What do snot colours mean

Otolaryngologist Raj Sindwani, MD , shares what the various shades could mean for your health. Q: How much nasal mucus is normal?

A: You produce and swallow about 1. Q: Why does a single drop of snot sometimes come out of my nose? A: Your nostrils usually get runny on a cold day. During a common cold , nasal mucus may start out watery and clear, then become progressively thicker and more opaque, taking on a yellow or green tinge. This coloration is likely due to an increase in the number of certain immune system cells, or an increase in the enzymes these cells produce.

Over the next few days, the discharge tends to clear up or dry up. When you work with a primary care physician PCP , you develop a lasting relationship. Your doctor will get to know you and your history and can plan your treatments accordingly. Our PCPs offer a variety of services, including preventive care and treatment for both urgent and chronic conditions. Share this on: You may call it mucus, phlegm, boogers , snot, or something extra cutesy.

Have more questions about your health? Get them answered by contacting a UPMC primary care doctor. Not only can a fungal infection be dangerous, it could be a sign that you have an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, so get medical attention. If you have congestion with the following symptoms, it may be time to get evaluated:. Many sinus infections go away on their own without antibiotics, but some do require treatment.

Your healthcare provider can determine what over-the-counter or prescription medicine is best to help relieve your symptoms. Changes in mucus color, from clear to white to yellow to green, are part of the normal course of an illness. It's a sign that your immune system is fighting to get better. Pink, red, orange, or brown mucus, on the other hand, is typically not from an illness. It may just mean that there is blood or dried blood in your nose.

If you have black mucus, which is rare, it may signal a fungal infection and you need to see a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers don't often make a diagnosis based solely on the color of mucus, but it can help complete the picture. So while it's useful to tell your healthcare provider if your mucus has changed color and consistency, don't expect to automatically get antibiotics just because it's green.

Your healthcare provider will use all the information at their disposal to determine the best course of action. Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Don't judge your mucus by its color. Updated June 22, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offices: Sinus infection sinusitis. Updated August 27, Cleveland Clinic. What the color of your snot really means: decoding the various possible hues. Updated January 14, The skinny on snot: What your child's mucus says about their health. Published November 15, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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