“Pus” and “discharge” are related terms, but they refer to different things.
- Pus:
- Pus is a thick, yellowish or greenish fluid that is produced as a result of inflammation or infection in the body.
- It consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.
- Pus is often a sign of an immune response to an infection, and its presence indicates that the body is attempting to fight off the invading pathogens.
- Common sources of pus include wounds, abscesses, and infections.
- Discharge:
- Discharge, in a general sense, refers to the release of any substance from a body opening or wound.
- While pus is a type of discharge, not all discharges are pus. Discharge can be fluid or semi-fluid material that comes from various parts of the body.
- Discharge can be normal, such as the clear or milky discharge from the vagina or the discharge from the nose during a cold.
- Abnormal or excessive discharge, especially when accompanied by changes in color, odor, or consistency, may indicate an underlying health issue, infection, or imbalance.
In summary, pus is a specific type of discharge that is associated with infection or inflammation, while discharge is a broader term that encompasses various fluids released from the body.