Table of contents:
- Various conditions that cause bleeding snot
- 1. Sores or injuries to the nose
- 2. The air is too dry and cold
- 3. Foreign objects enter the nose
- 4. The structure of the nose is abnormal
- 5. Certain drugs
- 6. Nasal congestion or respiratory infection
- 7. Tumors or cancer of the nose
- How to deal with bleeding snot quickly
Have you ever tried to blow your nose, but the mucus that comes out is actually red or brown in color? It could be that the mucus that you pass contains blood. What causes bleeding snot and how to deal with it? Check out the explanation below.
Various conditions that cause bleeding snot
Bloody mucus is often associated with nosebleeds, which are light or heavy bleeding in the nose caused by problems inside the nose. Usually, the disorder is triggered by damaged blood vessels.
Inside the wall of your nose, there are many blood vessels that are located close to the surface of the nasal wall. Well, these blood vessels are very easily irritated and damaged due to various factors. As a result, the mucus that you are trying to get can contain blood.
Here are some conditions that can cause your mucus to bleed:
1. Sores or injuries to the nose
It turns out that your habit of treating your nose can cause sores and cause bleeding, you know. Try to remember again, how are your habits when blowing your nose or removing dirt from your nose, aka picking your nose?
When you try to blow your nose too hard, you run the risk of injuring the blood vessels in the nasal wall. As a result, the mucus that you pass can mix with blood.
Likewise with the habit of picking your nose. If the finger movements are too rough or go too deep, your blood vessels can also be damaged.
Apart from these two habits, it is not uncommon for bleeding snot to be caused by post-nose surgery wounds that have not completely healed. So, make sure you take good care of your nose while it is still recovering from nose surgery, yes.
2. The air is too dry and cold
Environmental factors can also cause bleeding snot. One of them is the air that is too cold and dry. How can?
Cold, dry air has the potential to damage blood vessels due to the lack of moisture in the nasal walls. This condition also causes the recovery of blood vessels to take longer and the nose is more susceptible to infection. As a result, blood can come out when you try to blow your nose.
This condition usually occurs in areas with cold winters. In addition, it is possible to be in a room that is too cold with low humidity can cause mucus to bleed.
3. Foreign objects enter the nose
Foreign objects that enter or get stuck in the nose can also damage the blood vessels, so that the mucus you pass can bleed.
This phenomenon is commonly found in people who use nasal sprays, such as steroid drugs to treat rhinitis. According to a study from Ear, Nose, and Throat Journal, as many as 5% of participants who used steroid sprays experienced bleeding from the nose during 2 months of use.
In addition, exposure to certain chemicals, such as too strong ammonia or the narcotic drug cocaine, is also at risk of causing bleeding from the nose.
4. The structure of the nose is abnormal
Sometimes, people are born with an abnormal nose shape or anatomy. One example is a bent nasal bone or deviation of the septum. This condition can also trigger a mucus mixed with blood when you try to blow your nose.
Apart from deviation of the septum, accidents that result in a fracture of the nasal bones can also cause bleeding in the nose. In addition, bleeding occurs more easily if the abnormal nasal structure is accompanied by a dry nose.
5. Certain drugs
Medicines that you take or use can also cause bleeding snot. Some of these include blood thinners or anticoagulants, which are commonly prescribed for certain blood diseases or disorders.
Examples of blood thinners are warfarin and heparin. If you really need the drug, you can consult your doctor about the dosage of medication, and take proper nose care so you don't bleed easily when you blow your nose.
6. Nasal congestion or respiratory infection
Nasal congestion due to certain conditions, such as a cold, sinusitis, allergies, or the presence of nasal polyps also has the potential to cause bleeding when you force your nose.
The conditions above are often uncomfortable, which makes you want to blow your nose as soon as possible. However, you have to be careful. Too often blowing your nose also has the potential to damage blood vessels, so that the mucus that you pass bleeds.
7. Tumors or cancer of the nose
Although the case is very rare, it does not rule out the bleeding snot that you have is caused by a tumor or nose cancer.
You must be vigilant if the mucus is constantly mixed with blood and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pus appearing from the nose, pain in the ears and under the eyes, decreased smell, numb teeth, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
How to deal with bleeding snot quickly
You don't need to worry because most cases of mucus mixed with blood can be treated with natural methods that can be done at home. Here are some tips you can try:
- Sit in an upright position with your head slightly inclined forward.
- Use a cloth or damp cloth to clean the blood.
- Pinch and gently press the soft part of your nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10-15 minutes. Breathe through your mouth for a while.
- Make sure the air in the room remains humid, especially if you frequently turn on the air conditioner indoors. You can install humidifier at home.
- Moisturize your nose with dabbing petroleum jelly or spray water saline.
- Avoid picking your nose or blowing your nose too hard
If your mucus continues to come out mixed with blood, do not delay the time to see a doctor. That way, you will get treatment according to the cause of the bleeding snot that you are experiencing.
