Can nasal sprays cause irritation and bleeding in the nose?

[bradleymeader]

Hi,

I've been using a cold and flu nasal spray on and off for about three months, not continuously mind you. Lately I've had nasal congestion whenever I wake up and whenever I blow my nose there's blood, especially if I touch inner nostrils with a tissue. I have no pain or any other symptoms such as headaches for example. Should I be concerned, I'd rather not have to go the doctor and not even sure if one would see me with everything going on. Thanks.

[SassyLassie]

Hello~You may have some small broken capillaries in your nose causing the bleeding, this is very common when you blow you nose a lot, or if you are in a drier atmosphere, this can also cause bleeding. Sometimes the nasal spays can cause bleeding as they irritate the lining of the nose.

I would not worry too much about it, if it continues or gets worse, then it would be a good idea to ask your GP.

[bradleymeader]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your answer and advice :)

[AnxiousNoMore]

I occasionally use one and when I got my last refill the pharmacist told me how to spray it to avoid causing bleeding. I have not had bleeding before and forget which way she said to tilt the bottle and don't see anything online to explain the correct way so you should ask your pharmacist about this to make sure you aren't causing it.