Nasal Discharge with Blood
At 35 years old, I've been experiencing some form of respiratory issue, potentially a cold or sinusitis—I can't quite determine which. It all began last Friday with a dry throat and a cough that quickly escalated into nasal congestion. Overall, it wasn't severely debilitating; I was still able to carry on with my usual activities. I did experience a headache but no significant weakness, body aches, or fever, although there was a day of chills without an accompanying fever, which felt odd. Recently, I’ve noticed a troubling symptom: bloody nasal discharge. This occurs either when I irritate my nasal passages or when I clear my throat. The congestion is noticeable; however, I doubt this blood is stemming from my lungs, as my cough is dry without any mucus being produced. The thickness of the discharge has led me to wonder if I might be dealing with sinusitis again. Additionally, I've had a blocked ear with muffled hearing, which raises more concerns. A year ago, I had COVID-19, and during that illness, I remember my ear popping while I was trying to clear mucus. Since then, that ear hasn't popped back and has been persistently blocked whenever I get sick, including my last bout in January. I consulted an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in February, who examined both my ear and nasal passages. According to him, everything looked normal, even after a previous sinus infection that was treated. He prescribed a Medrol dose pack to reduce inflammation, hoping it would help with my ear issue, but I didn't notice any improvement. I find myself grappling with a few questions: Is it typical to see blood in nasal mucus? I noticed one of the clots of mucus was profoundly dark red. Additionally, what could be happening with my Eustachian tube? Does this seem indicative of sinusitis, considering I’ve experienced it earlier this year, despite not typically being prone to it? I don’t recall having been diagnosed with it recently.
Answers (1)
6/10/2025, 2:52:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about experiencing bloody nasal discharge, especially in the context of recent respiratory symptoms. While it’s not uncommon to see a small amount of blood in the nasal mucus—often due to dryness, irritation, or minor injuries to the nasal passages—the dark red color and the accompanying symptoms you're describing do warrant careful attention.
Explanation
The symptoms you've described, including nasal congestion, a dry throat, a cough, headaches, and the noticeable bloody discharge, can be indicative of several possible conditions, including:
- Sinusitis: This inflammation of the sinuses can lead to congestion and may cause bloody mucus if the nasal passages are irritated.
- Allergies or Irritants: Allergic reactions or exposure to irritants (like smoke or strong odors) can also result in nasal passage irritation, leading to bleeding.
- Nasal Polyps or Other Structural Issues: Though less common, structural issues in the nasal passages, such as polyps, can contribute to these symptoms.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: The blockage and muffled hearing in your ear may indicate that the Eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose) is not functioning properly, possibly due to inflammation from sinus issues or infections.
Next Steps
-
Keep Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help keep your mucus thin and reduce congestion. Warm teas or steam inhalation can also help soothe your nasal passages.
-
Nasal Saline Rinse: Use a saline nasal spray or perform a saline rinse (like a neti pot) to moisturize your nasal passages and reduce irritation. This can help clear out any mucus buildup and potentially reduce bleeding.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the frequency and amount of blood in your nasal discharge, noting any changes in other symptoms like headache severity, ear blockage, or any new symptoms.
-
Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to smoke, strong odors, and allergens that may further irritate your nasal passages.
-
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If headaches persist, consider using OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage discomfort.
-
Consult a Healthcare Provider if Needed: If the bloody discharge continues, worsens, or is accompanied by increased facial pain, fever, or swelling, consider seeking further evaluation. This could include looking into possible sinus infections or further assessing your Eustachian tube function.
It's good that you've previously consulted a specialist, but it's always prudent to reach out again if symptoms don't improve or escalate. Listening to your body is key, and you're taking the right steps by monitoring your situation. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Considering Trazodone with 2nd Degree AV Block Mobitz Type I: A Personal Inquiry
Recently, I consulted with a psychiatrist on the recommendation of my therapist. During that visit, I was prescribed sertraline, starting at 25 mg for the first week before increasing to 50 mg, alongside trazodone at a similar dosage, to help with my sleeplessness. After undergoing an EKG, which revealed a first-degree AV block, further testing with a Holter monitor indicated a second-degree AV block. Two cardiologists advised me against using trazodone, leading me to solely take sertraline, which I have been on for 12 days without any adverse effects so far. Just two days prior, I had a follow-up appointment with my psychiatrist. To my surprise, she informed me that a lower dose of trazodone, specifically 25 mg, could be an option. I've been contemplating trying it given that the AV block isn't causing me any issues – I wouldn’t have known about it had it not been for the EKG – and also because melatonin isn’t consistently effective for me. I'm reaching out for advice since I haven't come across much information online about the safety of trazodone in conjunction with this type of AV block; most findings seem to focus on trazodone overdose. Thank you for your insights! (Please excuse any language errors; English is not my native tongue.)
Seeking Relief: Ongoing Ear and Facial Discomfort After Two Weeks of Respiratory Illness
I am currently experiencing day 14 of a lingering respiratory illness, the origins of which remain unclear. It initially presented with relentless sneezing and a persistent runny nose, accompanied by a low-grade fever ranging from 99 to 100 degrees. Additionally, I have suffered from facial and sinus pain, conjunctivitis, intense headaches, fatigue, and general body aches. After visiting urgent care, I underwent tests for COVID-19, influenza types A and B, and RSV, all returning negative results. The doctor provided me with azelastine; however, he indicated that no further interventions were necessary at that time. While the sneezing and excessive nasal discharge subsided within a few days, I continue to endure headaches, congestion, generalized aches, and overwhelming fatigue at this two-week mark. Moreover, I've recently started experiencing pain in my left ear, with persistent sinus discomfort on that same side. Occasionally, I find myself running a fever of around 99 degrees. Unfortunately, I am unable to make an appointment with my primary care physician for another couple of weeks. I am contemplating whether another visit to urgent care would be worthwhile. Is there any potential relief available for my ear pain? Due to my allergy to aspirin and NSAIDs, I can only use Tylenol, which hasn't alleviated the discomfort. I suspect that I may simply need to ride out this troublesome illness, but could the symptoms indicate a bacterial infection that warrants an antibiotic treatment? Additional Information: - Age: 60 - Gender: Female - Height: 5'2" - Weight: 120 lbs - Ethnicity: White/Asian - Duration of symptoms: 14 days - Pain location: Left ear and left side of the face - Relevant medical history: MCAS, POTS, hEDS, one adrenal gland - Current medications: loratadine, famotidine, fluticasone, prescription potassium, metoprolol, montelukast, azelastine
Seeking Help for Severe Duodenal Reflux Gastritis
Hello, f30. I'm reaching out for guidance on how to effectively communicate my condition to a gastroenterologist. I’m experiencing significant duodenal reflux, resulting in bile and fluid accumulating in my stomach. After only a few bites of food, my stomach fills with liquid rather than emptying properly, leading to prolonged retention that causes irritation. Over time, my digestive function has steadily declined. I’ve lost 13 kilograms and now find it challenging to consume even a single glass of water or two meals a day. While I don't experience nausea, I'm plagued by continuous liquid retention and a persistent dull burning sensation that is worsening, accompanied by a swallowing reflex that feels like water pooling in my throat. Previous symptoms, such as sporadic but intense feelings of hunger that were alleviated by eating, as well as brief periods of gnawing discomfort, were ignored during earlier consultations. I later realized these could indicate a mild form of erosive gastritis. Regrettably, the delay in proper diagnosis and the misleading advice from alternative healthcare providers have exacerbated my situation, something that is quite difficult to accept given that I may have been treatable at that time. In contrast, I’ve observed online communities where people suffering from gastritis report more severe experiences than I initially had, leading me to unknowingly consume foods that exacerbated my condition. Many healthcare professionals attribute my issues to anxiety or stress. Although I acknowledge that worrying about my health has not contributed positively to my situation, I have not seen a direct correlation between stress and physical symptoms. Moreover, I have no history of mental health disorders. I would have been open to a diagnosis of gastritis along with a stress-related component, but the biological factors have never been thoroughly explored. I felt as though I was on a path to recovery but, lacking essential knowledge, I inadvertently consumed inappropriate foods and drinks. My primary challenge lies in articulating the severity and progressive nature of my condition without coming off as self-diagnosing or exaggerating my symptoms. I wish to convey the abnormal and uncontrollable accumulation of liquid and its damaging effects, yet I am continually dismissed because I still consume food and my digestion appears normal. I seek an assessment of whether the fluids I'm retaining are from my stomach or the pancreas. A year ago, an endoscopy indicated a healthy stomach (only a month following an injury), yet my health has deteriorated since, a point that was previously dismissed. I now recognize this decline to be linked to more severe bile reflux, triggered by my injury, which has led to a gradual loss of stomach function. I am exploring the possibility of the DeMeester duodenal switch surgery, but it’s not feasible in my country. I hope to attain the necessary diagnosis to discuss this possibility. How can I express to a doctor that my issues are no longer merely psychological? I am unable to eat or drink the necessary amount for survival, and relying solely on a once-daily meal is not sustainable. How should I approach asking for further investigation or an open dialogue regarding future treatments, including the potential for surgery, when prior referrals have been declined without a full understanding of my situation? I appreciate any advice you might have regarding my language or strategy when addressing this. A candid discussion concerning the risks and benefits of surgery in my circumstance is crucial. Additionally, has my stomach lost neural function? Are the fluids I’m experiencing pancreatic, or are they unusual protective secretions from the stomach? It is vital for me to gain a realistic perspective on my future. I realize that whenever I suspect bile, the subsequent day becomes noticeably more challenging. Can surgery potentially reverse this damage, or is that a futile hope? Those are the types of questions I want to explore with a medical professional.
Experiencing Pressure in My Teeth Again After Sinus Surgery
**Age:** 33 **Gender:** Female **Weight:** 150 lbs (Height: 5'4", Ethnicity: Caucasian) **Concern Area:** Upper right molars and nasal passages **Medical Background:** Underwent sinus surgery in August 2025 for silent sinus syndrome; no history of significant surgical procedures. **Current Medications:** 40mg of Prozac, 300mg of Wellbutrin, 10mg of Zyrtec, Aurovela contraceptive (all taken daily) **Additional Info:** Occasionally consume HHC and THC gummies, usually 125mg or 50mg if I haven’t taken them in a while. ***Rest assured, I avoided any use prior to my surgery.*** I mention this because my usage tends to cause nasal congestion. I have allergies to pet dander and live with two cats, which necessitates my daily Zyrtec intake; however, I frequently experience nasal congestion. The medication mainly helps with preventing runny nose and alleviating itchy/watery eyes. ---- Here’s some background! For a lengthy period, whenever I caught a cold or experienced significant nasal congestion, blowing my nose would result in intense pressure in my upper right molars, as if something was pushing against them. This was quite alarming. A dentist conducted a CT scan and discovered that my right maxillary sinus was completely obstructed. Consequently, I was referred to an ENT specialist who confirmed the diagnosis of silent sinus syndrome and subsequently performed the surgery. At my last follow-up, the ENT informed me that I should discontinue using the sinus rinse. However, I am currently facing similar sensations again. The same teeth are experiencing that troubling pressure right now, coinciding with a cold. Since August, despite having multiple colds, I had not felt this discomfort until now. ---- Should I reach out to the ENT once more? Is it better to wait until my upcoming dental appointment, which is in a week, to discuss it with them first? Would it be wise to purchase a new sinus rinse bottle (as they recommend replacement every three months) and start using it again? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!
Concern Over Sudden Loss of Smell and Taste Due to Cold Symptoms
Greetings! My wife, who is 30 years old, has unexpectedly lost her sense of smell and taste. She currently has a cold accompanied by frequent sneezing. Earlier today, she was dealing with a stuffy and congested nose; however, her nasal passages now feel clearer. On top of that, she has been experiencing chills and her throat feels quite scratchy. In terms of treatment, she has taken acetaminophen along with some throat lozenges to help alleviate her symptoms. Is this a common occurrence? I find myself quite concerned. Thanks for your assistance!