Question: I have this head cold and blow my nose there is blood in the mucus which I think is a sinus infection. Is bloody mucus a sign of a sinus infection?
Answer:
Bloody mucus is a sign of irritation in the nose. This can come from trauma, dryness (quite common in cold weather with the heat on), chemical inflammation, infection- viral or bacterial, and least likely from a tumor or other growth. While it is quite common with a sinus infection, there are other causes and if you have this persisting, it should be evaluated by an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor or Sinus Specialist, using a lighted telescope in the nose to evaluate.
I hope this clears things up.
Robert Pincus MD
Co-Director NY Sinus Center
