Doc Aeon:Let's Talk About Snot
So right now I have a nasty cold with a sinus infection. It is the most fun I have had in awhile. The pain got bad enough that had to take a little trip to my family physician. My doctor and I got talking about mucus and other un-common pleasantries. And I got some additional insights into mucus, phlegm, and other not-so-polite dinner topics.
So Doc Aeon will now give you the mucus breakdown.
What is Mucus?
Well, mucus is simple yet biologically complicated. It's your body's way of providing protection. Your snot is like a rent-a-cop security guard sitting out of a Walmart, except way more effective. It is the barrier that sits between your body and the outside world.
Location, Location, Location
Mucus actually has different names for the different parts of the body where it originated.
Snot-Out your nose
Phlegm-From your throat
Sputum-Coughed up saliva and mucus just sound so delicious.
Postnasal Drip-Snot that goes down the back of your throat.
There is also mucus lining the inside of the stomach to protect against hydrochloric acid that breaks down our food. There are mucus membranes in our intestines, and other places as well. It all serves to protect.
Colors of the Rainbow
Mucus comes in many colors for many reasons but here is a table breaking down the basics:
| Color | Cause |
|---|---|
| Clear | It is normal however if it is sticky or there seems to be too much you could be having a slight allergic reaction |
| White | Been Drinking Milk, Allergies, or early infection |
| Yellow | Congratulations you are likely having bad allergies, cold, flu, or sinus infection. Go see a doctor if this goes beyond 7 days |
| Green | Viral, Bacterial or fungal infection |
| Blue | Yeap that can happen. While if you inhaled something blue through your nose that can be a cause but there is also something called Psudomas pyocyanea. You should look that one up if you want to learn more on blue snot. |
| Orange, Red, Red-Brown | You have blood like all things a little over a day or two is no concern a lot or persistance or a fever and its time to go take a visit to the Doc. |
| Brown | Give the smoking a break or even better use this cold to quit. |
| Black | Pollution or dirt. |
Myths
There are few myths that are floating around about mucus.
1. Dairy causes more mucus:False
While you will see an impact to your mucus if you take dairy, but you are not producing more. The mucus is actually thickening.
2. Green Mucus is bacterial and yellow mucus is viral: False
The green-yellow colors are caused a variety of causes including not having an infection, but could be caused by allergies, which is not an infection.
Treatments
Your treatment completely depends on the cause remember excess or non-normal mucus for you is only a symptom. However if you are under-the-weather keep the basics in mind:
- Drink Fluids
- Rest
- Use appropriate pain relivers like tylenol or Ibuprofen if you are inflammed.
- I personally swear by Neti Pots but it takes awhile to get used to those.
- Cough Drops
- Using humidifiers
- Antihistamines are useful especially if you are having allergies
- Seriously Stop Smoking already if you are a smoker
Remember if your condition worsens or persists don't hesitate to see your doctor.
Conclusion
Snot is good, mucus is good and it protects you from all the nasties around in the environment. So pay attention to what your snot is telling you.
Also I couldn't leave without giving you one last thing to look at:
!
Please note I am not a doctor. I am only someone who has some education in this area, I have a serious obsession with understanding all things science including biological, and medical. My thoughts and insights should never be used over that of a medical doctor. And for gosh sakes if you have to ask should if you should see a doctor…go see one!
*all images free from pixabay.com