What is a runny nose, everyone knows from their own experience. But where does the snot come from, in principle, and why are they needed? Okay, if the person clearly caught a cold or caught some kind of respiratory infection. But often it starts flowing from the nose just like that, for no apparent and serious reason. In addition, the snot themselves are capable of changing color and consistency even during the same disease. What does it depend on?
What is snot
To begin with, there is simply no such term as "snot" in medicine. So called in common parlance mucous discharge from the nose, which in a healthy person only moisten the walls of the nasal passages and nasopharynx. Normally, they do not pour out. A runny nose appears only when the mucous membranes are irritated by something and begin to secrete more secretions.
It is possible to describe in general terms how snot is formed and for what purpose, as follows. The walls of the mucous membrane in humans are composed of cells that constantly secrete mucus, the composition of which changes depending on the state of the body. Its basis: water, salt, proteins, carbohydrates and special protective cells. As necessary, the number of these cells increases, and their proportions change. This is regulated by the hormonal and immune systems.
Snotty protection
So this is where the snot in the nose comes from - it is produced by the body itself, just sometimes in larger quantities than usual. In fact, they perform a protective function, being a reliable barrier that protects the upper respiratory tract from:
- severe hypothermia - snot also slightly slows down the passage of air through the nasal passages, and it warms up more;
drying out - the discharge moisturizes not only the nasal passages, but also the nasopharynx and the back wall of the larynx;- ingress of dust and debris particles - in a viscous environment, they stick to the walls of the nose or collect in small lumps;
- penetration of small insects - finding themselves in the nose, they simply drown in the snot, like a fly in syrup, and then go out when cleaning the nose;
- pathogenic microorganisms - in the mucus of a healthy person with a strong immune system, there are cells that can destroy up to 90% of bacteria that enter the nose.
drying out - the discharge moisturizes not only the nasal passages, but also the nasopharynx and the back wall of the larynx;Also, snot is part of such an important defense mechanism as sneezing. Sneezing is a reflexive sharp cleansing of the respiratory tract from an irritant that has got into them.
An interesting fact is that when sneezing, the snot flies up to a distance of 5 m, with an initial speed of up to 160 km / h. And together with them all unwanted "guests" fly out of the nose.
Causes of the common cold
When mucous discharge constantly flows out of the nose or accumulates in the nasal passages, blocking them and making breathing difficult, we can talk about a runny nose. There are a lot of reasons why a runny nose appears and they can all be divided into three large groups. They are:
- allergic - in which irritation of the mucous membrane occurs under the influence of an allergen;
- non-infectious - most often any mechanical irritants, as well as inappropriate humidity, temperature or air composition;
- infectious - with them a profuse runny nose is caused by the immune system that has become more active to fight infection.
Understanding where the snot comes from, why we have them, knowing their possible nature, it is easy to guess that a runny nose can be completely cured only if its cause is precisely determined. Otherwise, the effect of any treatment will be short-term.
A runny nose is not a disease, but only a symptom. An indicator that something is wrong with the body. The appearance and smell of mucous secretions can partially solve this riddle.
Colored snot
The color and consistency of snot to an experienced doctor can fairly accurately tell the cause and even the type of disease. But this is not the basis for a definitive diagnosis. In most cases, a few more laboratory tests will be required in order to choose the only correct one from the various options. However, knowing some of the features of snot, you can significantly speed up the diagnosis.
Liquid and transparent snot are most often of an allergic nature. Thus, the body tries to neutralize the allergen and bring it out. The body also reacts to the ingress of a foreign body, dust or infection. Therefore, here you need to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. Liquid snot of an allergic nature can be cured by using antihistamines.
Viscous transparent snot appear with a cold, when there is no infection, and the body has suffered from ordinary hypothermia. It is often compensated by increased body temperature, in which the mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx dry out quickly. This can cause pain and cracking. To prevent these unpleasant phenomena, thicker mucus appears in the nose. It is not necessary to specifically treat such snot, and if they are too abundant, vasoconstrictor drugs will help to stop the runny nose.
Yellow thick snot signals that cells that fight viruses have become activated. This means that there is an infection in the body. If the immune system does not cope with it, it will spread further and can cause diseases such as sinusitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. Conclusion - it's time to start actively treating the body.
Orange snot - almost always indicates that a person has acute sinusitis. In the maxillary sinuses, mucus accumulates, which is a cocktail of pathogens and dead human immune cells. If it does not come out, then pus is formed. Such snot should be treated with strong antibiotics or pumped out by making a puncture of the maxillary sinus wall.
Green or yellow-green snot is one hundred percent indicator that a runny nose is of a bacterial nature. In the human body there are special cells, neutrophils, which are sent to fight against pathogenic bacteria. After death, they decompose, giving the snot a green tint.
The more intense the color, the more advanced the disease is. It is most likely that it will not be possible to cure such a runny nose without antibiotics.
Brown snot is a rather alarming symptom. It indicates that the mucous secretions contain clotted blood. And figuring out why she's showing up there can sometimes be vital. One of the reasons may be a sharp increase in intracranial or blood pressure, due to which small blood vessels burst.
Also, blood in the snot can indicate capillary fragility, blood clotting disorders and other problems in the body. If brown snot from one or two nostrils appears regularly, it is worth undergoing a diagnostic examination.
Prophylaxis
Understanding where it comes from and what a runny nose means, it is easier to find a way to deal with it faster. No one will be able to get rid of him once and for all. And it's not worth it - as we have already found out, snot is useful for us. But you can prevent its appearance by observing simple measures:
- the room in which you are constantly, and even more so you sleep, must be well ventilated, and the air must be humidified;
- wet cleaning in the apartment should be performed at least 2 times a week, and if there is a child and / or pets in it - daily;
pet hair must be regularly looked after, cut, cleaned and combed;- dust accumulates in carpets and upholstered furniture, which over time can cause allergies, therefore, they must be thoroughly cleaned at least 2 times a year;
- regular exercise improves blood circulation, ventilates the lungs, cleanses the upper respiratory tract, aerobic exercise is especially useful: jogging, cycling, etc.;
- it is better to choose clothes and shoes from natural materials, not too aggressive colors (they can contain many harmful allergenic dyes);
- it is very important in the cold season to avoid hypothermia, especially of the head; at sub-zero temperatures and high air humidity, it is imperative to wear a hat;
- during the period of mass illnesses with acute respiratory infections, it is advisable not to visit crowded places, and if necessary, cover your face with a scarf or mask;
- chronic rhinitis can be from constant irritation of the upper respiratory tract with tobacco smoke, and this is important for both active and passive smokers.
pet hair must be regularly looked after, cut, cleaned and combed;For the good functioning of the immune system, proper nutrition with foods that are rich in vitamins and microelements is very important. At a time when it is difficult to provide a sufficient amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet, their lack must be compensated for by taking multivitamin preparations.
If you still doubt that your immune system will cope with infections, which are especially activated in the autumn-winter period, you can drink immunomodulators. And before going outside, create an additional protective barrier by lubricating the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment.
An excellent prevention of rhinitis is the use of essential oils. Some of them (eucalyptus, juniper, pine, fir) have a powerful antibacterial effect. For half an hour of burning, a conventional aroma lamp can eliminate up to 80% of pathogens in the room and, at the same time, in the upper respiratory tract of a person.
