In rare cases, Crohn’s disease can cause nosebleeds. This can happen when chronic gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation extend to the nose.
Common causes of nosebleeds include dry air, foreign objects in the nose, chemical irritation, allergic reaction, repeated sneezing, nose picking, cold air, upper respiratory infections, and large doses of aspirin.
However, it’s possible to experience nosebleeds due to Crohn’s disease. More common symptoms of the condition include constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
Read on to learn more about why this happens, what you can do about it, and other nose-related symptoms to look out for.
Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that results in chronic irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
It’s most commonly diagnosed in adults between
Common Crohn’s symptoms
Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease
- abdominal pain and cramping
- constipation
- persistent diarrhea
- rectal bleeding
- sense of being unable to completely empty your bowels
- urgent need to have bowel movements
These symptoms may cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and low energy. In children, it may also cause delayed growth and development.
Other more serious complications include anal fissures (tears in anus lining), fistulas (abnormal openings in the digestive tract), and strictures (narrowing of the intestine).
But for some people with Crohn’s disease, symptoms may extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract. These additional symptoms may include:
- redness or pain of the eyes, often along with vision changes
- sore mouth
- swollen and painful joints
- skin rashes
- fever
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- night sweats
- irregular menstrual periods
- osteoporosis
- kidney stones
- rare liver complications
Nosebleeds are a rare symptom of Crohn’s disease.
In some people, Crohn’s disease manifests in the nose. The condition’s gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation can extend to the nose and cause nosebleeds.
Nasal and other non-gastrointestinal manifestations of Crohn’s disease tend to occur among people with colonic Crohn’s disease. It’s thought that inflammation and leaking of the bowels cause inflammation elsewhere in the body — and this can cause nosebleeds.
If your Crohn’s disease causes nosebleeds, you may experience obstruction of the nasal cavity, nasal structural irregularities, impaired smell, crusting, and acute or chronic sinusitis. These factors can be uncomfortable and interfere with your quality of life.
The nasal symptoms of some cases of Crohn’s disease are commonly managed like other cases of chronic sinusitis. Treatment options commonly include:
- nasal sprays
- steroids
- antihistamines
- decongestants
- antibiotics
- surgeries
At present, most cases of nasal Crohn’s disease are treated with corticosteroid therapy, which helps minimize inflammation and irritation.
Another potential treatment is a biological drug such as infliximab. These are powerful medications designed specifically to treat Crohn’s disease.
Lastly,
If you’re experiencing new or worsening nasal issues, including inflammation, irritation, and nosebleeds, speak with your doctor about the potential causes.
Also, contact your doctor if you feel your Crohn’s disease symptoms are worsening or becoming more widespread across your body.
While most people associate Crohn’s disease with gastrointestinal symptoms, the condition also causes a higher risk of sinus issues.
In some cases, the sinus issues are actually caused by Crohn’s disease. People with nasal symptoms of Crohn’s disease may experience inflammation, irritation, tearing of the septum, and nosebleeds, among other symptoms.
If you experience new or worsening sinus symptoms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.