What does the color of mucus indicate?

What is mucus

A normal and physiological amount of mucous secretions in the epithelium that covers the respiratory tree. This secretion is essential to moisten it and help the cilia to carry out their task of expelling mucus. This mechanism protects the respiratory tract and prevents particles, pollutants, pollens or microorganisms present in the air we breathe from reaching the bronchi.

When we have an infectious, allergic or irritative process, the epithelium of the respiratory system produces more mucus in response to the aggression. The mucus present in a cold or flu is made up of water, lipid glycoproteins, mucopolysaccharides and immunoglobulins, and has the function of protect our respiratory system from external aggressions. It works by trapping viruses, bacteria and harmful particles and, later, the cilia of the cells of the respiratory system, through their movements, expel it to the outside of the body.

What the color indicates

Knowing what the color of respiratory secretions means can give us a clue of the process that we may be going through. Despite this, we must.

CALCULATE YOUR PRICE

Depending on the respiratory process that we are suffering, the color of the mucus will be different. We can have transparent, yellow, green, red or brown snot. The color of the mucus can predict bacterial colonization, being the transparent the minor and the purulent major but medical judgment always prevails despite our suspicions.

Transparent snot

They consist mainly of water, proteins, antibodies, and dissolved salts. It is the most frequent type of mucus that can be present without having any type of pathology or its secretion being increased in allergic processes. It is considered "normal". The body produces about a 1.4 liters of this secretion every day. Most of it is swallowed and dissolves once it reaches the stomach.

In the epithelium secretes in an exaggerated way this type of transparent and liquid mucus. It is easy to describe an allergic picture since it is accompanied by continuous dribbling, sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and cough. During pregnancy, some women have an increase in transparent and liquid discharge (non-allergic rhinitis) caused by the influence of pregnancy hormones and which resolves after delivery.

White snot

It is the one that is presented when presenting nasal congestion. This color shows that the flow of mucus is slowing down, becoming more viscous. It usually happens during one and is a more difficult mucus to expel. Being with the inflamed nasal mucosa loses its water content, becomes thick and cloudy. This is why it is recommended drink plenty of fluids when we have mucus, to better hydrate it and promote its expulsion.

Yellow snot

They may show that the infection may be progressing, but they also indicate that the white blood cells are reaching the focus of that viral or bacterial infection. A viral infection It can last up to 14 days and it is normal for the mucus to gradually turn an ocher tone from the first days. It is important to know that a yellowish color does not always indicate a bacterial infection, so it is not an indication to take an antibiotic without the evaluation of a doctor.

The yellow color comes from cells that fight off harmful germs (viruses included). Once the cells have done their job, they shed into the mucus and turn it a yellowish-brown color.

Green snot

Indicate that the immune system is struggling with all his might against an infection. If they last for several days, the most prudent thing to do is consult your doctor, especially if there is fever or general malaise, to rule out an infectious process such as one or sinusitis. When the immune system fights off the infection, the mucus turns green and especially thick. The color comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products.

But green mucus is not always a reason to give antibiotics. In fact, some sinus infections can be viral, not bacterial, and lead to greenish mucus.

Red or pink snot

This type of mucus is bloody and indicates that the nasal mucosa has been damaged in some way, probably due to dry capillaries, irritation or having received a blow. If the blood is not accompanied by other symptoms such as tiredness or the presence of many episodes that do not subside in less than ten minutes, it is something mild, probably. In addition, if they only appear when blowing the nose (not when coughing), they do not have to be a worrying symptom, but if it appears when cough or spit you should go to the doctor.

During pregnancy women may experience bloody mucus, related to pregnancy hormones that can inflame the nasal mucosa and make it more friable.

Brown snot

They may also contain dried blood or correspond to something that has been inhaled, such as environmental pollution, dust or dirt, smoke or tobacco, etc.

Black snot

They can indicate a fungal infection (fungal) serious and it is important to see a doctor urgently. Immunosuppressed people, that is, with compromised immune systems, are more vulnerable to this type of infection. Faced with this type of mucus, you always have to go to the doctor. People who smoke or take illicit drugs may also have black mucus.

Types of fungal infections

There are four types of fungal sinus infections:

• Mycetoma fungal sinusitis: They are groups of spores that invade the sinus cavities. Treatment consists of scraping the infected sinuses.
• Allergic fungal sinusitis: It is common in people with a history of allergic rhinitis. The infection must be removed surgically.
• Indolent chronic sinusitis: it is endemic to Sudan and India. It occurs with other symptoms such as headache, facial swelling, and visual disturbances. It is not usual in our country.
• Fulminant sinusitis. it damages the sinuses and the bony area that contains the eyeballs and the brain. It is a very serious one that affects people with low immunity.

• Knowing what the color of respiratory secretions means can give us a clue of the process that we may be going through. Despite this, we must consult with our doctor.
• If they are yellow in color, they may indicate that the infection may be progressing, but they also indicate that the white blood cells are reaching the focus of the viral or bacterial infection.
• When they are green they indicate that the immune system is fighting with all its might against an infection. If they last several days, the most prudent thing is to consult a doctor, especially if there is fever or general malaise, to rule out an infectious process such as acute bronchitis or sinusitis.