Is it normal to have nosebleeds after recovering from COVID-19?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Due to factors such as wearing masks and difficulty breathing, patients may easily develop dryness in the mouth and nose, leading to gradual dehydration of the nasal mucosa and ultimately causing nosebleeds. Nosebleeds can also occur if a rigid swab is used for nasal specimen collection during sampling. If the patient already has an underlying bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, the nosebleed may be unrelated to COVID-19.
Recovery from COVID-19 (commonly referred to as "Yang Kang") typically refers to convalescence after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether experiencing bleeding during this period is normal depends on the individual patient's specific circumstances. Details are as follows:
1. Normal
Due to factors such as wearing masks and breathing difficulties, patients may easily develop dryness in the mouth and nose, leading to gradual dehydration of nasal mucosa and eventually causing nosebleeds. Additionally, if a rigid swab was used for nasopharyngeal sampling during specimen collection, it could damage the nasal mucosa and indirectly lead to nosebleeds.
2. Abnormal
If the patient already has an underlying bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, the nosebleed may not be related to COVID-19 but rather to their pre-existing condition. Furthermore, if nosebleeds occur alongside other severe symptoms—such as high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing—or involve heavy bleeding, this may indicate that the disease has progressed to a more serious stage.
If bleeding is mild and accompanied by symptoms like dryness of the mouth and nose, observation may be sufficient, along with maintaining adequate fluid intake and keeping the nasal passages moist. However, if nosebleeds become frequent or involve significant blood loss, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are necessary.
