In spring, there are allergies. In summer, there are mosquitoes. In autumn, seasonal depression. And in winter… runny nose. Rhinorrhea (this is the scientific name for this phenomenon) is almost unavoidable from the first cold days, and it is often linked to an ENT disease.
How to tell the difference between a “normal” runny nose and a “you need to go to the doctor” runny nose? In a video published on Instagram, pharmacy technician Maëva Blanchard (@pharmaconseils) takes stock of the different colors of nasal secretions, and what they mean.
Firstly, if the snot is transparentshe is “normal, unless in large quantities. This could then be a sign of an allergy.” indicates Maëva Blanchard. A snot blanche corresponds to a state “congested“: the airways are very congested, we can then consider washing the nose.
Yellow or green snot: there is a viral or bacterial infection
When nasal secretions are yellow“this means that a cold (or other ENT infection) is developing” describes the expert. Same thing when snot is greenish : “the immune system is hard at work: it is fighting something. The mucus then becomes thick and abundant. But that’s not a good enough reason to take antibiotics!“
Other colors should also ring a bell. So, if your nasal secretions are redunsurprisingly, the first thing to think about is a damaged blood vessel inside the nose. “Or your nasal passage is very dry or irritated” suggests the pharmacy technician.
Snot can become marron “if you inhale something dark, or if you have dried blood in your nose.“As for nasal secretions blackishthey generally correspond to prolonged exposure to atmospheric pollution. “However, fungal sinusitis can also cause black discharge.“
I have a runny nose: should I go to the doctor?
Runny nose: when should you consult? According to the pharmacy technician, you need to make an appointment with the doctor.”when the green color lasts for more than a week, when the nasal secretions are black and we do not know where it can come from, and in case of repeated red secretions.” Message received!
Source : Instagram
Source: www.topsante.com
