Understanding Nasal Discharge: Causes, Flu, Allergies and Sinusitis

What are the causes of nasal discharge?

Many different factors can cause nasal discharge. Infections and allergies are among the most frequent culprits.

Common cold or flu

Getting a cold is usually caused by a viral infection in your nose and throat. Various viruses can cause this. Even though it can make you feel pretty awful, it's usually not a severe issue.

The flu is caused by a virus that targets the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza virus strains are constantly evolving. It can be risky for those vulnerable to complications, such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

A runny nose is a common sign of both the common cold and the flu. When you have these sicknesses, your body makes more mucus to catch the virus before it can spread to your lungs and other areas. Some of this mucus leaves your body through your nose.

Allergies

If you breathe in, consume, or come into contact with certain substances that you're allergic to, you may notice nasal discharge. These substances that trigger an allergic reaction are known as allergens.

Dust, pet hair, and grass are common allergens. Your body reacts to these allergens as though they are dangerous germs, leading to a runny nose.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis happens when the sinuses or nasal passages become inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, and redness. This can make it harder to breathe and cause mucus to build up.

If you have sinusitis, you might notice mucus draining from your nose and sometimes even into your throat. Sinusitis mucus is typically thick and may appear yellow or green.

Other potential causes

Other possible reasons for a runny nose or nasal discharge may include:

What are the signs & symptoms for nasal discharge?

When to see a doctor

If your symptoms haven't improved after you've tried home remedies for more than ten days, it's time to schedule an appointment with your doctor.Some symptoms indicate it's a good idea to schedule a visit to the doctor.

These include:

These could be signs of a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.Yellow or green mucus does not always mean you have an infection.

The change in colour is actually a result of the immune response, where infection-fighting neutrophils quickly gather in that specific area. These cells contain a greenish-coloured enzyme that can turn the mucus the same colour.

Corrective surgery, known as septoplasty, might be the best solution to treat postnasal drip permanently when dealing with a deviated septum. This process includes adjusting and aligning the nasal septum.

Sometimes, sections of the nasal septum might have to be taken out for it to work effectively.

If you think that GERD, acid reflux or trouble swallowing is causing your postnasal drip, make sure to see your primary care doctor. They can run tests and recommend medications to check for any potential health problems.

If you're in need of a primary care doctor, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to search for doctors in your area.

What are the treatment of nasal discharge?

You can't completely stop all instances of nasal discharge. But, there are methods to decrease the likelihood of developing ailments that result in too much mucus coming out of your nose.

To lower your risk of catching a cold or flu :

If you have allergies, avoid allergens to prevent allergic reactions like nasal discharge. Maintaining a daily journal of your activities and symptoms can help pinpoint your triggers. Your doctor may also suggest allergy testing.

Lastly, avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants to prevent inflammation in your nasal passages.