What is snot made of? The secret that is periodically secreted from the nasal passages consists of 3 components: water, salt and a specific protein - mucin. It is the last component that determines the properties of nasal secretions - thanks to it, viscous transparent snot. Accordingly, the greater the volume of mucin produced by the body, the thicker the secretion secreted from the nose becomes. Basically, this is the answer to the question "why is the mucus in the nose thick?"
It should be noted that this protein is characterized by antiseptic properties - it helps to fight harmful microorganisms. Thus, it should not be surprising that with a disease from the category of colds, it begins to be produced in excess of the norm, and the person receives a jelly-like discharge from the nose.
Why snot is like jelly
Nasal discharge of a mucous and liquid consistency turns into a thick runny nose, usually due to the fact that the mucous membrane lining the nasal passages is irritated by an infection of a viral or bacterial origin. Trying to defend itself and quickly get rid of the irritant, the membrane begins to produce mucus in increased quantities. It is she who pushes harmful microorganisms, as well as the pathogenic products of their vital activity, closer to the exit from the nasal passages. As a result, thick mucus constantly accumulates in the nose.
Thick snot can be either transparent or colored. The color of the discharge may indicate a specific type of microbes or fungus, which provoked the inflammatory process that affected the nasal cavity.
So, thick mucus in the nose happens:
- white;
- yellow;
- brown;
- green;
- bloody.
If very thick snot in an adult begins to acquire any of the listed shades, it is necessary to immediately consult an otolaryngologist. After all, it is obvious that serious inflammation develops in the nose. It can be effectively eliminated with the help of medications prescribed by a doctor.
Causes of white, viscous nasal discharge
By changes in the shade of nasal discharge, it is possible to determine at what stage of development the disease is at the moment. For example, thick transparent snot in an adult occurs at the very beginning of the disease, at the stage of infection, or, conversely, when things are moving towards recovery. If the inflammatory process is only gaining momentum, then the consistency of the discharge is defined as "very thick snot", and their color is traditionally white. White thick snot can be companions of such diseases and conditions:
- allergic reactions;
- sinusitis;
- overgrowth of polyps and inflammation of the adenoids;
- complications after ARVI or measles;
- deep caries that caused sinusitis.
Thick white snot is a sign of not only the classic cold, but also the defeat of the nasal passages by a fungal infection. If you focus only on this symptom, the diseases are easy to confuse, which means it is wrong to treat and not achieve a result. Therefore, it is not recommended to expect the appearance of complications due to the rapid multiplication of a fungus such as Candida, because it is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of it on your own. However, there is another option.
If thick white snot appears in an adult, this may indicate that the course of the inflammatory process has dragged on and the disease has already been started. And yet, despite the described probable reasons, it is exclusively the otolaryngologist who should answer the question of why the snot is white and thick.
We also note that white snot (thick) in an adult cause significant inconvenience and serious discomfort. With their removal from the nasal passages, difficulties usually arise, as a result of which a violation of the full respiratory function occurs.
Where does clear thick mucus in the nose come from?
Transparent thick snot is one of the first symptoms that usually manifests itself as an acute infection of viral origin or a bacterial disease that has struck the nasopharynx. Literally in 2-3 days they turn yellowish-green.
Often they also visit:
allergy sufferers;- if you constantly breathe dry air;
- in the presence of a polyp formed in the nasal passage.
allergy sufferers;In children, jelly-like snot most often indicates that the adenoids have not only grown exorbitantly, but also become inflamed. Transparent snot with white clots may well appear with incorrect treatment or in the absence of any treatment. In this case, the discharge can last more than 10 days.
In newborns, transparent, viscous snot is dangerous. The fact is that they not only create serious obstacles to proper breathing through the nose, but also adversely affect the general well-being of the child - he cannot sleep and eat normally. Such problems with the baby's health can be caused by excessively dry air that he breathes, as well as his prolonged stay in an unventilated room.
Post factum
Summing up, we note: if thick snot appears in an adult, you must immediately contact an otolaryngologist to establish the correct diagnosis. And only after receiving it, you can start one or another method of treatment. In addition, it is advisable to periodically take preventive measures so that snot, like jelly from the nose, no longer appears.
If it turned out that the disease was caused by a virus, it is necessary to be treated, respectively, with antiviral drugs. When a bacterial infection turns out to be the culprit, you need to use something from the arsenal of antibiotics. If an allergy manifests itself with a runny nose, it is advisable to start taking antihistamines.
In cases where viscous snot in an adult must be brought into a liquid state, a specialist usually prescribes some kind of mucolytic. By trying to self-medicate in such a difficult situation, you are deliberately putting your health at absolutely unjustified risk.
