Sinusitis with nosebleeds, characterized by bleeding from the front or back of the nose during acute sinusitis, is typically not dangerous if it occurs infrequently and stops quickly on its own. Common accompanying symptoms include facial pain, runny nose, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headaches, and brownish nasal discharge. This condition is often seen in pregnant women, individuals with necrotic nasal cavity tumors, those with dry nasal lining, or after nasal and sinus surgery.

The main cause is often inflamed, dry nasal and sinus lining, which becomes vulnerable in cold weather or when a patient blows their nose forcefully. Cold weather, dry air, and reduced humidity contribute to dry nasal lining. This lining contains numerous small blood vessels that are easily damaged, so even a strong sneeze can trigger bleeding.

Nosebleeds during sinusitis accompanied by worsening headaches, prolonged foul-smelling or bloody nasal discharge, high fever, eye swelling and pain, or uncontrolled bleeding are serious signs. These could indicate severe infection, sinus polyps, deep mucosal damage, or, less commonly, orbital complications, requiring immediate medical attention.

Doctor Nguyen is consulting a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic.

For treatment, patients should use medication as prescribed by a doctor and combine it with saline nasal rinses to clear discharge and reduce congestion. If allergic rhinosinusitis is the cause, desensitization therapy (allergy shots) may be prescribed to lessen the body's overreaction to allergens. When medical and non-invasive treatments are ineffective, doctors evaluate and recommend endoscopic sinus surgery to remove blockages, restore sinus openings, and limit recurrence.

To prevent nosebleeds when the weather turns cold, individuals should keep warm, avoid sudden temperature changes, and rinse their nose with saline daily to help maintain mucosal moisture and reduce the risk of capillary rupture. Avoid blowing your nose too forcefully, do not pick your nose, and stop using vasoconstrictor nasal sprays if you have used them for a prolonged period. If you experience recurrent bleeding or it is accompanied by headaches, fever, facial pressure, you should revisit an ear, nose, and throat specialist for examination and timely management.

Doctor CKI Tran Xuan Nguyen

Ear, Nose, and Throat Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7