All of us would have sneezed and blown our noses at one point or other. Most of us would have noticed that our snot or to put it more politely, our mucous (what comes out of our noses) may have been of different colours, ranging from colourless, white, yellow or green. Sometimes, it can even be reddish and less commonly so, it can be black. What do all these various colours mean and do we need to be alarmed?
Colourless Snot
Clear snot is considered “normal” or healthy. Your body produces some of this discharge naturally each day although you likely swallow most of it. This type of mucus is made up of water with proteins, antibodies, and salts. Once it reaches the stomach, it dissolves. Your body continues making it around the clock to line and protect your nose and sinuses.
Allergic rhinitis or “hay fever” may also cause clear, runny nasal discharge. Although you may feel quite ill, allergies aren’t caused by a virus. The symptoms are your body’s response to irritants like pollen, cat or dog fur, and dust mites. Some women develop a runny nose during pregnancy called nonallergic rhinitis. Researchers explain that this condition is caused by hormonal changes and can develop at any gestation.
White Snot
Mucous turns white usually when there is inflammation in the nose which slows down the flow of nasal mucous. This causes a stuffy or blocked nose which in turn causes the snot to lose its water content and appear thicker and cloudy. When this happens, it is highly likely that you may have developed a cold that is caused by a virus. This is especially so if accompanied by other symptoms such as a sore throat, a cough, sneezing, body aches or headaches etc.
In our current climate where the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, it is important to get yourself tested and to consult professional medical advice.
Yellow Snot
Yellow mucous is a sign that whatever virus or infection you have is taking hold although your body is fighting back. The yellow colour comes from the cells — white blood cells, for example — rushing to kill the offending germs. Once the cells have done their work, they’re discarded in your snot and tinge it a yellowish-brown.
In our current climate where the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, it is important to get yourself tested and to consult professional medical advice.
Green Snot
If your immune system kicks into high gear to fight infection, your snot may turn green and become especially thick. The colour comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products.
In our current climate where the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, it is important to get yourself tested and to consult professional medical advice.
Reddish Snot
Blood in your snot will tinge it pink or red. Blood may flow a bit if you’ve blown your nose a lot or if you’ve had some kind of hit to the nose.
This can be caused by all manner of things ranging from mild to more serious. If the bleeding persists, you are advised to seek qualified medical advice as soon as possible.
Brownish Snot
Brownish coloured snot may be the result of old blood exiting the body. Or you may have inhaled something red or brown that has discoloured your mucus. Possibilities include dirt, snuff, or paprika.
However, if this persists, and you experience other discomforts, please seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.
Black Snot
This is not common at all and if it does occur, usually, it is caused by a serious fungal infection.
People who smoke or use illicit drugs may also have black snot.
Whatever the potential cause, it is advisable to check in with your doctor for a more formal diagnosis.
