Blood cough from nose: what to know

Dry air, nose picking, forceful blowing, allergies or nasal inflammation can break tiny vessels in the nose. Blood can run backwards when you lie down and later be cleared by coughing or throat clearing. A metallic taste, blood on tissues, a blocked or irritated nostril, and little chest mucus support a nasal source. A cough with blood mixed through phlegm, wheeze or chest discomfort may point toward the lower airways instead. Allergic Rhinitis and a Common Cold can affect the nose, while Acute Bronchitis can affect the bronchi.

Sit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously while breathing through your mouth. Spit out blood rather than swallowing it. Once bleeding settles, avoid forceful blowing, picking, strenuous activity and very hot drinks for a while. Use a humidifying measure that is safe for you and avoid inserting tissues or objects deeply into the nostril. Contact a clinician if nosebleeds recur, the cough persists, you use a blood thinner, or you cannot identify where the blood began.

Get emergency help if bleeding is heavy, continues despite firm pressure, causes weakness or faintness, or occurs with breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or blue lips. Seek prompt review for fever, worsening cough, blood repeatedly coming from the chest, or bleeding after an injury.

Ask whether the source is nasal, throat or chest bleeding; whether nasal treatment is suitable; and whether your medicines, allergies or blood pressure could be contributing. Ask what recurrence pattern needs urgent review.