Bloody Nose Emerging as New COVID-19 Symptom

Bloody Nose: A New COVID-19 Symptom to Watch For

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 have changed since the start of the pandemic as new variants emerge. Once dominated by fever, cough, and shortness of breath - the omicron variant has brought about symptoms more resembling the common cold, including sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and headache.

Recently, another unexpected symptom has been increasingly reported in those who test positive for COVID-19: bloody nose. Understanding this newest manifestation and what it could signify about someone's COVID-19 infection is crucial.

Why is Bloody Nose Occurring More Often with COVID-19?

Experts theorize a few reasons why nasal bleeding or epistaxis may be the latest unusual symptom seen in COVID-19 patients:

• The coronavirus invades and damages the epithelial cells lining the nasal passage and blood vessels, causing inflammation.
• Infection increases risk for blood clots which can rupture tiny nasal vessels.
• Frequent nose blowing from COVID-related congestion can irritate nasal tissues.
• Some treatments like steroids or blood thinners may contribute to bleeding.

While stuffy or runny nose has climbed to the top of the COVID-19 symptom list, manifesting as bloody nose indicates a more severe level of nasal irritation for some patients.

Who is Most at Risk for Bloody Nose with COVID?

Those with the following risk factors seem more prone to experiencing nasal bleeding with a COVID-19 infection:

• Unvaccinated - Lack of vaccine protection leads to higher viral load.
• Immunocompromised - Weakened immune response can lead to worse symptoms.
• Aged 65+ years - Older age correlates with incidence of bloody nose.
• History ofnosebleeds - Prior epistaxis episodes make you more susceptible.
• Respiratory disorders - Such as chronic sinusitis or lung disease.
• Hypertension - High blood pressure strains nasal blood vessels.

Younger, vaccinated individuals who are otherwise healthy likely have lower odds of bloody nose being a COVID-19 symptom for them.

How Does Bloody Nose Present in COVID-19 Patients?

Nasal bleeding from COVID-19 varies from person to person. It may manifest as:

• Mild bloody nasal drainage - Streaks of blood when blowing nose.
• Nosebleed - Steady dripping of blood from the nose lasting under 10 minutes.
• Heavy epistaxis - Bleeding from the nose that is prolonged or recurrent.
• Posterior nosebleed - Bleeding originating from blood vessels in the back of the nasal cavity.

Episodes of bloody nose could be a one-time or recurring symptom throughout the course of COVID-19 illness.

Other COVID Symptoms Linked to Bloody Nose

Because nasal bleeding is not an isolated symptom, pay attention to these other potentially related COVID-19 symptoms:

• Headache - Can indicate high blood pressure associated with nosebleeds.
• Fatigue - Advanced COVID infection can cause worse symptoms.
• Shortness of breath - Respiratory COVID effects strain nasal tissues.
• Fever - High fever irritates and inflames nasal membranes.
• Loss of taste/smell - Sinus infection from COVID-19 may contribute to nosebleeds.

Monitoring your overall COVID symptom profile provides clues about possible links between nasal bleeding and other manifestations of your illness.

Is Bloody Nose a Mild or Serious COVID-19 Symptom?

While any nasal bleeding from COVID-19 warrants attention, mild versus severe bleeding indicates different risks and complications to watch for.

Mild Bloody Nose Cases

Mild bloody nose from COVID-19 may look like:

• Occasional minor nasal dripping of blood when blowing nose
• Brief, self-limited nosebleed episodes lasting under 5-10 minutes
• More of an irritation than serious medical issue

With mild cases, nasal tissues irritated by COVID-19 likely cause some localized bleeding that is not dangerous or symptomatic of clotting issues.

Severe Bloody Nose Cases

Severe or persistent bloody nose with COVID-19 may involve:

• Heavy nasal bleeding for 10+ minutes continuously
• Recurrence of frequent nosebleeds multiple times a day
• Bleeding originating from deep within the nasal cavity
• Dizziness, weakness, or substantial blood loss from bleeding

This degree of serious nasal bleeding could signify thrombocytopenia, or a low platelet count, which impairs normal blood clotting. It could also result from blood thinners or anticoagulant medications.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek prompt emergency medical care if you experience:

• Uncontrollable bleeding from the nose lasting >30 minutes
• Profuse nasal bleeding causing weakness, dizziness, or fainting
• Signs of shock such as rapid heart rate, paleness, sweating
• Bleeding accompanied by facial bruising or trauma

Uncontrolled bloody nose with COVID-19 could require packing or cauterization to stop bleeding, as well as intravenous treatment for blood loss.

How is Bloody Nose with COVID-19 Diagnosed and Treated?

Doctors use the following approaches to evaluate and treat bloody nose linked to COVID-19 infection:

Medical History

Your doctor obtains details about your symptoms, risk factors, and medications to assess what could be causing nasal bleeding.

Physical Exam

The doctor examines your nose using light and instrumentation to visualize the location and severity of bleeding.

Laboratory Testing

Bloodwork evaluates if you have low red blood cells, platelets, or other clotting abnormalities contributing to epistaxis.

Nasal Endoscopy

A slender tube with a light is inserted into your nose to see bleeding sites in the nasal cavity for posterior nosebleeds.

Treatment Options

• Direct pressure - Pinching the soft lower portion of the nose.
• Cold compresses - Applying ice packs can constrict blood vessels.
• Saline spray - Wetting the nasal passage aids clotting.
• Ointments - Petroleum jelly coats and protects nasal tissues.
• Cauterization - Sealing blood vessels via electric or chemical cautery.
• Nasal packing - Plugging the nasal cavity with gauze temporarily.
• Blood transfusions - For significant blood loss.
• Platelet transfusion - If platelet levels are very low.

Treatment is aimed at stopping the nosebleed safely and replacing blood or platelets if needed.

Monitor Overall COVID-19 Symptoms

Nasal bleeding should improve as COVID-19 infection resolves. Seek reevaluation if epistaxis persists despite treatment or other symptoms worsen.

At-Home Care for Bloody Nose and COVID-19

Alongside medical management, the following self-care strategies can help manage bloody nose associated with COVID-19:

Use Saline Nasal Spray

Moisturizing the nasal membranes promotes clotting. Use drug-free, isotonic saline nasal spray several times a day.

Humidify Indoor Air

Running a humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing dryness that irritates nasal tissues. Keep humidity around 40-50%.

Avoid Nasal Irritants

Prevent further bloody noses by avoiding irritants like smoke, harsh chemicals, cocaine, and frequent nose blowing.

Carefully Blow Nose

Blow nose gently using both sides simultaneously. Do not pick or rub the nose.

Use OTC Hemostatic Gels

Applying medicated petroleum gels inside the nose can promote clotting for mild bleeding.

Apply Cold Compress

Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply to nose and cheeks to constrict blood flow.

Sleep With Extra Pillows

Elevating your head above heart level at night reduces blood pressure in nasal blood vessels.

Monitor Bleeding

Note the duration and severity of nosebleeds. Seek medical help if bleeding is excessive or won't stop after 30 minutes of direct pressure.

Preventing Bloody Nose from COVID-19

You can reduce your risk of developing nasal bleeding from COVID-19 infection using these prevention tips:

Get Vaccinated and Boosted

Full vaccination protects against severe COVID-19 illness that could increase complications like epistaxis.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Open windows, run air filters, and ventilate rooms to avoid concentrated viral particles when indoors.

Take Prescribed Blood Thinners Correctly

Don't miss or double doses. Monitor for signs of bleeding if you are prescribed anticoagulant medications.

Manage High Blood Pressure

Keep blood pressure controlled through diet, exercise, medication adherence, and doctor's visits.

Avoid Nasal Irritants

Quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, and eliminate use of chemicals that harm nasal passages.

Treat Sinus Infections Promptly

Take antibiotics as prescribed for sinusitis and follow up with ENT specialist to resolve chronic nasal inflammation.

Humidify Home and Office

Prevent dry indoor air which can dehydrate and crack nasal membranes, leading to bleeding.

The Bottom Line

Sporadic mild bloody nose can occur as part of COVID-19's effects on nasal tissues. But recurrent, severe, or prolonged bleeding requires prompt medical attention to identify and rectify the underlying cause.

Prevention aims to avoid circumstances that could make bloody nose more likely - controlling blood pressure, improving indoor air quality, treating sinus troubles, and getting vaccinated. Being aware of nasal bleeding as a potential COVID-19 symptom can facilitate early intervention and care as needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.