vascular fragility;
• severe intoxication of the body associated with primary infection, renal, hepatic dysfunction, the presence of a chronic source of infection or the use of toxic products;
• dry, hot, polluted or too humid air leads to a decrease in the protective functions of the nasal mucosa, which predisposes to injury to local blood vessels. This group also includes harmful working conditions associated with the release of toxic substances, dust particles or allergens into the air. After several years of daily contact with the provoking factor, the mucous membrane of the nasal passages undergoes transformation, losing cilia. When the glands are damaged, mucus begins to be intensively produced, causing the appearance of rhinorrhea. In the case of atrophic changes in the mucous membrane and glands, a decrease in the production of protective mucus is possible;
• Bloody snot can be observed with prolonged rhinitis of viral origin. Vascular fragility is a consequence of the toxic effects of infectious pathogens;
• Nasal discharge with blood is a concern in chronic sinusitis, when the infection persists in the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses, maintaining sluggish inflammation. In pathology, green snot is disturbing. In this case, yellow or green shades of mucus indicate an admixture of pus;
• with an increase in intracranial and blood pressure, bloody discharge from the nose appears due to changes in vascular tone. Peripheral vessels narrow and become less elastic, which increases the risk of violating their integrity. Vascular diseases also contribute to this;
• diseases of the circulatory system, which are based on changes in the parameters of the coagulation system. Impaired hemostasis leads to the appearance of blood in the nasal secretions. These diseases include hemophilia, thrombocytopenia and other congenital diseases of the blood system;
• papillomas in the nasal cavities - can be easily injured when “blowing your nose”;
• snot with blood can be observed after prolonged exposure to the sun, severe stress or heavy physical activity;
• blood in the snot is observed due to a decrease in blood clotting due to long-term use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents;
• mechanical factor (trauma, excessive efforts to clear crusts or mucus from the nose);
• streaks of blood with snot can be released in the atrophic form of rhinitis. The disease develops as a result of long-term use of intranasal drops with a vasoconstrictor effect. A sign of pathology is dry mucous membranes, the appearance of crusts in the nose and blood in the snot;
• poor living conditions. If the room has dry air, the nasal mucosa dries out, which is why it is not always possible to remove mucus from the nose without damaging the blood vessels;

Blood is released from one nostril in case of injury to the mucous membrane of one nasal passage.

Possible symptoms

By the appearance of mucous discharge, accompanied by the appearance of blood, the disease that led to this problem is determined.

Greenish nasal mucus with blood

If at the beginning of the development of the disease, nasal mucus is colorless and transparent, and then acquires a thick consistency and a green tint, bloody snot is caused by bacterial damage to the nasopharynx. The sick person needs to sanitize the nasal passages with saline solutions, walks outside and inhale fresh air.

If the patient’s condition worsens, the nasal mucous membranes have acquired a deep greenish color with an unpleasant odor, and there are more blood clots, it is necessary to immediately see an ENT specialist.

The doctor will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe treatment with medications appropriate to the disease. It is possible to be referred for inpatient treatment if a meningococcal, staphylococcal infection or other acute infection is suspected.

Green discharge can also appear with adenoids. They are accompanied by cough, hearing loss (ears begin to clog), and the development of otitis media and sinusitis.

Yellowish tint to the discharge

A strong accumulation of mucus in the nasal passages, which is yellow in color and contains blood particles, is characteristic of periods of exacerbation of inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. In this case, there is an accumulation of pathological fluid in the sinuses, which interferes with the recovery processes.

Bloody runny nose of different colors and consistency - what does it mean?

The color and thickness of bloody snot may vary. By their appearance, as well as accompanying symptoms, one or another disease can be diagnosed.

Green snot

This type of sniffle with bloody impurities indicates the presence of a bacterial infection, which can cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa (bacterial rhinitis) or paranasal sinuses (sinusitis).

With sinusitis and other types of sinusitis, green snot is accompanied by:

• painful sensations in the areas of inflamed sinuses;
• increased temperature;
• feeling of weakness;
• rapid fatigue.

Often this causes a runny nose to become bloody.

One of the symptoms of sinusitis is the discharge of green mucus from one nostril, usually when one of the maxillary sinuses becomes inflamed.

If the green snot is very thick, almost hard, and has an unpleasant odor, then this indicates ozen.

Brown snot

The brown color of the sniffles appears when the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is destroyed. During this process, the iron contained in the blood has time to oxidize, giving the snot a brown color. This condition is typical for the atrophic form of chronic rhinitis, but may also indicate the presence of a malignant tumor in the nasal cavity. That is why, when discharge of this nature requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

Yellow snot

Yellow snot indicates the presence of pus in it. This symptom is very alarming, especially when it is snot streaked with blood. The appearance of pus and blood in the snot may indicate purulent sinusitis, the appearance of an abscess in the nasal cavity or suppuration of a cyst.

The presence of blood means that the vessels in the area of ​​pus formation are damaged, which means that the infection can penetrate the bloodstream and cause such dangerous complications as sepsis and brain abscess. Therefore, purulent snot with blood is a reason to urgently seek the help of a specialist.

Snot with blood in the morning

The appearance of bloody sniffles only in the morning and their absence at other times of the day can signal chronic sinusitis. In this case, the outflow of mucus accumulated in the paranasal sinuses is difficult, and is possible only after a long stay in a supine position during a night's rest.

Sometimes the appearance of blood in the snot in the morning indicates arterial hypertension. Sharp rises in blood pressure usually occur in the morning, and when a hypertensive patient quickly gets out of bed, the capillaries of the nasal mucosa can burst, unable to withstand the blood pressure.

Rhinorrhea with blood in pregnant women

A similar problem during pregnancy is evidence of high blood pressure. The expectant mother should avoid such situations and carefully ensure that the pressure is within normal limits. If a pregnant woman encounters this problem, she needs to see a doctor as soon as possible.

If you have a problem with bloody snot, you need to visit the clinic and see an otolaryngologist. There are times when a patient needs to undergo antihistamine or antibacterial therapy, pump out accumulated purulent discharge, or prescribe a long course of physiotherapeutic procedures.

Prevention Tips

Yellow snot with bloody streaks indicates the presence of an infection in the nasal cavities. To prevent bleeding and reduce the risk of nosebleeds, it is recommended:

1. control the air humidity in the room. For humidification, you can use a special device;
2. carry out wet cleaning in the room at least two to three times a week;
3. strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and duration of taking medications that affect blood clotting;
4. treat acute nasal diseases in a timely manner, avoiding chronicity of the infectious and inflammatory process;
5. eat right, enriching your diet with vitamin products;
6. stop smoking;
7. control the duration of use of intranasal drops with a vasoconstrictor effect;
8. use protective equipment in hazardous industries;
9. avoid the influence of stress factors;
10. control blood pressure levels, physical activity;
11. Carefully clean the nasal passages by “blowing your nose” or mechanical cleansing.

We have examined the most common causes of violation of the integrity of the vessels of the nasal cavities. There are many more reasons for the appearance of blood streaks in snot, so if you blow your nose, you should consult a doctor. The disease can be cured only by eliminating the negative influence of the provoking factor.

You shouldn’t be afraid of snot with blood during a runny nose; snot with blood during a runny nose does not necessarily indicate a serious illness

In our cold climate, a runny nose is a common symptom of a cold. Sometimes nasal discharge is mixed with blood, which causes fear, especially when it comes to children. Do not be afraid; snot with blood during a runny nose does not necessarily indicate a serious illness. This symptom should be considered taking into account other existing circumstances.

How to treat a runny nose with blood

If little blood is released, there are no severe inflammatory processes such as sinusitis, there are no severe headaches or dizziness, it is not necessary to take serious measures, especially if the case is isolated. In general, you need to calm the mucous membrane and engage in therapy that improves the immune system and strengthens blood vessels and capillaries. The following methods are usually used:

1. Vasoconstrictor nasal drops. They should not be used very often; they are suitable for cases where the discharge with blood is quite abundant and congestion is present. You should not choose drops that irritate the mucous membrane; xylometazoline-based products are most suitable.

Rinsing the nose with agents that have a wound healing effect. Most suitable in this case are weak infusions of medicinal herbs, for example, chamomile. One tablespoon of the dried plant should be poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Taking medications to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. In this case, no medications are required; it is enough to use products based on natural ingredients. Infusions and decoctions based on rose hips, cranberries, lingonberries, and honey are recommended.

Prevention of bloody snot

Since a bloody runny nose is often caused by weakness of the nasal vessels, they should be strengthened, but it is difficult to do this only with the walls of the vessels in the nose, so it is better to completely strengthen your vascular system. The easiest way to do this is by regularly playing sports and being outdoors. It is not necessary to take on professional loads; it is enough to constantly do exercises of medium difficulty. A contrast shower is useful. This will strengthen blood vessels and also improve your overall well-being.

How else can you strengthen blood vessels and what are the best methods:

Don’t forget about providing a comfortable environment for the sinuses:

1. Ventilate the room regularly;
2. If the air in the apartment is very dry, you should purchase a humidifier;
3. Moisturize your nasal cavity before going outside or use a special ointment to protect the mucous membrane.

The most important thing is to monitor your health and listen to your feelings. A correct lifestyle will help avoid thinning of blood vessels and other diseases that can cause a runny nose with blood.

Prevention

To avoid the appearance of such an unpleasant symptom as bloody snot, it is necessary to follow preventive measures:

• avoid injuring the nasal mucosa (do not pick your nostrils with sharp objects, blow your nose carefully);
• increase the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria - carry out hardening procedures, spend more time outdoors, play sports, give up bad habits;
• humidify the air in the room to avoid drying out and thinning of the nasal epithelium;
• instill isotonic solutions in order to moisturize the mucous membrane and wash away the microbial flora from its surface (it is especially useful to use such drugs at the height of the cold season);
• identify and treat acute diseases of the nasopharynx in a timely manner, without allowing the process to become chronic;
• limit excessive physical activity and reduce the number of stressful situations;
• eat a balanced diet, providing the body with the necessary substances to maintain strong immunity and the strength of the vascular network;
• Get proper rest and follow a daily routine.

During the seasons when ARVI and influenza are spreading, you need to wash your hands as often as possible and avoid crowded places; in order to avoid infection, it is also recommended to limit contact with people who have a runny nose, respiratory and bacterial infections.

If snot with blood appears, as it seems, for no apparent reason, you should not delay your visit to the doctor. It would be a good idea to visit an otolaryngologist; he will conduct a thorough clinical examination, make the correct diagnosis and select the optimal treatment regimen.

If blood in the mucous secretions appears after an injury to the epithelium, hygiene procedures must be carried out more carefully in the future. After all, through injured, inflamed nasal tissue, it will be much easier for pathogenic microbes to enter the body, causing the development of an acute inflammatory process.

How to stop nosebleeds?

Treatment of vascular fragility

Blood that occurs with a runny nose in an adult can be a congenital or acquired phenomenon.
The reasons for its leakage are usually associated with the fragility of the vascular walls. Often the provoking factor is hormonal changes in the body. This can often happen in women who are pregnant. The next load on the body leads to the fact that the capillaries cannot withstand and burst.

Blood clots or streaks will appear in greater volume if excessive force is applied when clearing mucus from the nose. In most cases, after childbirth, hormonal levels return to normal, and along with it, the elasticity of blood vessels is restored. It happens that bloody discharge along with snot does not disappear. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Rhinitis in adults mixed with blood can occur due to a lack of vitamins A, B, C, P and K. Iron deficiency can also cause a lot of different unpleasant symptoms. This includes nosebleeds.

Medications that can be prescribed to a patient with fragile blood vessels include:

• Dihydroquercetin;
• Ascorutin;
• Atromidine;
• Cinnarizine;
• Zokor;
• Piracetam, etc.

All medications are selected taking into account the overall clinical picture.
To normalize the functioning of the immune system and strengthen blood vessels, it is necessary to increase the time spent in the fresh air. A contrast shower has a good effect on the body. You should not use any medications without a doctor's prescription. The therapeutic course should be selected taking into account the provocateur of nosebleeds.

Most medications that are prescribed to treat nasal congestion due to rhinitis are not suitable for a woman carrying a child. There are cases when the condition of a pregnant woman forces specialists to take extreme measures and prescribe medications that pose a potential threat to the mother or baby. Such treatment must be carried out under strict medical supervision.