Brown Nasal Discharge: Causes and Concerns

Q: Brown Nasal Discharge: Causes and Concerns

Hello： The most common cause may be the formation of blood clots after microvascular bleeding in the nasal mucosa, which can be expelled when experiencing a runny nose. <br>It is recommended that if this phenomenon persists for more than a week, you should seek medical attention

Brown nasal discharge?

In the past, I would wake up every morning with clear nasal discharge, but for the past three days, upon waking, I noticed that the mucus from my left nostril had a slight brownish tint (watery).
Initially, I didn't think much of it, but after I bought breakfast and was about to eat, I suddenly experienced a light flow of brownish blood from my nose.
I used a lot of tissues to stop the bleeding, which lasted about 20 seconds before it stopped.
For the next two days, I didn't have any similar bleeding episodes, but I continued to have brownish nasal discharge (when I cleaned my nose)! Occasionally, when I pick my nose, I find dried brown flakes.
Could this be related to the hot weather? Because my nose feels particularly dry upon waking up!

Rou Yuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/06

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The most common cause may be the formation of blood clots after microvascular bleeding in the nasal mucosa, which can be expelled when experiencing a runny nose.
It is recommended that if this phenomenon persists for more than a week, you should seek medical attention and have an examination by an otolaryngologist.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/07/06

More Info

Understanding brown nasal discharge can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding. The presence of brown or coffee-colored nasal discharge typically indicates the presence of dried blood or old blood mixed with mucus. This can occur for several reasons, and it’s essential to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention.

Possible Causes of Brown Nasal Discharge
1. Nasal Irritation or Trauma: Frequent nose blowing, picking, or even dry air can irritate the nasal passages, leading to small blood vessels breaking and causing bleeding. This can result in brown discharge as the blood dries and mixes with mucus.

2. Sinusitis: While you mentioned that you do not have sinusitis, it’s worth noting that chronic sinus infections can lead to discolored nasal discharge. If there is an underlying infection, it may not always present with the classic symptoms of sinusitis.

3. Allergies: Allergic rhinitis can cause nasal congestion and irritation, leading to inflammation of the nasal mucosa. This inflammation can sometimes result in bleeding, especially if the nasal passages are dry.

4. Environmental Factors: Dry air, especially in heated indoor environments during colder months, can lead to dryness in the nasal passages. This dryness can cause irritation and bleeding, resulting in brown discharge. Similarly, exposure to pollutants or irritants can exacerbate this condition.

5. Nasal Polyps or Other Growths: In some cases, nasal polyps or other growths in the nasal cavity can lead to bleeding and discolored discharge. These are usually benign but can cause discomfort and other symptoms.

6. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as hypertension or clotting disorders can also lead to more significant bleeding episodes. If you have a history of such conditions, it’s essential to consider them.

When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional brown discharge may not be a cause for alarm, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Bleeding: If you experience recurrent episodes of bleeding or if the bleeding lasts longer than a few minutes.

- Severe Pain: If you have significant pain in your nasal passages or face that does not improve.

- Fever or Other Symptoms: If you develop a fever, facial swelling, or other systemic symptoms, it may indicate an infection that requires treatment.

- Changes in Vision or Neurological Symptoms: If you experience any changes in vision, severe headaches, or neurological symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Management and Prevention
1. Humidification: Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain moisture in the air, which may alleviate dryness in your nasal passages.

2. Nasal Saline Sprays: Regular use of saline nasal sprays can help keep the nasal passages moist and reduce irritation.

3. Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid exposure to smoke, strong odors, and other environmental irritants that can exacerbate nasal irritation.

4. Gentle Nose Blowing: Be gentle when blowing your nose to avoid trauma to the nasal passages.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep mucus thin and reduce the likelihood of dryness.

In conclusion, while brown nasal discharge can be alarming, understanding the potential causes can help you manage the situation effectively. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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