Let’s get over it: we all have runny noses. Starting from this, we should not feel so disgusted by them, especially considering the important work they have in your body. For example, they can become your first warning sign that something is wrong with your health.
Glancing at your handkerchief every time you blow your nose might be a little off putting. But when you know everything the color of your mucus says about your health, you can’t help but do it.
What color are your snot?
- Mucus serves to protect the lungs from germs, dust, and other dirt that we breathe in on a daily basis. Thanks to the small hairs, they make sure that everything bad that enters your nose stays trapped.
- You may have noticed that every day they are a different color and consistency. And it is that its appearance can reveal some health problems that you could be suffering from and of which you are not yet aware. What color are your snot?
When the mucus is liquid
If you usually have clear and liquid mucus, you have nothing to worry about. These snot that look like eagles are your nose’s way of cleaning itself. They are also the most common when you have an allergy.
White slimy mucus
If when you blow your nose you see the tissue full of white mucus, which is also usually quite viscous, you could have a small infection inside. Your body is trying to get the bad stuff out of it. This mucus is not a cause for concern, as long as it is not always the case.
But, what if my mucus is yellowish?
In these cases, the infection can be a little more severe, although it is not necessary to cry out loud. Your mucus is this color because it is full of white blood cells that have been fighting inside your body. Unless they are accompanied by other discomforts, such as a sore throat or cough, they will pass quickly. Don’t forget to stay much hydrated!
What does green mucus mean?
The darker and more opaque the mucus, the more health problems you could have. They have this characteristic color because they are the product of colds or infections. Their consistency can vary greatly, but do not hesitate to see a doctor or ask your pharmacist for advice if they persist for a long time or are accompanied by other symptoms.
Yes, red snot exists
When the mucus has a reddish hue, it may be because you have a wound inside your nose and blood is coming out. In these cases, common sense has to prevail because, depending on the amount of blood that comes out, it may be necessary to see a doctor.
If you see that your mucus is brown or black…
It is normal for you to be scared if, when you blow your nose, you see that brown or almost black mucus has come out of your interior. But, in most cases, there is nothing to worry about because you have most likely inhaled dirt. Mucus of this color is common when you are in highly polluted environments, inhale smoke, etc. In other cases, the least, this type of mucus could be indicating that you have some type of infection in the nose.
The benefits of eating snot
- What you read, although your mother never allowed it, eating your boogers has some health benefits. This frowned upon habit, when it becomes a psychological disorder, has a name: mucophagy
- According to a study carried out by the National Center for Biotechnology Information of Canada, it has been shown that mucus contains salivary mucins that help prevent cavities from appearing. In addition, they will free you from some respiratory infections or stomach problems. It must be borne in mind that mucus contains a large number of bacteria that put the intestines to work and stimulate them. But beware! Because from so much picking and picking in the nose, injuries can be produced and with how dirty our hands are always…
