What does it mean if I find blood in my nasal mucus when blowing my nose in the morning?

Noticing blood in nasal mucus when blowing your nose in the morning may be caused by dry environments, excessive force, rhinitis, sinusitis, or vestibulitis. This can be improved by moisturizing the nasal passages, gently blowing the nose, and medical treatment. If bleeding occurs frequently or increases in amount, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Dry Environment: Dry air during nighttime sleep causes the nasal mucosa to lose moisture and become fragile, making it prone to rupture and bleeding when blowing the nose, often accompanied by nasal dryness and crusting. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase ambient humidity and apply a saline nasal spray before bedtime to moisten the nasal mucosa.

2. Excessive Force: Blowing the nose too hard can compress blood vessels in the nasal cavity, causing them to rupture and mix blood with mucus, possibly accompanied by mild nasal fullness or pain. It is advised to blow the nose gently, alternate between nostrils, and avoid pressing too hard on the nasal wings.

3. Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to infection or allergies leads to congestion and swelling, making blood vessels more likely to rupture. Blood-tinged mucus may appear when blowing the nose, along with nasal congestion and sneezing. Patients may use medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, loratadine tablets, or Biyuan Tongqiao Granules under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinus mucosa causes congestion, and blood vessels may rupture during nose-blowing, resulting in bloody mucus, accompanied by purulent discharge, headache, and reduced sense of smell. It is recommended to take medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, eucalyptus oil and pinene enteric soft capsules, and budesonide nasal spray under medical supervision to alleviate discomfort.

5. Nasal Vestibulitis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation of the skin in the nasal vestibule, leading to erosion and oozing of the mucosa, resulting in blood-tinged mucus when blowing the nose, along with redness, swelling, and pain in the nasal vestibule. Patients may use erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, or physiological seawater nasal spray as directed by a physician to improve symptoms.

To maintain healthy nasal mucosa, keep the nasal passages clean, avoid frequent nose picking, drink plenty of warm water, follow a light diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and wear a mask outdoors to reduce exposure to dust and irritants.