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Some blood content when blowing nose, one side.
About two months ago I had to go to ER for an early morning (3AM) nose bleed that I couldn't stop at home. I woke up with the condition from an otherwise sound sleep. I suffer from night time nasal congestion and frequently use an Afrin-type nose spray once at bedtime... I also use saline spray and try to get by using just that for a few nights - not sure what I used the night of the nose bleed. I also note I am on Coumadin (blood thinner) due to a heart condition. I have no history of nose bleed problems, and have no previous occasions that I sought medical help to stop.
The ER doctor had to use a "Rhino Rocket" (a balloon inflated in the nasal passage) in my left nostril to stop the bleeding. My personal ENT removed the balloon a couple of days later, introduced me to an over-the-counter aid called NasalCease, which I now carry in my wallet for just-in-case... I have not had to use.
With the above background I have noted in recent days, perhaps as many as ten, that when I give my nose a hard blow the left side may release some bloody looking mucus, and some small but easily visible solid material that looks to be coagulated blood and dried mucus (can't make it any more pleasant, sorry). This had not yet caused any flowing nose bleeds, none since the ER episode noted above.
My question is: Is such bloody content an indication of something that requires treatment?
The visit I had with an ENT included two visits, removal of the balloon and a followup a couple of weeks later. I discussed the congestion problem and the use of both saline and Afrin-type nasal spray. He was not concerned by the use of nose spray if I didn't use it enough to get a "rebound" worsening of my congestion - I'm not sure, but think I do not suffer from a rebound, just chronic congestion that generally clears up when I get up on my feet and does not bother me most of the awake time...lying down and inactivity seems to stimulate it. The ENT mentioned that the spray I use is the type that shrinks the membrane and blood veins (arteries?) and that's how it helps open the congestion - not cure it. It is thus the type of treatment used to help stop a nose bleed...and I think that is what the ER doctor first tried. I recall he stuffed some saturated cotton balls into my nasal passage and after a time remove to see if the bleeding had stopped...it hadn't thus the balloon was used. I mention here only in an effort to suggest the nose spray is not causing my question of blood content form the left nostril only when blowing in the morning.
The ER doctor had to use a "Rhino Rocket" (a balloon inflated in the nasal passage) in my left nostril to stop the bleeding. My personal ENT removed the balloon a couple of days later, introduced me to an over-the-counter aid called NasalCease, which I now carry in my wallet for just-in-case... I have not had to use.
With the above background I have noted in recent days, perhaps as many as ten, that when I give my nose a hard blow the left side may release some bloody looking mucus, and some small but easily visible solid material that looks to be coagulated blood and dried mucus (can't make it any more pleasant, sorry). This had not yet caused any flowing nose bleeds, none since the ER episode noted above.
My question is: Is such bloody content an indication of something that requires treatment?
The visit I had with an ENT included two visits, removal of the balloon and a followup a couple of weeks later. I discussed the congestion problem and the use of both saline and Afrin-type nasal spray. He was not concerned by the use of nose spray if I didn't use it enough to get a "rebound" worsening of my congestion - I'm not sure, but think I do not suffer from a rebound, just chronic congestion that generally clears up when I get up on my feet and does not bother me most of the awake time...lying down and inactivity seems to stimulate it. The ENT mentioned that the spray I use is the type that shrinks the membrane and blood veins (arteries?) and that's how it helps open the congestion - not cure it. It is thus the type of treatment used to help stop a nose bleed...and I think that is what the ER doctor first tried. I recall he stuffed some saturated cotton balls into my nasal passage and after a time remove to see if the bleeding had stopped...it hadn't thus the balloon was used. I mention here only in an effort to suggest the nose spray is not causing my question of blood content form the left nostril only when blowing in the morning.
Thanks, none of the over the counter congestion medications I've used help at all .. and yes I've tried Flonase generic form and some other prescription nasal spry - too little help to be of value maybe no help. At first I thought the Flonase was helping after using for 10 days or so but if it did, it quit soon thereafter.
As for the level of Coumadin/Warfarin, I get a coagulation blood test about every month and I am normally in range for an INR between 2 and 3. I have been using Warfarin for many years and only after the troublesome nose bleed a couple of months back did I start getting some blood when blowing nose hard.. and only on the left side, the side that had the bleed problem. There must be something weak on that blood barrier. The ENT didn't want to do and cauterization work following the troublesome nose bleed..it may be (don't remember) the is nothing to cauterize as the whole area is just "weak"...but as said I do not have a history of nose bleeds, but too I was never this old until now - growing old ain't for sissies.
As for the level of Coumadin/Warfarin, I get a coagulation blood test about every month and I am normally in range for an INR between 2 and 3. I have been using Warfarin for many years and only after the troublesome nose bleed a couple of months back did I start getting some blood when blowing nose hard.. and only on the left side, the side that had the bleed problem. There must be something weak on that blood barrier. The ENT didn't want to do and cauterization work following the troublesome nose bleed..it may be (don't remember) the is nothing to cauterize as the whole area is just "weak"...but as said I do not have a history of nose bleeds, but too I was never this old until now - growing old ain't for sissies.
Jerry,
I have a similar problem when sleeping, and sometimes use the spray, or try a 12 hour Sudafed tablet to keep my sinuses open. I wonder if an OTC allergy tablet, something like Zyrtec might help?
Also, have you tried Flonase or another type of corticosteroid spray? Some people find it helps (not me.)
Occasional blood in the handkerchief is not unusual -- these medications do constrict blood vessels and can cause slight bleeding.
Since you're an anticoagulant like Coumadin, you might talk to the prescribing physician who may wish to reduce the dose slightly.
I have a similar problem when sleeping, and sometimes use the spray, or try a 12 hour Sudafed tablet to keep my sinuses open. I wonder if an OTC allergy tablet, something like Zyrtec might help?
Also, have you tried Flonase or another type of corticosteroid spray? Some people find it helps (not me.)
Occasional blood in the handkerchief is not unusual -- these medications do constrict blood vessels and can cause slight bleeding.
Since you're an anticoagulant like Coumadin, you might talk to the prescribing physician who may wish to reduce the dose slightly.
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