Purulent discharge is a viscous yellow-green mass with an unpleasant putrid odor. Evacuation of pathological secretions from the nasal passages indicates bacterial inflammation of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. Lack of timely medical care can lead to the development of life-threatening diseases. Why is pus flowing from the nose and how to eliminate unpleasant symptoms?
The appearance of purulent exudate is associated with the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria in the nasal mucosa. Viscous, yellow-green discharge consists of degenerated (degenerated) leukocytes, microbes and soft tissue breakdown products. Bacterial inflammation is dangerous because, over time, not only the mucous membranes of the ENT organs, but also bone tissues are involved in pathological processes. Inadequate treatment of bacterial inflammation is fraught with the development of osteomyelitis, meningitis, and abscesses in the skull.
Causes and provoking factors
Purulent processes in the nose can be triggered by respiratory and dental diseases, allergic reactions and injuries. Dysfunction of the nasopharynx leads to a decrease in local immunity. This, in turn, stimulates the process of reproduction of opportunistic microorganisms in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. The most likely causes of pus in the sinuses and nasal cavity include:
Rhinosinusitis
Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of one or more paranasal sinuses. Most often, the disease develops against the background of influenza, allergies, a sluggish rhinitis and injuries of the nasal septum. Depending on the location of the lesions, the following types of sinusitis are distinguished:
- sinusitis (maxillitis) - inflammation of the paired maxillary paranasal sinuses, which are located on the right and left sides of the nasal septum;
- sphenoiditis - inflammation of the sphenoid paranasal sinus, which is located at the base of the skull; a rare disease, inadequate treatment of which is fraught with damage to the optic nerve, pituitary gland and carotid arteries;
- ethmoiditis - acute or sluggish inflammation of the ethmoid labyrinth, which is located in the skull at the very base of the nose;
- frontal sinusitis is an inflammation of one or two frontal sinuses, which are located in the thickness of the skull at the level of the eyebrows.
Malaise, headaches, purulent nasal discharge and fever are the main symptoms of sinusitis.
The nature of the pain depends on exactly where the purulent inflammation is localized. On palpation of the affected areas, the discomfort increases (sinusitis - cheeks, frontal sinusitis - brows).
Nasal polyp
A nasal polyp is a benign tumor that is an overgrowth of the mucous membrane. Often, tumors are localized in the ethmoid labyrinth or maxillary (maxillary) sinuses. Symptoms of nasal polyps are:
- nasal congestion;
- headache;
- decreased sense of smell;
- Difficulty nasal breathing.
Polyps that form in the ethmoid labyrinth can trigger the development of non-allergic asthma.
The reasons for the appearance of benign tumors in the nasopharynx are not fully understood. However, in most cases they are found in people with allergic rhinitis. Polyps block the opening of the sinuses, which prevents mucus from flowing out. Over time, this leads to inflammation of the soft tissues, as a result of which pus begins to evacuate from the nasal canal.
Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases are the most likely cause of purulent inflammation in the nasal cavity. The penetration of any infection into the respiratory tract leads to a decrease in immunity, which gives a "green light" for the development of microbes in the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. If a yellow-green exudate and an unpleasant putrid smell appeared in the nose, the reason for this could be:
- bacterial rhinitis;
- purulent pharyngitis;
- follicular tonsillitis;
- ARVI;
- diphtheria.
Treatment of the underlying disease and side effects of inflammation in the nasopharynx allows you to eliminate unpleasant symptoms without any consequences. It should be remembered that untimely destruction of pathogens is fraught with the spread of infection and deterioration of the patient's well-being.
Nasal septum injury
Curvature of the nasal septum, provoked by trauma, impede the outflow of viscous secretions from the paranasal sinuses. In this regard, the likelihood of the formation of foci of inflammation in soft tissues increases significantly. The fact is that nasal mucus is a suitable substrate for the reproduction of pathogenic microbes, which contribute to the formation of pus in the nose.
The main symptoms that indicate a deformity of the nasal septum include:
- chronic rhinitis;
- headache;
- snore;
- decreased sense of smell;
- dryness in the nasal mucosa.
Septal injuries can cause tonsillitis, sinusitis, and vasomotor rhinitis. If the inflammation was triggered by the destruction of the osteochondral structures in the nasal cavity, treatment will consist of septoplasty or rhinoplasty. The aim of the surgery is to restore nasal breathing and the correct shape of the nasal septum.
Features of therapy
If there is pus from the nose, this indicates the presence of bacterial inflammation in the respiratory tract. It should be understood that the microbial flora develops quite quickly, therefore, delayed treatment of the disease can lead to inflammation of the optic nerve, blood vessels, meninges, etc. Therefore, if pathological symptoms occur, you need to seek help from an otolaryngologist.
Treatment of purulent inflammation consists in the use of several therapeutic techniques:
- medication - allows you to destroy pathogens and stop inflammation in the respiratory system;
- physiotherapy - helps to cleanse the nasal cavity from purulent exudate and pathogens;
- surgical - used when conservative methods of treating sinusitis and bacterial rhinitis are ineffective.
It is not recommended to use pain relievers before consulting a doctor, as their reception can affect the symptomatic picture and thereby complicate the diagnosis.
To stop purulent discharge from the nose, first of all, it is necessary to neutralize the infection directly in the foci of inflammation. For these purposes, it is recommended to use antibiotics and systemic sulfonamides. Symptomatic medications - decongestants, analgesics, antipyretics, etc. will help eliminate the symptoms of a respiratory disease.
Treatment regimen
It is necessary to treat purulent inflammation with the help of systemic and local drugs. The former are used to destroy the infection throughout the body, and the latter are used directly in the lesions. If the patient has pus flowing from the nasal passages, the following medications are included in the treatment regimen:
| Medication type | Operating principle | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic drugs | ||
| antibiotics | destroy pathogenic microbes and prevent the formation of pus in the nose | Erythromycin, Cefuroxime, Flemoxin |
| sulfonamides | prevent the growth of bacteria and increase specific immunity | "Sulfadimezin", "Sulfazin", "Sulfacarbamide" |
| antimycotics (antifungal) | destroy the cells of mold and yeast-like fungi, and also inhibit the activity of some bacteria | "Nystatin", "Mikoheptin", "Levorin" |
| Local preparations | ||
| antibacterial nasal drops | destroy microbial flora directly in the nasal cavity | "Polydexa", "Bioparox", "Isofra" |
| vasoconstrictor nasal agents | reduce swelling of the mucous membranes, which promotes the outflow of pus from the paranasal sinuses | "Knoxprey", "Tizin", "Naftizin" |
| antiseptic nasal drops | inhibit the activity of microbes and fungi in the nasal cavity | Collargol, Protargol |
| Symptomatic drugs | ||
| mucolytics | reduce the viscosity of purulent exudate, which contributes to its evacuation from the nasopharynx | Solvin, Rinofluimucil, Mukolvan |
| analgesics | reduce the sensitivity of pain receptors, thereby eliminating discomfort in the nose and paranasal sinuses | Aspirin, Nimesulide, Analgin |
| antipyretics | normalize body temperature and prevent dehydration | Paracetamol, Nurofen, Nise |
To speed up recovery, it is recommended to rinse the nasal cavity with sea salt solutions at least 3 times a day.
Conclusion
If a yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor comes from the nose, in 98% of cases this indicates a bacterial or fungal inflammation of the nasopharynx. The cause of the unpleasant symptom can be sinusitis, nasal septum injuries, respiratory and dental diseases, as well as benign tumors in the nasal cavity. Users of online gambling resources are most often looking for a reliable verified casino. Among the list of top portals, you can find a great option. By clicking on the link azinocazino.com, the gamer is taken to a "really good place." A wide range of entertainment, honest returns and loyal conditions of the game allow you not only to win, but also to withdraw funds without any problems.
Treatment of purulent inflammation consists in taking antibacterial or antifungal drugs. Systemic medications quickly destroy the infection, which promotes regression of inflammation in the airways. It is possible to alleviate the course of the disease by taking symptomatic medications, which include analgesics, vasoconstrictor nasal drops, antipyretics (antipyretics), antiseptic solutions, etc.
