What Causes Blood in Nasal Discharge?

Many patients experience recurrent nosebleeds due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and irregular diets. So, what causes blood-tinged nasal discharge?

What Causes Blood-Tinged Nasal Discharge?

Blood-tinged nasal discharge is most commonly caused by the common cold. Patients should drink plenty of water and avoid spicy or irritating foods. During a cold, viral infection invades the nasal mucosa, causing mucosal swelling and affecting the underlying capillaries, rendering them fragile and prone to rupture during nasal wiping—resulting in streaks of blood in the mucus. Typically, nosebleeds associated with the common cold are infrequent and involve minimal bleeding. Following a cold, secondary bacterial sinusitis may develop, which can easily trigger epistaxis—a common symptom of upper respiratory infections.

Nasal cavity neoplasms: Benign tumors such as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma or papilloma may cause nasal bleeding. Systemic diseases: Hematologic disorders—including leukemia, thrombocytopenia, or hemophilia—can impair coagulation function, thereby predisposing individuals to epistaxis.

If blood-tinged nasal discharge occurs, nasal endoscopy is recommended to assess for nasal septal deviation, mucosal inflammation, or intranasal tumors. Additionally, blood tests—including complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile (six parameters)—should be performed. If abnormalities are detected, referral to a hematologist for further evaluation and management is warranted. Surgical intervention may be required for confirmed nasal septal deviation or intranasal neoplasms. In cases of isolated nasal mucosal inflammation, pharmacologic therapy is usually sufficient to control symptoms. We hope this information is helpful to you!