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What Causes Brownish Coloured Mucus Discharge From Nose?

Posted on Mon, 6 Oct 2014

Question: I have an allergy that makes a brownish discharge from my sinuses. It causes me to cough and this brownish mucus drains from my sinuses. It has a bad smell. It goes away and comes back. What I it?What is brownish sinus discharge?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Acute or Allergic fungal sinusitis...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you with this problem.

The brownish coloured mucus could be either mucus mixed with blood or fungal mucin. The microbiological examination of the mucus secretions can aid in diagnosing the actual cause.

During acute infection the congested tiny blood vessels inside the nose breaks off making the secretions brownish. And, this is not a serious medical problem.

Secondly, allergic mucin can be discharged as either brownish or greyish secretions. The fungal elements can be examined under microscope to confirm the same.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Request your doctor to take a swab from the secretions and send for testing.
2. Use saline nasal spray to clear the secretions.
3. Do steam inhalation.
4. Drink plenty of warm water.
5. A mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine helps in thinning the secretions.
6. An antibiotic is necessary to treat the infection.
7. Avoid coffee/ smoking/alcohol/chilled food and beverages.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T