Is bloody mucus a sign of a sinus infection?

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

Tags: ENT Doctor, sinus infection, sinus specialist, sinusitis

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