Khaberni - A medical expert revealed the significance of different nasal mucus colors, which help determine when you should consult a doctor, as the color of the mucus helps identify the type of infection that the body is battling.
Although common colds do not usually require taking time off work or school, dealing with persistent symptoms— including cough, nasal congestion or runny nose—can be annoying and exhausting.
Since these symptoms can last for weeks, determining whether you should consult your general practitioner and when it might be a tough task.
To assist, Dr. Sina Jorabshi, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, provided clarification on the significance of different mucus colors.
Clear mucus
According to "Suri Live," clear mucus is a natural indicator of the body's health, produced to maintain moisture in the nasal passages and protect them.
However, an excessive amount of clear mucus, especially when accompanied by symptoms like sneezing or tear drainage, may indicate an allergy such as hay fever, or the onset of a cold.
White mucus
Jorabshi explained, "If you have this nice white mucus, it's a sign of two things". Either you are dehydrated, or it is an early sign of a cold or viral infection.
White mucus is usually normal, but an increased amount may indicate an allergy, a viral infection such as a cold, or inflammation resulting from a lung condition such as bronchitis.
Thick and hard white mucus might be indicative of a bacterial infection that requires medical attention.
Yellow mucus
"This means your body is definitely fighting something," said Jorabshi.
Yellow or green phlegm may be a sign of an infection, such as a cold or influenza, or chest inflammation. It might also be one of the symptoms of chest inflammation or sinusitis.
Other symptoms to consider include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a high temperature.
In other words, there's no definitive way to determine whether it’s a bacterial or viral infection, but it's clear your body is trying to combat something. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a doctor for diagnosis.
Green mucus
Dr. Sina said about the green mucus, "Here it gets a bit complicated."
He added that green mucus is a strong indicator of bacterial infection, although there might be other possible causes.
"Because a person can also get green mucus in cases of long-term viral infections," he said.
This might indicate conditions such as sinusitis, chest inflammation, or bronchitis, but it usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.
When to consult the doctor?
Jorabshi advises, "You should be skeptical, but continue to gather more evidence to find a strong reason to take antibiotics."
He added, if you notice green phlegm and also suffer from a fever or other cold symptoms that do not disappear on their own, this strongly suggests that you might be suffering from a bacterial infection that may require antibiotic treatment, and you should consult a doctor.
