White Mucus in Nose Causes and Remedies
Nasal mucus can be downright disgusting. When provided in large abundance as is often with a cold or allergies, it can be thick, uncomfortable and annoying. But, nasal mucus does play an important role within the body. ABC News points out that it’s a protective substance that coats the membranes of the airways. And, it’s incredibly useful for keeping things that are bad out of the nose (and preventing it from going elsewhere) such as dirt and bacteria. In fact, nasal mucus is a friendly bodily product. Sometimes, mucus color can change from clear in color to other shades. White mucus in nose areas is the most common, but green to yellow can appear as well. Most of the time, when the color changes to white, it’s indicative of a common cold.
White mucus discharge can actually have no cause and be perfectly normal in some people. Dr. Oz points out that regular nose mucus can be white in color and can appear bubbly. Of course, it can also be a very common symptom of a cold, (normally caused by a virus) although yellow mucus in nose areas is also characteristic of colds. Typically, when illness is present, the quantity of white mucus discharge increases and the texture can change into more of a thicker and stickier consistency.
Irritation of the nose can also cause a rapid increase in mucus output, as well as a thickening and color changing phenomenon. Rhinitis simply refers to inflammation of the sinuses, and is incredibly common. It can be caused by environmental stimulants such as chemical fumes from household cleaners, or cigarette smoking. Allergies can also produce their own form of rhinitis, whereby allergic nuisances create swelling. This can create an obstruction sort of problem that can lead to more white mucus in nose areas, as the resulting swelling makes it more difficult for the mucus to travel where it normally does (via swallowing).
Interestingly enough, this same obstruction issue can be present during a throat infection or sore throat as well. Of course, since the pathway out for nasal mucus straight down, a swollen throat can lead it to hung up mucus, according to Dr. Oz. When this mucus is accompanied by coughing up white chunks, tonsil stones might be to blame. Regardless of the source of throat irritation, white mucus then can remain in the nasal area, without being able to use its normal escape route, thus leading to excess amounts of it in the sinus region.
Thankfully, treating white mucus in nose areas is often much less simpler than pinpointing the exact cause. And, because there can be other symptoms associated with a buildup of white mucus in the nose; remedies are often multi faceted approaches to all over relief. However, it starts with reducing the amount of nasal mucus that is hanging around. One of the most popular remedies is to simply use a decongestant. These effective, over the counter remedies can be very handy for reducing the amount of perceived mucus in the nose, but they do tend to be heavy on the side effects. Many produce stimulant like reactions and can even bring about a case of the jitters. Conversely, some produce excessive drowsiness, and may not be appropriate for use during all times of the day.
Alternative remedies are often just as effective if not more so than traditional medicinal relief. For instance, a Neti Pot can be incredibly amazing at reducing the amount of nasal mucus residing in the sinuses. When used properly, it can provide better and faster relief than some decongestants. Along the same vein, humidifiers and vaporizers, according to WebMD, can also be useful tools to combat congestion caused from thick white mucus in nose areas. And, interestingly enough, fluid intake can help play a role in the ultimate consistency of the white mucus. When hydration levels are low, it can contribute to a sticker and thicker mucus consistency. Conversely, maintaining adequate fluid intake when white mucus is near can actually help to thin it out, making it easier to be rid from.
A salt water saline spray can also be very effective at reducing white mucus in nose areas, although its effects are rarely long lasting. Avoid the use of over the counter remedies for same, they can be incredibly addictive. But, salt water provides gentle relief without creating a nasal spray dependency.
Of course, when excessive, bothersome or accompanied by other troubling symptoms aside from those common with a cold, it is wise to see a health care professional. There are innumerous causes of white mucus in nose areas, and while most are common and hardly serious, chronic recurrences and increasing severity can signal other health concerns. However, for day to day management of snow colored nasal mucus, consider natural remedies and an avoidance of triggers if not virus related for gentle and effective relief.