until A liter of nasal discharge This is something you typically produce every day. If you are infected and have a cold, flu or coronavirus, your amount could be doubled. Mucus is essentially composed of water (96%), although it also contains proteins and salts. Mucus has the following functions: Protect our body from external pathogens.
Additionally, mucus is one of the first symptoms We cannot avoid the viruses now spreading freely during the winter months.
Slime is actually a useful thing: Cover your nose to warm and humidify the air When we breathe, it also acts as a filter. Acts as a “filter” for particles from abroad.
focus on The color and consistency of mucus can help us understand If it’s a cold or something more important.
What is the use of nasal discharge?
he Dr. Eusebi ChynaPulmonologist and Director of SeparPacientes of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) explains to us What is the purpose of nasal discharge? What do their colors reveal?
“Mucus is a natural secretion; products excreted by our bodies, is produced by natural form, But in some cases they increase, most of the time it is due to benign and temporary causes“, The doctor said.
“color slimy Can you guide us through some processes? Although They won’t give us a diagnosis Ultimately,” the doctor clarified. Quite simply, he insisted, it could provide clues.
When mucus thickens and changes color It has started to indicate some level of infection.
- this texture and color They indicate that the defense system is working and that white blood cells are fighting possible pathogens.
- The darker the color, the “worse” it is. As doctors explain, color is not used to make a diagnosis without taking into account other symptoms or tests, but rather as a general rule If the mucus thickens and changes color, This is an abnormal sign.
- Color does not indicate the type of particle: Darker color does not mean it is caused by bacteria, nor does it mean antibiotics are needed. In fact, the common cold is caused by a virus and does not require antibiotics. You should not take any medicine without a doctor’s prescription.
White nasal discharge
As the mucus thickens and takes on a certain hue, even if it is white, it is already a sign that our defense systems are active.
- this White, watery mucus maybe it’s because common cold of viral origin.
yellow nasal discharge
They usually indicate a minor infection, Eviction is usually done in the following ways Coughing or sneezing. The color is provided by the cells of the defense system, which are activated to fight the viruses that affect us.
green snot
The presence Green discharge means the defense system is fighting harder And there are more white blood cells (and other substances) staining the mucus.
this common cold They have a process that lasts several days They usually resolve themselves..but if they pass more than 10 days and the mucus does not stop, it is recommended to consult for elimination or treatment Sinusitis.
brown snot
- it may indicate a lung respiratory tract infection, For example a pneumonia. It is best to consult a doctor.
red nasal discharge
Obvious red nasal discharge means The presence of blood.
- The most common is blood from capillaries of noseit will break when blown too many times or too loudly.
- Although there may be Bloody sputum or mucus when there is illness severe respiratory illness, These symptoms often come with more symptoms than a common cold.
gray or black mucus
they may happen After inhaling fire smoke.
- This type of slime indicates dirt, but in some cases, the black tint may be due to bacteria.
clear nasal discharge
Normal mucus is usually Very fluid and transparent.
- If the color is still light but Increased numbers may be a sign Allergic rhinitis caused by dust, pollen, mites… The allergic process is usually accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing.
What causes mucus?
The causes of mucus are diverse and ever-evolving. According to Dr. Chiner:
1- The nasal mucosa may have thick secretions It may come from the paranasal sinuses if chronic sinusitis, Bacterial processes may complicate this. In this case, the mucus turns yellow-green (purulent).
It is recommended to see a doctor when you have bloody mucus or other symptoms such as fever or pain
2- Postnasal drip may occur, This means that instead of being expelled through the nasal passages, it is produced in the nose but falls towards the nasal cavity Retropharynx One of the leading causes of acute and chronic coughs, this is confused with pulmonary symptoms when in fact it originates from areas other than the lungs.
When should we worry about sniffles?
- Coughing up yellow or purulent secretions, Especially when they are accompanied by other symptoms, e.g. Fever or pain on one side.
- if Coughed up secretions containing blood Can respond pneumonia Or even some other process that requires extending your learning.
- Smokers cough up blood, It’s important to see your doctor as it may warn you of something. Respiratory diseases important.
How should you blow your nose?
You may blow your nose unconsciously, almost without thinking. How did you do it? You might grab a tissue and blow your nose. Both nostrils at the same time. Well, that’s a mistake.
- Experts say the best way is to Ring each pit separately. That is, you cover one hole with a handkerchief and blow into the other. Then, do the same on the opposite side.
- Ringing 2 graves simultaneously can cause it to complete Too much force can cause small capillaries to rupture nose.In other cases, when we increase the pressure in the nose, we increase the internal pressure and we can Eventually hurting the ears.
Mucus Remedies
nasal discharge they don’t heal.That said, this is a natural process of the body and the only thing we can do is Help the body eliminate them.
- this Rinse nose with saline They help make mucus more fluid and make it easier to clear.
- Water is a great mucolytic agent. drink lots of fluids (Water, tea, broth…) Hydrate and secretions become more watery.
- one must Use nasal sprays with caution Decongestant Because they can cause various side effects.