White snot in adults

Contents

Causes of white snot in adults
Treatment of white snot in adults
Prevention of snot in adults
Popular questions and answers

The appearance of white, abundant snot is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as chills, fever, headache, and others. “Komsomolskaya Pravda” tells what to do if there is a discharge from the nose

A runny nose and the release of nasal mucus (snot) is a natural reaction of the body to irritation of the nasal mucosa, ingress of particles from polluted air onto it. Normally, nasal mucus is colorless and should be clear. Mucus prevents the nasal mucosa from drying out and helps to remove foreign particles from the external environment. When the mucus takes on an unusual color, turns white or yellow, this is a reason to see a doctor.

The appearance of white abundant snot is often accompanied by other symptoms: chills, fever, headache, etc. These signs indicate a pathological process in the human body and are a reason to visit an otorhinolaryngologist who can make an accurate diagnosis.

Causes of white snot in adults

One of the causes of colorless nasal discharge is viral rhinitis.¹. Such discharge disturbs the patient in the first 3-4 days of the disease. Then the snot becomes yellow or yellow-green. This is due to the addition of a bacterial infection¹.

The cause of abundant discharge from the nose can also be physiological reactions, for example, with a decrease in air humidity, dehydration of the body. At the same time, the mucous membranes secrete less water, and the production of mucin (a component of mucus) and salts remains at the same level. Thus, the nasal secret thickens and becomes white.

In some cases, the occurrence of white snot is associated with the development of allergies when allergens in the form of animal hair, plant pollen, house dust enter the nasal cavity.¹.

The cause of white snot can also be inflammatory diseases such as:

Sinusitis or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. These diseases usually occur with fever, chills, nasal congestion. In this case, headaches, a feeling of fullness in the bridge of the nose and below the orbit are characteristic. The disease is accompanied by mucous secretions of white or yellow color.².
Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the nasopharyngeal tonsil, which occurs more often in children, but can also occur in adults. It is characterized by the secretion of thick mucus, which is difficult to blow your nose.³. Patients often complain of shortness of breath, nasal congestion, snoring during sleep³.
Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms on the nasal mucosa. Their appearance may be associated with the presence of other diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, etc.⁴. Symptoms of polyps are nasal congestion, shortness of breath, the addition of a secondary infection, and headaches. The treatment of nasal polyps is mainly surgical.

Treatment of white snot in adults

Before choosing a treatment for white discharge, it is necessary to establish the cause of their appearance. Since white snot can be a sign of a number of diseases, only an otorhinolaryngologist can determine the cause of their occurrence. Diagnostics is carried out in a medical institution and includes:

Detailed survey (the patient talks about his complaints).
Examination of the patient, including rhinoscopy.
A smear from the nasal mucosa to determine the causative agent of the disease, as well as the sensitivity of the flora to antibiotics.
A blood test to determine the level of white blood cells (an increase indicates an infection) and eosinophils (increase with allergies).

To assess the condition of the paranasal sinuses, the otolaryngologist may also refer you for an X-ray examination. A comprehensive assessment will help to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment for white discharge from the nose depends on the underlying cause. Drug therapy includes the appointment of vasoconstrictors, local antimicrobial and antiseptic drugs, systemic antibiotics, saline lavages^1,3. In the allergic nature of the common cold, antihistamines are prescribed¹.

With a bacterial origin of secretions, nasal drops with antiseptics are prescribed, for example, Miramistin.

If the white discharge from the nose is accompanied by inflammation of the underlying airways, the doctor may recommend antibiotics.
In case of an allergic rhinitis, antihistamines are prescribed, such as Erius, Allegra, Zodak, etc. It is also recommended to instill drugs based on corticosteroids into the nose, which relieve swelling and have an anti-inflammatory effect, for example, Avamys, Nasonex³.

The formation of mucus is very often accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane and nasal congestion. In such cases, it is advisable to prescribe vasoconstrictor drugs, such as Nazivin, Xilen, Snoop, Tizin, etc. These drugs should be used for no longer than 5 days at a dose prescribed by a doctor.

To liquefy thick secretions and rinse the nasal passages, the use of saline solutions and preparations based on sea water, such as Aqualor, Physiomer, Aquamaris, is recommended.

There are also combined drugs, the components of which have a different effect.

Methods of alternative traditional medicine can complement drug therapy, but do not replace it. Popular among the people:

Warming up the nose, hot egg, salt, potatoes. It is necessary to apply a hot product to the nose, periodically changing the localization. However, in case of purulent diseases, it is strictly forbidden to take such measures. Therefore, any warming up is carried out only after consulting a doctor and radiography of the paranasal sinuses.
Inhalations with essential oils (peach, apricot, mint). In addition to inhalations, compresses are also used. To do this, turunda is rolled from cotton wool, dipped in essential oil and injected into each nostril.

Prevention of snot in adults

Measures to prevent white snot in adults include:

Strengthening of immunity.
Frequent outdoor recreation. Regular rest in resorts, in sanatoriums.
A healthy lifestyle and giving up bad habits, especially smoking.

Causes of white snot in adults

Treatment of white snot in adults

Prevention of snot in adults

Popular questions and answers

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