What disease does discolored nasal discharge warn about?

I have had a runny nose for 3 days, the mucus in my nose has turned green. What is the disease of discolored mucus, is it serious, doctor? (Cam Nhung, 26 years old)

Reply:

Normal mucus is made up of water, proteins, antibodies, and dissolved salts; it is watery and clear; it is usually found in the nose, mouth, sinuses, throat, lungs, and stomach. The nose usually produces about a liter of mucus each day to clean the sinus system. It also has a moisturizing effect, like a protective layer, preventing dirt and harmful external agents from attacking the respiratory system.

When viruses and bacteria enter the nose, the production of mucus increases. This is the body's response to harmful agents, preventing them from going deeper into the lungs. Tiny hairs in the respiratory tract (cilia) are like "little brooms" that sweep the mucus so we can cough it up and expel it.

Normal mucus is thin and clear, but it becomes thicker when your body is fighting an infection. This depends on what triggers the mucus-producing tissues in your body. When you have a cold, you produce more mucus to help block viruses, bacteria, or other irritants from entering your nasal membranes.

Mucus can change from clear to different colors such as yellow, green, brown, black, red... when sick. The nasal mucosa is swollen and inflamed, making the mucus thicker and more viscous. If you have a cold, the mucus often turns white or even yellow, especially when the body is dehydrated. Yellow or green mucus warns of a virus attack. Green mucus can signal the presence of a large number of infection-fighting white blood cells. When the green nasal discharge lasts for many days, you should see a doctor because it is likely due to sinusitis, a bacterial infection.

Discolored nasal mucus can signal infection. Photo: Freepik — Discolored nasal mucus can signal infection. Photo: *Freepik*

When you live in a dusty environment, work in a coal mine..., the nose has a lot of dirt, causing the mucus to turn brown or black. Brown or black mucus can also appear in people who smoke regularly, people with chronic lung disease. The pink or red color in the mucus is due to the blood of the mucous membrane in the nose being irritated, picking your nose too much, the nose is too dry... If the amount of blood in the nose increases and lasts for a long time, you should see a doctor immediately because it may be due to a more serious cause.

However, the color of the mucus alone cannot accurately confirm whether there is an infection or not. If you see a lot of mucus in your nose, a change in color, a high fever or a fever that lasts for many days, a cough... indicating that the condition is getting worse, you should see a doctor for appropriate treatment.

When you are sick, drinking enough water helps thin mucus and makes it easier to expel. Nasal irrigation devices can help clear excess mucus from your nose. Some medications can also help thin nasal secretions, but you should consult your doctor and use them as directed.

MSc.MD.CKI Pham Thi Phuong
ENT Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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