It’s OK to admit it. Raise your hand if you’ve taken a peek at a used tissue after blowing your nose.
As gross as this may be to admit, plenty of people sneak a peek at their snot, or nasal mucus. That’s because it plays an important role in your body.
Why you shouldn’t sniff at snot
“Nasal mucus has a protective function for your airway and protects against viruses, bacteria and irritants like dust and debris from entering the nasal passages and lungs,” said William Culver, MD, an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist at Banner Health Clinic in Loveland, CO.
If you happen to develop extra mucus, such as when you have a cold or allergies, your body makes more to trap the germs or irritants and get them out of your body. While it may be an annoyance at the time, excess mucus can be a sign of your immune system in action.
What the color of your snot means
Whether you’re prone to bloody noses, allergies or have a little booger factory at home (e.g., your child), you’re bound to notice changes in the color and consistency of nasal mucus as well. It can sometimes be an array of colors, from red to green and black to yellow snot.
These changes can tell you a lot about an illness or infection you’re fighting and any situations or activities that may be affecting you. Although your health care provider won’t use your nasal mucus as a primary diagnosis, it’s important to be aware of any changes as it could indicate something is up with your health. Your snot color could indicate you’re fighting off allergens, you have a cold or a sinus infection or maybe you have dry nasal passages are dehydrated or have a lung disease.
“As with any bodily part, you should be aware of what is ‘normal’ for you and distinguish any deviation from that,” Dr. Culver said.
The next time you sneak a peek at your used tissue, here’s what to know about the texture and color of your snot:
Clear mucus
Clear snot is generally considered normal. “Clear mucus is mostly salt water, with locally produced protective antibodies,” Dr. Culver said.
Most of the time you won’t even notice mucus doing its job unless you notice more mucus and phlegm. “Increased amounts of clear mucus are often part of an allergic reaction,” Dr. Culver said.
White thick mucus
White snot is an indicator of slow-moving mucus or a sign that you’re dehydrated. “If the salt water is evaporated or dried out, what is left is the white mucus,” Dr. Culver said. “This is usually not something to be too concerned about.”
Pink or red mucus
“Pink or red snot is most likely related to blood from a dried out or irritated nose,” Dr. Culver said. This can occur from continual blowing of your nose, damage or trauma such as picking your nose.
Yellow or green mucus
If you see green or yellow mucus or phlegm, it may be a sign your body is fighting a viral infection or allergies but also may resolve on its own, Dr. Culver said.
“The color comes from white blood cells that are battling viruses, bacteria and irritants,” he said. “When they’ve done their job, they get flushed out of your body along with the virus.”
Saltwater irrigation or saline nasal spray of the nose may reduce or eliminate the colored mucus and hasten your return to a “normal state.” However, if this mucus persists for more than 7 to 10 days and includes congestion, sinus pressure, headache, fever and other symptoms, it could be a bacterial infection or sinusitis.
Brown mucus
Dried blood may give your nasal mucus a brown tinge of color. “Outside irritants such as air pollutants, dust and dirt will also make it a brownish color,” Dr. Culver said.
Black mucus
Similar to brown snot, black nasal mucus can be the result of dried blood or from inhaling something dark like cigarette smoke, or exposure to pollution like smog or dust. However, in some cases, it could also be a symptom of a fungal infection, which tend to affect those with a compromised immune system. Dr. Culver said if your symptoms continue, you should talk to your health care provider.
When you should see your provider
Embarrassing or not, it’s important to be in touch with your body—and your snot. If you notice changes and have concerns, you should always consult with your health care provider.
“In addition, if you have found that hydration, saltwater irrigation of the nose and/or the use of allergy medicine don’t return your nasal mucus back to normal, a medical evaluation is recommended,” Dr. Culver said.
