What Mucus Color Says About Your Health

Admit it. You’ve peeked at your tissue after blowing your nose. As gross as it sounds, your snot, or nasal mucus, gives clues to how your body is fighting off illness.

Take when you have a cold or allergies. Your body is producing more mucus to trap the germs or irritants and get them out of your body. While it may be an annoyance at the time, excess mucus can be a sign of your immune system in action.

Learn more about mucus, the clues your mucus color offers about your health and how you can find relief.

Why Do I Have Mucus In My Nose And Throat?

Let’s start with what mucus is and its role in your body. Mucus is a fluid formed by the tissues throughout your nose and throat. Mucus is an unsung hero that helps your body’s natural defenses in several ways, including:

• Moisturizing the nasal passage to avoid dryness and irritation.
• Providing a defense against infection by trapping bacteria and other particles. Mucus also holds antibodies to fight infections.
• Removing irritations from your airway through coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose
• Regulating the humidity and temperature of the air passing through your nose

Why Does Mucus Feel Like It Gets Worse When You’re Sick?

Mucus exists to help defend and regulate how the body functions, and it builds up its “reinforcements” when you are fighting off an illness or infection.

When your body's immune system is working to fight off an infection or illness, the tissues in your nose and throat may produce more mucus than usual. The increased production of mucus can cause your nose and throat to feel congested and may make it difficult to breathe.

“Not only does the mucus buildup increase, it can also change in texture by appearing more thick and sticky during illness,” said Abhigyan Banka, MD, who practices at Franciscan Physician Network Beech Grove Family Medicine. “More specifically, your mucus will have an increase in proteins, resulting in the texture change, which helps your body get rid of bacteria that may be causing your sickness more effectively.”

Overall, the increased production and changes in the consistency of mucus when you are sick are a normal part of the body's immune response and are meant to help protect against infection and illness.

So while that sudden increase in mucus during sickness can feel like a nightmare to handle, it’s there to keep your condition from worsening.

How Can I Get Rid Of Extra Mucus In The Nose And Throat?

Need relief from extra mucus? There are several ways to safely remove excess mucus from your nose and throat:

Blow your nose

Gently blow your nose into a tissue. And while you may just want to force the snot out, avoid blowing your nose too hard, as this can cause irritation and discomfort.

Use a bulb syringe

A bulb syringe is a small, rubber bulb with a nozzle that can be used to suction out excess mucus from your or your child’s nose. To use a bulb syringe, squeeze the bulb to create suction, gently insert the nozzle into the nostril, and then release the bulb to suction out the mucus. Be sure to clean the bulb syringe thoroughly after each use.

Use a saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation

Saline nasal sprays can help to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to remove. Simply spray the saline solution into each nostril and then blow your nose to clear out the mucus.

Nasal irrigation involves using a saline solution to rinse the nasal passages and remove excess mucus. You can use a neti pot or a saline nasal spray to perform nasal irrigation.

Run your humidifier

Dry air can irritate the nasal passages and throat, leading to the production of excess mucus. Using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to thin and loosen mucus, keep your nose and throat tissues moist, and ease congestion.

Stay hydrated

Staying well hydrated helps your body loosen and dispose of mucus. Drinking plenty of water can help to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to remove.

Consider over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants

Decongestants can help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and make it easier to breathe. Follow the instructions on the package carefully and do not use these medications for more than a few days at a time, as they can cause side effects if used for extended periods.

Like other medications, it’s crucial to follow the instructions and limitations of any medication related to mucus relief, including colds, allergies, and congestion. Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help you breathe easier by combating swelling throughout your nasal passage. However, some over-the-counter medications may impact other health conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and you'll want to talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe medications.

If you have chronic excess mucus or have difficulty removing it, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

What Does Mucus Color Mean?

The color of your mucus offers clues as to what’s happening in your body. There is a rainbow of colors to be aware of while cleaning your nose and what they could mean:

Clear mucus

Think of clear mucus as its normal state. Clear mucus shows that body is functioning as it should.

White mucus

While white mucus can be normal, it could also be a sign that your body is dealing with an infection such as a sinus infection.

Green or yellow mucus

Green or yellow mucus can indicate that your body is experiencing a bacterial or viral infection.

“The reality is that the color really is not a direct indicator of bacterial infection,” said Lafayette Franciscan Physician Network pediatrician Timothy Snyder, MD. “When there is an upper respiratory infection and inflammation, there are white blood cells present and red blood cells and other kind of viral debris. So green snot does not equal bacterial infection and does not necessarily indicate the need for an antibiotic.”

Red or pink mucus

Red or pink mucus can mean a few things really. It can be the result of irritation or bleeding in your respiratory tract, the aftermath of taking medication with a red dye, an infection, or even allergies.

Brown mucus

If your mucus is brown, it's likely blood that has dried over time has mixed in your mucus.

Black mucus

Black mucus can appear from chemical inhaled while smoking or from working in an environment with dust or dirt. However, black snot can also mean a serious fungal infection.

When Should I Go To The  Doctor For My Mucus?

There are plenty of options for dealing with your mucus, but when is the right time to reach out to a professional? Here are several situations where you should consult your doctor:

• If you’re noticing green or yellow-colored mucus alongside symptoms including fevers, sinus pain, or prolonged coughing, you may be experiencing bronchitis or sinusitis.
• If you have any chronic condition that negatively impacts your nasal passage, like chronic sinusitis, with little to no improvement with over-the-counter medications.
• If you are more susceptible to infections due to medical treatments or conditions weakening your immune system
• If you notice red or bloody mucus alongside breathing troubles

Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms since severity can vary.