What do the colors of the snot mean and how to recognize them?

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Nasal discharge, or mucus, is a beneficial product of the body. The color of nasal discharge can even be helpful in diagnosing certain diseases. Nasal secretions are produced every day, but some diseases make the secretion of nasal secretions more, giving us a bad impression of this fluid. So let's learn with SignsSymptomsList about the color of snot through the following article! 

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• 1. Why does the snot change color?
• 2. What do different nasal discharge colors mean?  
• 3. What does clear nasal discharge mean? 
• 4. What does white snot mean?
• 5. What does yellow snot mean? 
• 6. What does green snot mean? 
• 7. What does pink or red snot mean? 
• 8. What does brown or orange snot mean? 
• 9. What does black snot mean? 
• 10. What if the composition of the nasal discharge changes? 

1. Why does the snot change color?

If you've ever had a runny nose or sneezing, you'll be familiar with your runny nose. You can notice the change in its color and texture over time. Nasal discharge can be clear, blue, black, and many other intermediate colors. 

Mucus is produced to protect the nose and sinuses from things like dirt, bacteria, and dangerous agents in the environment. Why does nasal mucus change color? This is often related to processes occurring inside or outside the body. You may be healthy or have a cold, allergies, or another underlying medical condition. 

Here are some suggestions for reference on different conditions that can affect the color of nasal discharge. 

>> See more: stuffy nose: What's the cause? When to visit?

Stuffy nose condition

2. What do different nasal discharge colors mean?  

3. What does clear nasal discharge mean? 

Clear nasal discharge is usually considered “normal” or healthy. Your body produces about 1.5 liters of this fluid per day, but often you swallow most of it without noticing. This mucus is composed of water with proteins, antibodies, and salts. When they enter the stomach, they will be dissolved. Your body is constantly making mucus to help protect your nose and sinuses. 

Allergic rhinitis can also cause clear nasal discharge. Although you may not feel well, allergies are not caused by a virus. Symptoms are caused by your body's response to triggers such as pollen, pet dander, and house dust mites. 

Other symptoms may include: 

• The feeling of runny nose running back into the throat.
• Itchy eyes, watery eyes.
• Sneeze.
• Cough.
• Itchy nose, itchy throat.

Some women experience a runny nose during pregnancy called non-allergic rhinitis. The condition is caused by hormonal changes and can happen during any pregnancy, the researchers explain. It usually occurs between week 13 and week 21. Within a few weeks of giving birth it usually clears up on its own. 

4. What does white snot mean?

When you feel a stuffy nose, you may sometimes see white discharge. You may also have swelling and inflammation in your nose and a slowed nasal discharge. This condition causes the mucus in the nose to lose its water content. Nasal discharge becomes thick and even cloudy. These signs indicate that you may have a cold or an infection. 

Colds can make you feel unwell. Symptoms will usually appear one to three days after exposure to the virus. Children are especially susceptible to colds. Meanwhile, adults can catch a cold two to three times a year. 

Other symptoms include: 

• Sore throat.
• Stuffy nose.
• Cough.
• Sneeze.
• Mild fever.
• Human pain.
• Headache. 

White nasal discharge

5. What does yellow snot mean? 

Yellow nasal discharge is a sign that you may have a viral or bacterial infection. The good news is that this also means the body is fighting back. The yellow color is produced by white blood cells, which are the cells that protect, track down and destroy disease-causing microorganisms. When these cells complete their job, they are eliminated in the nasal passages and make the nasal mucus yellow. 

Your illness can last from 10 to 14 days and you also need to pay attention to the nature of the nasal discharge. 

Yellow snot

6. What does green snot mean? 

If your immune system is working at full capacity to fight an infection, the nasal discharge can turn green and become very thick. This color is caused by dead white blood cells and other waste products. 

If you have a cold or infection that lasts 12 or more days, you should probably see your doctor. You may have bacterial sinusitis and need medication. Watch for other signs that the disease is not progressing well, such as fever, headache, or vomiting. 

7. What does pink or red snot mean? 

Blood in the snot will make the snot pink or red. You can get a nosebleed if you blow your nose too much or if you get a bump in your nose. 

To prevent nosebleeds, you need to consider:

• Use a saline nasal spray to add extra moisture to your nose.
• Trim fingernails to prevent bleeding when picking your nose.
• Increase the humidity of the air with a humidifier. 
• Blow your nose gently.

Pregnant women may also have nosebleeds. This can be due to increased blood volume, hormones, or swelling of the nasal passages. 

If your baby has a nosebleed, see your pediatrician for advice. This is especially important if the child is younger than 2 years old. 

If your nosebleed is caused by a sudden trauma like a car accident, get medical attention right away to rule out more serious problems.

You should also see your doctor if you have:

• Shortness of breath.
• Nosebleed for more than 30 minutes.
• Heavy nosebleed.

8. What does brown or orange snot mean? 

Brown nasal discharge can be caused by old blood remaining in the body. Or maybe you inhaled something that is red or brown and discolored the mucus, such as dirt, snuff, or paprika. 

Brown or orange nasal discharge

9. What does black snot mean? 

Black mucus can be a sign of a serious fungal infection. Although rare, people who are immunocompromised are more susceptible to this disease. 

People who smoke or use illegal drugs can also have black discharge. 

Whatever the cause may be, it's best to see your doctor to get tested and get an official diagnosis. 

Black snot

10. What if the composition of the nasal discharge changes? 

The actual composition of nasal discharge is related to its moisturizing composition. Nasal mucus that has a lot of water components will circulate more easily than thick nasal discharge. In some cases, drinking plenty of water can help thin the mucus. Structural changes can occur during the course of the disease. 

Clear watery nasal discharge can also be a warning sign of a CSF leak. This leak occurs when there is a tear in the membrane that covers the brain, usually due to trauma or certain medical conditions, such as hydrocephalus. 

Other signs of a CSF leak include: 

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Stiff neck.
• Sensitivity to light or sound. 
• Postural headaches: for example, you may experience more pain when you sit up straight than when you lie down.

If you suspect you have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, you should see your doctor immediately. 

Nasal secretions are produced from the nose and sinuses to protect the body from external agents. The characteristics of a runny nose can say a lot about the state of your body's health. Hopefully after reading the above article of SignsSymptomsList, you have gained more knowledge and understand more about your body. 

>> See more: How to use physiological saline nasal drops for children

Master, Doctor Tran Thanh Long