Nasal discharge and phlegm are two different secretions of the human body, and they have obvious differences in production, composition, and action, but they are also related.
1. The difference between nasal discharge and phlegm.
1.Generation mechanism.
Nasal mucus is mucus secreted by the nasal mucosa, which mainly moistens the nasal passages and adsorbs dust and microorganisms in the air. Phlegm, on the other hand, is a fluid produced by the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, and its main role is to help expel foreign bodies and inflammatory products from the respiratory tract.
2.Composition.
The main components of nasal mucus include water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and a small amount of minerals, etc., while sputum contains white blood cells, epithelial cells, inflammatory cells, and various pathogens in addition to water and mucus.
3.Appearance features.
Nasal discharge is usually clear or yellowish, while sputum can be white, yellow, or green, depending on the type and extent of inflammation.
4.Physiological function.
The main function of nasal discharge is to keep the nasal passages moist, and it is also involved in regulating body temperature and maintaining the self-cleaning effect of the respiratory tract. The main function of sputum is to remove foreign bodies and inflammatory products in the respiratory tract, and help maintain the patency and health of the respiratory tract.
2. The connection between nasal discharge and phlegm.
Although there are distinct differences between nasal discharge and phlegm in terms of production, composition, and action, they also have a certain connection. When the respiratory tract is infected or irritated, inflammatory cells are released into the respiratory tract in large quantities, resulting in increased production of nasal discharge and phlegm. In addition, certain diseases such as rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc., can also cause an increase in the secretion of nasal discharge and phlegm.
In general, although nasal discharge and phlegm are both a type of secretion from the human body, they have distinct differences in production, composition, and action. Understanding the difference and connection between nasal discharge and phlegm will help to better understand the physiological mechanism of the human respiratory tract and the mechanism of disease pathogenesis, and provide a scientific basis for disease prevention and development.