What happens if you sneeze blood?

Sneezing blood, known as epistaxis, can be a concerning symptom. While it is often not serious and can resolve on its own, there are some cases where it may indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Here's what can happen if you sneeze blood:

1.Common causes: In most cases, sneezing blood is caused by minor trauma to the delicate blood vessels inside your nose. This can occur due to allergies, nasal dryness, nosebleeds from nose picking, sinus infections, or upper respiratory infections.

2.Blood clotting disorders: If you experience frequent nosebleeds, including while sneezing, it could be a sign of a bleeding or clotting disorder. This is especially concerning if you have other symptoms like easy bruising, excessive bleeding from small cuts, or difficulty stopping bleeding.

3.Nasal polyps: These are non-cancerous growths inside the nose that can cause blockage and bleeding. Sneezing can irritate the polyps and cause them to bleed.

4.Deviated septum: If you have a deviated nasal septum, it can disrupt the normal airflow inside your nose and lead to dryness and nosebleeds. This becomes more pronounced when you sneeze, potentially causing blood to come out.

5.Rare conditions: In rare cases, sneezing blood can be a sign of more serious underlying conditions, such as certain types of cancers (e.g., nasopharyngeal carcinoma), drug abuse (e.g., cocaine use), or systemic diseases affecting blood vessels.

When to seek medical help:

- If the bleeding is heavy or doesn't stop after a few minutes of pressure.

- If you have frequent nosebleeds, especially if accompanied by other bleeding or bruising symptoms.

- If the bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms like headache, fever, or severe facial pain.

- If you have a history of nasal trauma or surgery.

- If you are taking blood thinners or other medications that affect bleeding.

- If you have a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional if you sneeze blood, especially if it's a recurrent issue or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. They can evaluate your case, determine the cause of the bleeding, and provide appropriate treatment or referrals if needed.