Why do you have so much runny nose when you have a cold?
Colds are common diseases in daily life, and runny nose is one of the most bothersome symptoms of colds. Why do I have so much runny nose when I have a cold? What's the science behind this? This article will give you a detailed analysis based on hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days.
1. The function of nasal discharge

Snot is not useless. It is part of the human immune system and its main function is to protect the respiratory tract. The following are the main functions of nasal discharge:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| moisturize nasal cavity | Prevent nasal dryness and damage to mucous membranes |
| Filter foreign matter | Block dust, bacteria and viruses from entering the respiratory tract |
| immune defense | Contains antibodies and enzymes that can kill some pathogens |
2. Reasons for increased nasal discharge during colds
When you have a cold, the secretion of nasal mucus will increase significantly, which is mainly due to the following reasons:
| Reason | Detailed explanation |
|---|---|
| Virus invasion | Cold viruses irritate the nasal mucosa, causing increased mucus secretion |
| inflammatory response | The immune system releases inflammatory mediators, dilates blood vessels, and increases mucus secretion |
| Remove pathogens | Rinsing the nasal cavity through large amounts of nasal mucus, taking away viruses and bacteria |
3. Hot topics in the past 10 days and discussions related to cold and runny nose
According to the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days, the following are the hot topics of discussion about colds and runny nose:
| topic | heat index | Main point |
|---|---|---|
| Cold nasal mucus color and health | 85% | Yellow or green nasal discharge may indicate a bacterial infection |
| How to stop a runny nose quickly | 78% | It is recommended to use saline to rinse the nasal cavity |
| Children's cold and runny nose care | 72% | Parents should pay attention to avoid nasal discharge causing otitis media |
| Effect of cold medicine on nasal discharge | 65% | Some cold medicines may reduce nasal mucus secretion, but they should be used with caution |
4. How to relieve nasal discharge during colds
While a runny nose is a normal response to a cold, too much can make you feel uncomfortable. Here are a few ways to mitigate it:
| method | Specific operations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| drink more water | Stay hydrated and dilute nasal mucus | Avoid cold drinks irritating your throat |
| Apply hot compress to nose | Apply a warm towel to your nose to relieve nasal congestion | The temperature should not be too high to avoid burns |
| Use a humidifier | Increase air humidity and reduce nasal dryness | Clean your humidifier regularly to avoid bacterial growth |
| Nasal irrigation | Rinse nasal cavity with saline | Use a special neti washer to avoid choking on water |
5. The relationship between nasal mucus color and health
The color of nasal discharge can reflect the health of the body. The following are common nasal discharge colors and their meanings:
| color | Possible reasons | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent | normal or mild cold | Get plenty of rest and observe symptoms |
| white | Swelling of the nasal cavity and thickening of mucus | Increase water intake |
| yellow | Immune system fights infection | If it lasts for many days, seek medical attention |
| green | Possible bacterial infection | It is recommended to consult a doctor |
| red or brown | Nasal bleeding | Check the nasal cavity for dryness or injury |
6. Summary
Increased nasal discharge during a cold is the body's normal defense mechanism designed to remove pathogens and protect the respiratory tract. By understanding the effects and color changes of nasal discharge, we can better determine our own health and take appropriate mitigation measures. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly.
Recent hot topics show that the public’s attention to cold and runny noses mainly focuses on care methods and health tips. I hope this article provides you with useful information to help you better deal with sniffles when you have a cold.
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