IT’S that time of year again when everyone seems to be a bit snotty. And if you’ve ever glanced at your tissue after blowing your nose, you may have noticed it can be an array of colours, from green and red to even black. The colour of your snot can give you some clues about your overall health.
According to the NHS, your body will produce about 1.7 litres of the stuff daily, but you usually swallow most of it. Snot, or phlegm, is your body’s first line of defence against infection because it contains antibodies, which trigger a reaction to ward off viruses and bacteria.
Clear snot is normal and usually healthy, the NHS says. But if your nose is particularly runny, it could be a sign of an allergy, according to Houston Advanced Nose and Sinus doctors. Occasional or mild clear nasal drip will often resolve within a few days or weeks. However, there are more serious causes of clear nasal drip, such as nasal polyps, which are non-cancerous growths inside the nose. The NHS says they’re not usually serious but can keep growing and block your nose if not treated.
Phlem which edges towards a yellow shade could be a sign your body is fighting an infection. The yellow colour is a result of your infection-fighting white blood cells being expelled with your mucus, Pharmacist Rita Ghelani said. You’re probably feeling rough and very blocked up, she added. Pharmacist Rita, who worked with nasal spray brand Xlear, said green snot is a sign the infection has taken hold and your immune system is in overdrive. 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 said.
Dr Raj Sindwani from the Cleveland Clinic in the US said white snot is a sign that you have a nasal infection or a cold. If this is the case, you’ll likely also have some congestion. Speaking to the New York Post, the expert explained that tissue inflammation results in a slowed flow of mucus, which is a much thicker and cloudier texture. Rita said that this colour is nothing to worry about. However, if you have asthma and you’re producing lots of white phlegm, it could be a sign your airways are inflamed and your asthma is getting worse. According to Asthma and Lung, your preventer inhaler is the number one way to deal with this, as long as you’re taking it as prescribed by your doctor or nurse.
When your boogers turn red or brown, this is usually a sign you have some dried blood up your nose. Dr Raj said, Full-on red could be a nosebleed related most likely to trauma or infection. A few specks of blood or a pinkish hue mucus may not be a big deal. That could be just damage or irritation of the lining.
Having black boogers is usually a sign that you’re a smoker or live in a highly congested – and so, polluted – area. But in some rarer cases, it could be a symptom of a serious fungal infection, such as mycetoma fungal sinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic indolent sinusitis, and fulminant sinusitis. But these usually only affect people with compromised immune systems can be more susceptible, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In conclusion, paying attention to the color and consistency of your snot can provide valuable insights into your health. While clear snot is generally normal, other colors like yellow, green, white, red, or black can signify various conditions. If in doubt, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially if you experience extreme discomfort, persistent symptoms, or have a compromised immune system. Understanding the signals your snot is sending can help you navigate your health more effectively.
