Nasal discharge: causes, treatment and prevention - Duniya Health

What is nasal discharge?

Mucus is not just a thin substance in your nose - it actually has a useful purpose. It traps bacteria, other germs and debris, and prevents them from entering your lungs.

In some cases, such as when you have a cold or allergy, the mucus may leak out of your nose or down your throat. When mucus comes out of your nose, it is called inflammation in the nose. It can also be called post-nasal drip or rhinorrhea.

Although it is annoying, nasal discharge is common and usually goes away on its own. But in some cases, it is a sign of an underlying health problem that may require medical attention.

What causes discharge from nose?

There are several possible reasons for nasal discharge. Some of the most common include infections and allergies.

Common cold or flu

The common cold is caused by a viral infection in your nose and throat. Many different types of viruses can cause this. Although it can make you feel unhappy, it is usually harmless in the long run.

The flu is caused by a virus that attacks your nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza virus strains are constantly changing. The flu can be dangerous for those who are at high risk for complications. This includes young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems.

Runny nose is a very common symptom for both common cold and flu. When you suffer from these diseases, extra mucus is produced in your body to trap the virus before reaching your lungs and other parts of your body. Some of this mucus leaves your body through your nose.

Allergies

If you are allergic, you can eat some substances that you can eat or touch, which you can get out of the nose. The material that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergy. Common allergens include dust, pet hair and grass. Your body reacts to allergies in the same way that they were harmful bacteria, causing your nose to run.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when your sinuses, or your nasal passages, suffer from pain, swelling, and redness. This can narrow your nasal passages, which can cause difficulty in breathing and build up of mucus. If you have this condition, the mucus may come out of your nose. In some cases, you may feel it in your throat.

The mucus associated with sinusitis is usually thick. It can also have yellow or green color.

Other possible reasons

Other possible causes of a runny nose, or nasal discharge include:

• chicken pox
• Pregnancy
• deviated septum
• cluster headache
• drug addiction
• Tobacco smoke
• dry air

How can you treat nasal discharge?

Your recommended treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your nasal discharge. In many cases, you can take steps to relieve your symptoms using simple home remedies. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications or other treatments.

If a cold or flu is causing your nasal discharge, your treatment options may be limited. In most cases, your body will recover on its own. You should relax and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve some of your symptoms. If your flu symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe you an antiviral medication. This can reduce the time it takes you to recover.

Home remedies

Thick and sticky mucus can cause problems in your breathing. It can also put you at greater risk of complications such as ear infections. Take measures to thin your mucus. This can help relieve your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.

To dilute your mucus, it can help:

• drink plenty of fluids
• Use a salty nasal spray
• Turn on a humidifier to add water to the air
• Steam a bowl with hot water

Do not use a childless nasal spray for three days in a row unless your doctor has asked you to do so.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are drugs that can help prevent and treat symptoms of allergic reactions. Some antihistamines can make you extremely dry. Always check the label for recommendations regarding the operation or other tasks of heavy machinery while taking antihistamines.

Antihistamines may also react with some other drugs. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking antihistamines, especially if you already use muscle relaxants, sleeping pills or sedatives.

Can you stop nasal discharge?

You cannot stop all cases of de-addiction. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing certain conditions that cause excessive nasal discharge.

To reduce the chance of contracting a common cold or flu:

• Wash your hands often to keep them free of disease-causing germs
• When your nose is running, use a tissue and immediately discard your used tissue.
• Wash your hands after running your nose
• Get flu vaccine every year

If you are allergic, take steps to avoid your allergy. This can help prevent symptoms of an allergic reaction including nasal discharge. If you do not know the cause of your allergy symptoms, keep a daily journal of your activities and symptoms. This can help you and your doctor identify your allergy. Your doctor or allergy specialist may also recommend an allergy test.

Avoiding cigarette smoke and other irritants can also help protect your nasal passages from becoming irritable and inflamed.