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As gross as it sounds, your mucus—be it clear, green, yellow, or brown—is a reflection of your overall health. Below, doctors explain how—and break down what each snot color means. Why snot ...
Also known as phlegm, mucus is made up of mostly water, but it also contains "remnants of skin-lining cells (epithelial cells), antimicrobial enzymes, proteins and inorganic salts," explains Nasseri.
Having green, yellow, or thickened phlegm (sputum) does not always indicate the presence of an infection. Also, if an infection is present, the color of the phlegm (sputum) does not determine whether a virus, a bacterium or another pathogen has caused it. Simple allergies can also cause changes in the color of the mucus. [1]
If you experience difficulty breathing, develop a severe cough, notice thick green or yellow mucus, run a fever, and/or feel extremely fatigued If your symptoms worsen instead of improve over time
Phlegm naturally drains down into the back of the throat and can be swallowed without imposing health risks. [14] Once in the stomach, the acids and digestive system will remove the phlegm and get rid of the germs in it. [1] In some cultures, swallowing phlegm is considered a social taboo, being described as disgusting or unhygienic. [15]
Post-nasal drip (PND), also known as upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the nasal mucosa.The excess mucus accumulates in the back of the nose, and eventually in the throat once it drips down the back of the throat.
In general, nasal mucus is clear and thin, serving to filter air during inhalation. During times of infection, mucus can change color to yellow or green either as a result of trapped bacteria [24] or due to the body's reaction to viral infection. For example, Staphylococcus aureus infection may turn the mucus yellow. [25]
Along with a runny nose and sore throat, green phlegm is another cold-like symptom of COVID-19. Interestingly, the color of the mucus is an important indicator when it comes to infection.