Crying blood, medically known as hemolacria, is a rare condition with various potential causes. It's crucial to seek immediate medical attention if your daughter is experiencing this. Several factors can lead to bloody tears, ranging from relatively minor issues to more serious medical conditions.
Potential Causes of Hemolacria
The causes of hemolacria are diverse and can include:
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Eye injuries or infections: Minor trauma to the eye or an infection like pink eye (conjunctivitis) can cause inflammation and bleeding, resulting in bloody tears. As noted in one source, "Sometimes infections (like pink eye) can cause enough inflammation such that bleeding can occur. The tissue around the eye is pretty fragile..."
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Nasolacrimal duct issues: A blockage or injury to the nasolacrimal duct (the tube that drains tears from the eye into the nose) can lead to a backflow of blood from the nose into the tear ducts, causing bloody tears. One explanation suggests that a "reverse flow of blood can be pushed back up through the nasolacrimal system" from a nosebleed.
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Underlying medical conditions: More serious underlying conditions can also cause hemolacria. These include:
- Hematologic diseases (blood disorders)
- Coagulation disorders (bleeding disorders)
- Vascular diseases (blood vessel problems)
- Genetic diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Tumors (neoplastic conditions)
- Inflammatory conditions
- Menstruation (in older girls)
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Medications: Certain medications can also contribute to bleeding tendencies, increasing the likelihood of hemolacria.
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Idiopathic causes: In some cases, the cause of hemolacria remains unknown (idiopathic).
Importance of Immediate Medical Evaluation
Because the causes of hemolacria can range from benign to life-threatening, it's essential to seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can properly diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Delaying treatment could potentially worsen the condition or delay appropriate management of a serious underlying illness.
