Nose hygiene is also a part of personal care. Have you ever thought what is exactly nasal mucus? Well, it is the slimy useful material that gets created within the membranes of your nose and flows down through the passage. On an average, your body develops more than one litre of this discharge everyday. It's so natural that most of the times, you don't even notice it. However, it can be irritating and discomforting at times. Nasal congestion and discharge don't occur together mostly. Another very common form of mucus is the thick, rubbery one. It mostly comes due to dry air or bacterial infection and the most common cause of the discharge is cold. Read further to know about the types, causes and treatment for nasal mucus.
Nasal discharge types
The development of nasal mucus doesn't depend on your health. It will get produced everyday, even when you are fit or sick. However, the consistency and the colour of the nasal discharge is a sign about what's going on inside your body. Here are the major types of snots:
1. Clear discharge
If your nose is having a clear snot, i.e without any colour, it is considered as normal. This type of mucus is developed daily and tells that you are healthy.
Also read: Treat runny nose with turmeric and salt water, the easy remedies
2. Green discharge
Green snot develops if your immune system is fighting infections with full power. It is an indication that you are not doing well and there is a need to visit the doctor. This type of discharge is thick and a flush out of waste components.
3. Yellow discharge
Yellow mucus is a sign that your body is trying to fight an infection or virus that will stay for long. This type of nasal discharge will stay for atleast 10-15 days. The white blood cells are fighting the germs but it will take time.
4. White discharge
Whenever you are having congestion, the flow of your mucus will be slow and white. This mostly happens when you are suffering from cold and thus virus stays for atleast 3-4 days.
Nasal discharge causes
It is normal to have some amount of clear snot, but there are a lot of other triggers for nasal discharge too. And, all the factors cause different types of mucus. Some of the most common causes of nasal discharge are:
- Common cold
- Allergies
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Chicken pox
- Congestion
- Cluster headaches
Nasal mucus treatment
To treat varying mucus or excessive discharge, you can contact the doctor for medicinal advice. Otherwise, there are ways some treatments that one can try at home. The treatment for nasal mucus depends on the underlying cause. Although, if the factor behind the discharge is cold, then it will go away with time. Still, here are some ways to get rid of it:
- Try taking steam to thin it out. A bowl of hot water can help in relieving
- Drink fluids regularly. Avoid having cold fluids, but increase the intake of water to help with the discharge
- A nasal spray might also help with nose hygiene and nasal discharge
These were the types, causes and treatment for nasal discharge. You can talk to the doctor if the mucus turns red or pink in colour. Although, it is mostly due to blowing the nose too harshly or if there is a cut in your nasal passage. You can't prevent nasal discharge but can take preventive measures for cold. Wash your hands regularly and avoid your allergens.
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