Yellow-red snot

Runny nose is a normal physiological phenomenon, and different colors of snot represent different symptoms in the body. The yellow-red color of snot is mostly related to bleeding. A normal and healthy nasal discharge is colorless and transparent, and it does not usually flow out. A runny nose is most common when you have a cold. Some nasal discharge is thick white, while others is clear nasal discharge like water, all of which indicate inflammation.

1. Normal nasal discharge

Normal mucus is colorless and transparent and does not flow out of the nasal cavity.

The main components are water, as well as protein, carbohydrates and some exfoliated cells.

The nose is running:

1. Crying

When the baby cries, the mucus will increase and flow out of the nasal cavity. This is because tears flow into the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct and turn into mucus before they are completely absorbed.

2. Cold air stimulation

Parents in the north should be well aware of this situation.

2. The runny nose is abnormal

1. Continuous runny nose

① Early stage of cold

Clear watery mucus flows continuously from the nose, which is common in the early stages of a cold.

This is because after catching a cold, the body wants to flush out the pathogens in the nasal cavity as quickly as possible, causing the nasal mucosa to become congested and swollen, secreting more mucus.

Many people want to stop the runny nose as soon as possible when they see their baby has a runny nose. In fact, at this time, you should let the mucus flow out to expel the pathogens.

② Allergic rhinitis

If your baby has a lot of clear nasal discharge, and is accompanied by sneezing, itchy nose and other symptoms, you should pay attention: Does your baby have allergic rhinitis?

When you have allergic rhinitis, you will have a lot of clear nasal discharge, which is actually the body's attempt to expel the allergens in the nasal cavity as quickly as possible.

2. The mucus becomes thicker and whiter

After 2 to 3 days of a viral or bacterial cold, respiratory inflammation will cause the mucus to become thicker or whiter.

Viruses and bacteria can cause inflammation:

①Viral cold: The body temperature will improve after the mucus becomes thicker.

② Bacterial cold: After the mucus becomes thicker, the body temperature will not improve.

3. Going a step further, the mucus turns yellow or green

In the case of bacterial or viral infection, the immune system launches a counterattack, and large numbers of white blood cells rush to the infected site to hunt down the pathogens.

After the battle, the remains of pathogens and white blood cells are discharged into the nasal mucus, appearing as yellow or green mucus.

① Viral cold:

If the yellow-green nasal discharge persists for about 10 days and there are no symptoms such as fever or headache, it may be a viral cold and you just need to wait.

(It will heal on its own in about 10 days)

② Sinusitis:

If you have yellow-green nasal discharge accompanied by persistent fever, nausea, and headache, it may be sinusitis caused by bacterial infection.

(Need to go to hospital for treatment)

4. The snot turns red

Pink or red nasal discharge indicates nasal bleeding, which is mostly related to damage to the nasal mucosa caused by dryness, trauma, inflammation, etc.

A small amount of blood is not a big deal, but a large amount of blood requires prompt medical attention.

suggestion:

①Use a humidifier with humidity at 50%~60%.

②If your child likes to pick his nose, correct this bad habit.

5. The snot turns black

Possible causes:

① Inhaling more dust, such as coal ash.

② Being forced to inhale secondhand smoke for a long time.

③If there is no obvious external cause but black nasal discharge appears, there may be a serious fungal infection and you should go to the hospital for examination immediately.

The color of snot can only help mothers make a preliminary judgment on their child's condition. If the child shows any discomfort, they should see a doctor in time.

3. Tips for blowing your nose

When the mucus becomes thick, it is difficult for it to flow out of the nasal cavity. Some people blow their mucus hard, which can easily cause ear pain.

1. The correct way to blow your nose: do it one at a time

①First press the nostril on one side to prevent air from entering the nasal cavity.

② Let the baby take a breath and blow out the snot on the opposite side of the nose with a little force.

③Do the same on the other side.

2. Apply a warm towel

If your nasal mucus is too thick or a little dry, you can apply a warm towel near your nasal cavity.

Water vapor can soften and moisten nasal secretions.

3. Spray sea salt water

Another way to soften nasal secretions is to rinse the baby's nasal cavity with bottled normal sea salt water to dilute the viscous secretions.

Special attention: Don't let your baby suck his nose

Many children are in the habit of sucking back their snot. This is a bad habit and must be stopped early.

The baby's nasal cavity and middle ear cavity are connected only by a short Eustachian tube. Backdraft creates negative pressure, which can easily cause bacteria to "flow back" into the middle ear cavity, causing otitis media.