What 6 different types of snot mean for your health – and when to see a doctor
This is what the colour of your snot says about your health
Everybody seems to be a little snarky at this time of year.
Additionally, you may have observed that your tissue can be a variety of colors, ranging from green and red to even black, if you’ve ever looked at it after blowing your nose.
Your general health can be inferred from the color of your snot.
Although you typically consume the majority of it, your body will create roughly 1.7 liters of it every day, according to the NHS.
Your body employs phlegm, or snot, as its first line of defense against infection because it includes antibodies that generate a reaction that fights off germs and viruses.
Noting what comes out of your nose might be helpful because it may indicate that you’re not as sick as you may think or that you need to see a doctor.
Read more on snot
Thus, what are the colors and their meanings?
1. CLEAR
According to the NHS, clear snot is common and generally healthy.
Houston Advanced Nose and Sinus specialists say that if your nose is extremely runny, it may indicate an allergy.
Clear nasal drips that occur occasionally or are modest usually go away in a few days or weeks.
However, asnasal polyps—non-cancerous growths inside the nose—are one of the more significant causes of clear nasal drip.
According to the NHS, they are often not harmful but, if left untreated, can continue to develop and obstruct your nose.
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2. YELLOW
Phlem that starts to turn yellow may indicate that your body is battling an illness.
According to pharmacist Rita Ghelani, “the yellow color is a result of your infection-fighting white blood cells being expelled with your mucus.”
“You re probably feeling rough and very blocked up,” she stated.
3. GREEN
Green snot is an indication that the illness has spread and your immune system is overactive, according to pharmacist Rita, who worked with the nasal spray brand Xlear.
“You might have a temperature and be feeling feverish if that s the case, it might be wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist,” she stated.
4. WHITE
White snot is an indication of a cold or nasal infection, according to Dr. Raj Sindwani of the Cleveland Clinic in the United States.
If so, you’ll probably experience some congestion as well.
According to the specialist, who spoke to the New York Post, tissue inflammation causes mucus to flow more slowly and has a much thicker, cloudier consistency.
According to Rita, there is “nothing to worry about” with this color.
But if you have asthma and you’re generating a lot of white phlegm, it can indicate that your asthma is worsening and your airways are irritated.
The best approach to deal with this, according to Asthma and Lung, is to use your preventer inhaler as directed by your physician or nurse.
5. RED OR BROWN
You typically have some dried blood in your nose when your boogers turn red or brown.
“Full-on red could be a nosebleed, most likely caused by an infection or trauma,” Dr. Raj stated.
It might not be a huge concern if there are a few blood specks or some pinkish mucous. That can just be lining irritation or damage.
6. BLACK
Black boogers are typically an indication that you smoke or reside in an area that is extremely crowded and hence polluted.
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In rarer instances, however, it can indicate a serious fungal infection, including fulminant sinusitis, mycetoma fungal sinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, and chronic indolent sinusitis.
However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), these often only impact those who have weakened immune systems, making them more particularly vulnerable.
How long should you expect to be snotty for – and when to see a GP
Pharmacist Abbas KananiatChemist Click says that the cause determines how long you’re snotty.
“Usually 7 to 10 days if it’s due to a respiratory infection or cold/flu,” he said.
“Sinus infections and bacterial or viral bronchitis can linger for several weeks.
“For chronic sinusitis, it can take many months. Phlegm can persist for months or even years in people with chronic illnesses such chronic bronchitis or COPD.
See a doctor right away if you’re coughing up a lot of blood or if you’re constantly seeing crimson phlegm.
It’s also worth visiting your general practitioner if your phlegm is colored, persistent, and doesn’t go away after a few days, Kanani advised.
Particularly if it is accompanied by fever, chest pain, dyspnea, chills at night, and inadvertent weight loss,” he continued.
“You should also seek advice if you notice changes in the colour, volume or frequency if you have a long-term condition such as COPD.”
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