Snot – or neater mucus – comes in all sorts of colors. And the color of the mucus almost always says something about what’s happening to you.
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Clear mucus is mainly water, with dissolved proteins, antibodies and salts. Your nasal tissues produce it 24/7. Most of it flows down the back of your throat to dissolve in your stomach.
white slime
The nose has swollen, inflamed tissues that slow the flow of mucus, causing it to lose moisture and become thick and cloudy. This could be a sign of a nasal infection or cold .
yellow slime
This could indicate a cold or an infection. The yellowish tinge comes from white blood cells rushing to the site of infection and then being removed after doing their job
“Yellow or green snot can sometimes mean you have an infection,” says Dr. Sindwani v Cleveland Health. “But remember there are other things that go with that color, including how you feel or if you have a fever.” The cold lasts 7-10 days. .
green slime
Your immune system is really fighting and your mucus is thick with dead white blood cells. If you are still sick after about 10-12 days, consult your doctor. You can sinusitis , a bacterial infection that is treated with a course of antibiotics. If you have a fever or are very ill, see a doctor right away.
Pink or red slime
Your nasal tissue in your nose is damaged in some way, possibly because it is dry or irritated. “Full redness can cause nosebleeds,” says Dr. Sindwani.
However, he adds that this color isn’t always a problem. “A few bloodstains or a pinkish tinge of mucus may not be that bad. It may just be damage or irritation inside the nose. If you are sick and blow a lot or rub your nose a lot, it can cause it to rupture. of some blood vessels, causing you to bleed a little.
brown slime
This shade may be ancient blood, but it is likely something that has been inhaled, such as earth, tobacco, or paprika.
black slime
If you don’t smoke or take drugs, black phlegm can mean a serious yeast infection. “There are some yeast infections that can cause black snot which can be very, very serious,” says Dr. Sindwani. “But fortunately they are extremely rare.”
In fact, these infections usually occur in people with compromised immune systems. If you have it, you are probably already seeing a doctor. If not, make an appointment.
