Post-Car Accident: Why Is There Blood When Blowing My Nose?

After the car accident, blowing my nose produces dirty blood?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my father.
He was in a car accident recently and suffered a blow to the back of his head.
The examining physician mentioned that there was a small amount of intracranial hemorrhage, and he was hospitalized for about a week before being discharged.
At that time, he also had some conjunctival hemorrhage in his eyes.
He returned for a follow-up appointment, and the doctor said there were no significant issues.
Almost a month has passed, and he only has some external injuries left.
However, it is strange that whenever he blows his nose, he notices some dark blood coming out (similar to the blood seen in the last few days of a menstrual period).
When asked, he said he does not experience dizziness or pain.
Could you please explain what might be causing this? Does he need to undergo further examinations?

Tang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/02

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, it may be an old blood clot.
If fresh blood continues to appear, further medical evaluation is necessary.
If it is mostly blood clots, you can observe and see if they gradually disappear.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/02/02

More Info

The presence of blood when blowing your nose after a car accident can be concerning, especially given the history of a head injury and a small amount of brain bleeding. Here are some potential explanations for this symptom:
1. Nasal Trauma: After a head injury, the nasal passages can be affected. If there was any trauma to the face or nose during the accident, it could lead to irritation or damage to the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, resulting in bleeding when you blow your nose.

2. Sinus Issues: The impact from the accident could have caused inflammation or injury to the sinuses, which are located near the nasal passages. Sinusitis or sinus bleeding can occur, leading to blood in nasal discharge.

3. Increased Pressure: Blowing your nose creates pressure in the nasal passages. If there are any weak blood vessels or areas of irritation, this pressure can cause them to rupture, leading to bleeding.

4. Coagulation Issues: If there was any significant bleeding during the accident, the body may have been under stress, and there could be issues with blood clotting. This could lead to more frequent bleeding episodes, even in the absence of direct trauma.

5. Post-Traumatic Changes: After a head injury, the body undergoes various changes as it heals. Sometimes, these changes can lead to increased fragility of blood vessels in the nasal area, making them more prone to bleeding.

Given that your father has experienced this symptom for nearly a month after the accident, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. While he may not currently exhibit other alarming symptoms such as dizziness or severe headaches, the presence of blood in the nasal discharge warrants attention. A healthcare provider may recommend:
- Nasal Examination: A thorough examination of the nasal passages to check for any signs of trauma, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

- Imaging Studies: If necessary, imaging studies such as a CT scan may be performed to assess the sinuses and nasal structures for any underlying issues that may have developed post-accident.

- Blood Tests: To evaluate clotting factors and ensure that there are no underlying hematological issues.

In conclusion, while the bleeding may not indicate a serious problem, it is essential to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any complications from the accident or other underlying conditions. Early intervention can help prevent potential complications and provide peace of mind.

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