5 months after rhinoplasty, I have a cold and mucus with blood?

Question

Bloody mucus coming out of only ONE of my nostrils. The other is fine. The bloody nostril was also a problematic one right after surgery too. Blood didn't stop coming out of there for a while, longer than the other. Should I be worried? It's only when I blow my nose that the bloody mucus comes. Why is this? (And don't tell me to ask my surgeon, I know how to do that! But I'm asking you!)

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

This is very common and not to be concerning!There is an area on your septum typically that has a grouping or plexus of blood vessels. Everyone has one.When it gets irritated from a cold or humidity change, it can bleed. Surgery makes this more common.The treatment is nasal salt water sprays (over the counter)  and cold medicines. Don't use nasal decongestants for more than a couple of days.The mucus and bleeding should gradually go away.No exam is necessary unless it doesn't go away or it persists for more than two weeks.Hope this helps.Dr Chris Saunders

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

Most likely it's related to a dry or irritated area along the nasal septum, but one cannot be certain unless it's examined directly.  You shouldn't be worried, but you should be seen to determine the exact cause especially if it's persistent.  No one can give you the definitive reason here because the physical examination is an integral part of the diagnostic process; therefore, it needs to be seen and examined directly I'm sorry to say.  Best of luck.

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

Even without a nose operation, bloody noses can happen from some trauma to the fragile nose mucosa.  If the air flow is more turbulent than laminar ( smooth) then congestion can build up and the mucosa can become dry and more prone to bleeding.  This is why you can get a nose bleed with a cold or after surgery or when it is dry or low humidity.  I would  have a nasal speculum exam to look into the inside of the nose and see if there is some obstruction.

5 months after rhinoplasty, I have a cold and mucus with blood?

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5 months after rhinoplasty, I have a cold and mucus with blood?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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