Inside the nose is a network of tiny blood vessels located close to the surface of the nasal lining, particularly in the front part of the septum. These blood vessels are superficial, making them vulnerable to damage when blowing your nose forcefully, leading to discharge mixed with blood, or in more severe cases, a nosebleed.

Doctor Trieu Thi Ngoc Anh, from the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, identifies potential causes of blood when blowing your nose.

Excessively dry air

The nasal lining requires moisture to protect the underlying blood vessels. Dry air from air conditioning or low-humidity environments can easily dehydrate the nasal lining, causing it to crust and crack. When a person blows their nose or removes scabs, the underlying blood vessels may rupture and bleed.

Blowing your nose too forcefully

During a cold, rhinitis, or allergies, increased nasal secretions necessitate frequent nose blowing. This creates pressure and friction on the nasal lining, especially the septum, potentially damaging blood vessels. In such cases, nasal discharge is often thick with a few streaks of red blood or appears pink.

Blowing your nose too forcefully can damage small blood vessels in the nose. Photo: Duy Anh

Rhinitis, common cold, or sinusitis

Conditions that inflame the nasal passages, such as the common cold, allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis, can cause the nasal lining to swell and become irritated. Frequent sneezing and nose blowing can worsen mechanical damage, leading to bleeding. When experiencing allergies, individuals tend to rub or pick their nose to relieve itching, which can abrade the nasal lining and cause bleeding.

Improper use of nasal sprays

Certain nasal sprays, particularly when used frequently or incorrectly, can cause dryness and irritation of the nasal lining. According to Doctor Ngoc Anh, corticosteroid nasal sprays used to treat allergic rhinitis increase the risk of irritation or nosebleeds in some individuals.

When using nasal sprays, individuals should follow their doctor's instructions or the product leaflet, avoiding forceful direct spraying onto the nasal septum or continuous use against medical advice.

If nosebleeds recur frequently, persist, occur without clear cause, primarily on one side, or are accompanied by nasal congestion, nasal pain, or unusual nasal discharge, individuals should consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. In cases where blowing your nose leads to bleeding that cannot be stopped after 20-30 minutes of first aid, or if bleeding is heavy, causes dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing, or occurs after head or facial trauma, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Minh Duong