The fluid coming out of the nose after death is purge fluid, a decomposition fluid that also exudes from other body orifices like the mouth. This fluid is a byproduct of the body's natural decomposition process.
Understanding Postmortem Purge Fluid
Purge fluid is not blood, but rather a mix of fluids from the body's tissues and organs. Its appearance can vary depending on the cause of death and the time elapsed since death. In some cases, it may appear frothy or foamy, especially if pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) was present before death. In other instances, the fluid may have a pinkish or reddish tinge.
- Decomposition Process: As the body decomposes, cellular breakdown releases fluids. These fluids migrate to the lowest points of the body, often exiting through natural openings like the nose and mouth.
- Cause of Death Influence: The appearance and amount of purge fluid can be influenced by the cause of death. For example, heart failure often leads to fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema), potentially resulting in a frothy, pinkish fluid leaking from the nose and mouth after death.
- Time Since Death: The amount of purge fluid will increase as the decomposition progresses.
Several sources corroborate this information:
- Medscape: "Purge fluid is decomposition fluid that may exude from the oral and nasal passages as well as other body cavities."[1]
- BBC Future: Mentions "purging fluid that comes out of decomposing..."[2]
- Quora: Discusses fluids leaking from capillaries after death and foaming from the body.[3]
- Petco: Notes that fluid buildup in the lungs (pink/red and frothy) can come out from the nose and mouth after death.[4]
- Home Pet Euthanasia: States that fluid can escape the nasal cavity or mouth after death.[5]
[1] Medscape. (2022, November 21). Postmortem Changes: Overview, Definitions, Scene Findings. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1680032-overview
[2] BBC Future. (2015, May 8). What happens to our bodies after we die. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20150508-what-happens-after-we-die
[3] Quora. (2013, June 10). What can cause foam to come out from the mouth and nose of a dead body. Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-can-cause-foam-to-come-out-from-the-mouth-and-nose-of-a-dead-body
[4] Petco. (2020, July 17). If a cat died from some type of heart related failure, would there be .... Retrieved from https://www.petco.com/content/content-hub/home/questions/02/11/817555.html
[5] Home Pet Euthanasia of Southern California. Understanding Death. Retrieved from https://www.homepeteuthanasia.com/services/pet-euthanasia/understanding-death
