Do you also have a problem with frequent nasal discharge? Sometimes it's watery, other times it's runny. Is it impossible to live without a box of tissues? This is really annoying. But don't worry. Most of the time, it's not serious. Today, let's talk about Rhinorrhea , the medical name for it, or as we all know it, runny nose.
Simply put, what is this vaginal discharge?
Rhinorrhea is the discharge of mucus (we call it runny nose) from your nose. This can have several causes. The main ones are colds, allergies, or cold, dry weather. Another condition related to this is rhinitis. This is inflammation of the tissues inside the nose.
The consistency and color of the mucus that comes out of your nose may change from time to time.
- Watery discharge: Usually, watery discharge occurs due to allergies, spicy foods, or when you are in a cold environment.
- Thick mucus: When you have an infection like a cold, your body produces thick mucus.
Often, vaginal discharge can be accompanied by several other symptoms.
- Nasal congestion
- Frequent sneezing
- Postnasal drip - This can cause a scratchy, sore throat and a cough.
- Watery eyes and itchy eyes
Most of the time, this condition is temporary, but some people may have a chronic condition called snotty nose.
Why does this runny nose come out of our noses?
This is a very interesting story. This happens because of several processes that take place inside our nose. Imagine that our nose is a very busy place.
1. Nasal mucus glands: These are like a moisturizer machine for the nose. These glands constantly produce mucus to keep the inside of the nose moist and healthy. This mucus layer also helps protect us from germs.
2. Our Immune System: When you get sick, it means that a germ has gotten past the mucus layer in your nose and entered your body. Then our immune system gets ready to fight. It releases special chemicals to kill the germs. At the same time, it tells the cells in your nose to "make more mucus!" to stop more germs from getting in. So when mucus production increases, your nose becomes blocked and your nasal passages start to run. When you get better, everything goes back to normal.
3. Allergies and Histamine: In an allergy, something a little different happens. Our immune system mistakes something that is actually harmless, like dust or pollen, for a big enemy. Then, to attack that "enemy," it releases histamine.It releases a chemical called histamine. This histamine is what causes the itchy and swollen nose, eyes, and throat. It is also the main cause of a runny nose.
4. Nasal blood vessels: Nasal congestion is controlled by the swelling and constriction of blood vessels inside the nose. During times like allergies, these blood vessels leak fluid (vascular permeability) and contribute to the drainage of mucus from the nose.
Main and other causes of vaginal discharge
Let's now look at the different causes of vaginal discharge. To make this easier to understand, I have created a table like this.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Viral infections (Cold, Influenza, COVID-19) | When a virus enters the nose, the nose first produces mucus, a clear liquid, to flush it out. As the infection progresses, the mucus may turn white, yellow, or green and become thick. |
| Allergic Rhinitis (Dust, pollen, animal dander) | Histamine activity causes a runny nose. Along with this, sneezing, itchy eyes, and nose are common. |
| Cold weather | When you breathe in cold, dry air, your body produces extra mucus to prevent the inside of your nose from drying out. This is what causes runny noses when you go to Nuwara Eliya. |
| When eating spicy food (Gustatory Rhinitis) | The chemical capsaicin in spicy foods stimulates the nerves in the nose and causes the nasal mucosa to produce mucus. Remember what happens when you eat rice with a lot of salt and pepper? |
| Crying (Lacrimation) | When we cry, the excess tears flow from the corner of our eyes into our nose through a tube connected to our nose. When these tears come out of our nose, they feel like a runny nose. |
| Sinus infection (Sinusitis) | When the sinus cavities become blocked and infected, they can cause facial pain, pressure, and a thick yellow/green discharge. |
| Nasal foreign body | Especially when young children put something like a pea or a bead in their nose, the body produces mucus to expel it. At this time, if there is foul-smelling mucus coming from just one nostril , you should definitely see a doctor. |
| Pregnancy Rhinitis | Some mothers may experience nasal congestion and runny nose due to hormonal changes and changes in blood supply during pregnancy. |
| Some medications | Some medications, such as birth control pills, high blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can cause vaginal discharge as a side effect. |
Special Note: Very rarely, after a head injury, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can leak from the nose. This usually comes out of just one nostril, as a clear, watery liquid . This is a very serious condition, so if you have this symptom after a head injury , you should go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
What can you do at home to relieve nasal congestion?
Most of the time, this condition will get better on its own within a few days, but you can try these things to reduce discomfort.
- Get plenty of rest. Give your body the strength to fight.
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water. This will help thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Inhale steam. Two or three times a day, close the bathroom door, turn on the hot water in the shower, and inhale the steam. Or you can pour hot water into a basin and inhale the steam. But don't inhale the very hot steam directly , as it can burn your face.
- Apply a warm, damp cloth to your face. This can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pain.
- Use a saline nasal spray. These can be purchased at pharmacies. This will help flush the inside of your nose and clear out mucus.
Important: Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than a few days. If you do, your nose may become even more congested when you stop using them. Follow the instructions on the package exactly.
When should we see a doctor?
There's no need to rush to the doctor for a normal vaginal discharge. However, you should definitely see your doctor in the following cases:
- If you have a runny nose or nasal congestion for more than 3 weeks (unless it is due to an allergy).
- If there is a fever with it.
- If the discharge comes from only one nostril , especially if it smells bad or is bloody .
- If you have difficulty breathing .
- If the forehead, eyes, sides of the nose, or cheeks are swollen .
- If your vision feels blurry .
- If a clear, watery fluid is coming out of the nose after a head injury (this could be a CSF leak, so go to the ETU immediately).
Take-Home Message
- Rhinorrhea is a sign that our body's immune system is working. It is often caused by common causes such as a cold, allergies, or a cold environment.
- A watery discharge is usually seen with allergies, while thick, yellow, or green mucus can be a sign of an infection.
- Simple remedies such as rest, drinking fluids, and steam inhalation can often provide relief.
- If symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks, you have a fever, foul-smelling discharge from only one nostril, or fluid is leaking after a head injury, be sure to see your doctor.
- If a small child has foul-smelling mucus coming from one nostril, suspect that something is stuck in the nose and seek medical advice.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Nicardipine / Cardene tablets/vaccine are used for which disease?
This is a very powerful medicine (Calcium Channel Blocker - CCB) designed to control 'severe high blood pressure' and chest tightness/heart attack pain (Angina)! The tablet form of this (Cardene SR) is given long-term, and it is injected intravenously (IV) in the hospital when a patient's blood pressure becomes unbearably high (Hypertensive Emergency) and the brain is about to burst.
💬 How does this drug (Nicardipine) instantly lower our blood pressure when the pressure rises?
In order for a blood vessel to contract/contract and the pressure to rise, 'Calcium' particles must enter the blood vessel's muscle! When this medicine enters the blood, it blocks/closes and locks all the calcium gates (L-type calcium channels) in the blood vessels and the heart 100%! Since calcium does not enter, the blood vessel does not contract and becomes very loose (Arterial Vasodilation) and the pressure drops immediately.
💬 What are the fatal side effects and dangers of taking this drug (Cardene)?
This is a very safe drug, but if you give it (IV) to 'suddenly lower high blood pressure', sometimes the blood flow to the heart is reduced/the heart beats too fast (Reflex tachycardia) and the patient can suddenly have a heart attack and die (Exacerbation of Angina/Myocardial Infarction). Other annoying side effects are 'severe swelling of the ankles/feet (Pedal edema), flushing of the face and severe headaches!
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