What Causes Black Nasal Discharge?

Posted on Sat, 7 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Nov 2015 Answered on

Sat, 28 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 94year father has a black discharge from his nose Thank you

Answered by Dr. Divakara (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be due to Infection.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for posting your query.

Black discharge indicates either Bleeding in the upper part of nose or an Infection or Parasites infestation. He requires personal examination to determine what is the cause of it.

I need to know more information.

1. Since when the discharge is there ?
2. Is he having any fever or pain in nose?
3. Is the discharge foul smelling?

For the time being he can use Nasivion Nasal drops and observe it the discharge resolves in 2-3 days , if not he needs to consult an ENT doctor. If you can't get Nasivion drops you can still use warm salt water ( few drops ) .

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarifications feel free to ask.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina