Snot and Mucus Decoded: The Meaning of Snot Colors
88Snot, boogers, mucus, a runny nose - whatever you call it, it is still gross. But did you know the color of your snot can tell you a lot about what is going on inside your body?
That’s why doctors ask extensive questions about your mucus color and texture. Snot color can be a clue to what is causing your runny nose or that gunk you’re coughing up.
There’s no cure for the cold, but sometimes you might need to see a doctor depending on the trail of clues your mucus is leaving behind.
Clear, white, yellow, green, brown, red, or gray – what does your snot say about you?
Do you know what boogers are? Boogers are made of dirt and dust that have gotten stuck inside your nose. The mucus covers it and it eventually dries up inside your nose.
What Is Mucus Anyway?
Mucus lines the nose and other parts of the body and acts as a guard against bad stuff that might enter the body such as dirt and germs. Mucus is made of water, cells, salts, and mucin, which is a glycoprotein. Mucus producing membranes line the respiratory tract and other parts of the body.
Mucus in different parts of the body has different names. These are the upper-respiratory terms:
- Snot – pretty much refers to just the mucus coming from the nose.
- Phlegm – the mucus in your throat and anything that you might cough up.
- Sputum – a mucus/saliva mix coughed up.
- Postnasal drip – mucus that flows from the nasal cavity down the throat.
The color and texture of mucus can indicate what is going on in the body and can be signs of a virus, infection, or other problems. Read below to find out what the color of your mucus may mean.
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Clear Mucus
Normal mucus is a clear color and is a thick, viscous liquid similar to the texture of glue. You probably don’t have any infection or virus if your snot is still clear. As long as your body isn’t producing too much or too little mucus, and as long your mucus is the right texture, you should be in good health snot-wise.
If your body is producing an excess of mucus, the likely cause is allergies. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment.
The Phlegm-Dairy Connection
White Mucus
Snot that is a white color typically comes from eating and drinking dairy products. Fat in dairy products can make the mucus thicker and feel stickier. If you have a cold or sinus infection, refraining from dairy can help with congestion and easier breathing if your body is producing thick or white mucus. Otherwise, the presence of white mucus alone is no cause for alarm and is considered normal.
Did you know that the body produces about a litre of mucus a day? Talk about being snotty.
Yellow Mucus
If you have yellow snot, it can mean that you have a virus or a sinus infection. Light or bright yellow mucus typically means that your body is fighting off something, most likely a cold. The mucus color is usually brighter at first, possibly even being a neon color. It typically darkens over a few days. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria typically produce a golden yellow colored mucus. Dark yellow phlegm could mean bronchitis or another type of infection in the chest.
Yellow mucus does not necessarily mean that you need to go to the doctor. It just means you’re your body is fighting against something. The best cure is your body’s own defenses. Remember, antibiotics will only clear up bacterial infections. Viral infections just have to run their course. There is no cure for the common cold yet.
See a doctor if the symptoms last longer than a week or worsen. Fever, headache, cough with mucus can also be signs to see a doctor if they last for more than a few days.
Green Mucus
Green mucus can signify a bacterial or fungal infection. The green color is produced by a type of white blood cell that responds to infections and inflammations. When the white blood cells die, they burst releasing a green pigment. The green pigment mixes with the mucus giving it the green color. The color is usually brighter at first and darkens over a few days.
When your sinuses become inflamed, they swell. This causes mucus to become trapped in your nasal passages. Over time bacteria and fungi can begin to grow in the mucus. This is when you might need antibiotics.
If the symptoms have lasted more than a week or seem to be getting worse, see a doctor, especially if you are experiencing fever, cough with mucus, headache, and sinus pressure.
Blue Mucus
Mucus can turn blue because of a certain bacteria called Pseudomonas pyocyanea. About 1 in 10,000 people will typically have blue snot. If your mucus has changed to a thick, blue color that has lasted several days, it is probably time to see a doctor.
Blue mucus can also happen if you have inhaled blue powder or something else blue in the air. If this is the case, it should clear up within a day or two.
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What Do You Nose?
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Did you know that you can have different colored mucus in each nostril? There could be an infection or sore in one side that is not in the other. Now that's a nose of a different color.
Red/Reddish Brown Mucus
If your mucus is tinged red or reddish brown, it is usually a sign of blood. The blood mixes with the mucus giving it the red tone.
The presence of blood is not necessarily a cause for alarm. It can be caused when the sinuses become inflamed and begin to bleed. It can also occur because of a sore in the nose. The tiny blood vessels in the nasal passages can break easily causing blood-tinged mucus. This can happen if the air is too dry. Using a saline spray to moisten the nasal passages can help. Gently blowing and wiping the nose can help prevent sores in the front part of the nose.
Asthmatics often have reddish/pink mucus. If you are coughing up red or brown phlegm, it could be a sign of bronchitis. If there is a significant amount of blood that has lasted several days, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of the blood and if any treatment is necessary.
Brown Mucus
Brown or brownish red mucus is typically associated with smokers. The mucus is mixed with particles from the cigarettes. Smoking can also irritate nasal passages leading to slight bleeding. The blood and cigarette bits mix with mucus giving it a brown color. Coughing up brown/red phlegm can also be caused by smoking. Smoking less can ease the production of brown mucus and phlegm.
Inhaling dust and dirt can also give mucus a brown tinge. See section below for more information.
Did you know that you could have purple, pink, or even blue snot? Mixing up a pitcher of Kool-Aid can turn your snot the color of the drink if you accidentally breathe in a bit of the powder. Be careful not to breath in powders, though. Too much of it can get into the lungs and stop the flow of air.
Black/Gray Mucus
Dark colored mucus generally happens from inhaling pollutants in the air. The job of the mucus is to trap dirt or other particles and prevent them from getting further into the body. If there was ash, dirt, dust, smoke, or similar substances in the air, the mucus in your body trapped it. Black or gray mucus happens often in the city because of pollution in the air.
Morning Phlegm/Coughing at Night
If you are coughing up stuff mainly in the mornings or if you are coughing at night, it might actually be acid reflux. The stomach acid can move up your throat as you are lying down. This can cause coughing, phlegm, and a scratchy throat. Some people have acid reflux and never have heartburn or an upset stomach.
Check with your doctor if you think acid reflux might be a possibility. An antacid or acid reducer might help the problem. Raising the head of the bed about five inches also helps to keep the acid in place. Avoid eating before bed.
Fixing the Snot
Typically, a virus begins by producing an abundance of clear mucus. Then the mucus turns a bright yellow/greenish color. The mucus darkens over a period of a few days usually turning a green color. At the end of the virus, the mucus may turn a brown/red color. The mucus should then start clearing up, being less thick till your mucus returns to normal.
Ways to ease your symptoms:
- Nasal sprays such as saline sprays keep the nasal passages moist.
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus and keep your upper respiratory system moist.
- Don't starve a cold. Eating nutritious meals when you're sick is important. Your body needs the energy to fight off the bug.
- Tylenol can help with fever and body aches.
- Ibuprofen will help reduce swelling and any inflammation.
- Steam and hot liquids can help keep the mucus flowing and ease congestion.
- Take Mucinex to loosen the phlegm and make coughs more productive.
- Spit out anything you cough up. Don't swallow it.
- Suck on cough drops to keep the throat moist. A spoonful of honey is also good to alleviate cough.
- If it is allergies, take antihistamines to help alleviate the symptoms.
- If you have yellow or green snot, see a doctor about antibiotics if symptoms persist more than a few days.
- Avoid smoking and second hand smoke.
Remember, strange colored mucus doesn't always mean there is a problem. Colored mucus lasting for several days can be a problem, especially when other symptoms such as fever, headache, and cough are present.
Mucus colors are just an indication, not a precise diagnosis. You can still have an infection even with clear mucus. If you are concerned about something with your body, see a doctor.
Snot You Can Play With
- How to Make Slime
Nothing says disgusting fun like slime. This Halloween make a squishy goo by using these simple recipes for slime. Your kids will be able to make most of these in about 15 minutes or less. There are 4 different recipes for slime using various ingredi
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Snot Poll
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What Is and What 'Snot?Loading...
Thanks for pointing that out Amber. I checked the quiz and the answers had reset themselves to all be answer A. It should be working correctly now.
Somewhat disgusting, yet very informative. Thx for the hub!
Disgusting is my specialty. (Maybe I shouldn't brag about that). Anyway thanks for commenting.
My mucus is clear and to white to sometimes yellow. But my problem is that it is EXTREMELY thick. Its hard to blow out. How can I thin it up so I can not be congested all the time?
Jacob - You can try cutting back on dairy. Dairy can make mucus thicker. You can also try taking Mucinex. It helps thin and break up mucus.
So, my snot is white with some blue (like a navy blue) streaks and sometime's actually clumps of just blue. I've searched everywhere for an answer, and all I see are people laughing saying "did you stick a pen up your nose?" "its a boy!" and so on.
cece - The whiteness probably means you've had a good bit of dairy. The blue could indicate your body is fighting off something. About 1 in 10,000 people have blue snot. It can be caused by a certain bacteria. Have you used anything powdery blue recently? Inhaling a bit of powder like Kool-Aid can also make your mucus change to that color. How long has it been blue? If it has been more than a few days, you may want to see a doctor about antibiotics.
I have a cold....and you just helped me decide whether or not to go the doctor. Great Hub on a Gross subject. Thanks!
had bright neon snot for 4 weeks and not subsiding.!
vix - It's time to go to a doctor if it has been that long. You probably have an infection or something more serious than a cold.
What if im not sick and i have a lot of phlegm. I was a smoker so i know that is why i have a lot a phlegm, but there are times when my phlegm does have blackish or grayish lines inside so i am wondering what it means? what got me to look it up was the fact that i had some blood inside of it. almost everyday i do Drink a lot of water sometimes more than what I'm suppose to. Hope you can help
Jacob-k - If you are coughing up stuff regularly, you need to get checked by a doctor. Your lungs need to be checked. If you are a smoker, that is likely why you have discolored phlegm. The blood is serious, though, especially if it has been going on for awhile. It is a sign of infection somewhere along your respiratory tract and could be a sign of something more serious.
My husband started with a cough, larygitis, and a fever with chills. The fever would come and go. His cough would cause him to spit a yellow/green phlegm. This started about 11 days ago. He has no more laryngitis as of now but he still has the cough. About 4 days ago I caught it also. We have been taking Mucinex DM but that does not seem to help. Any idea's on what this is and how to get Rid of it...very tired reader.
Rose - It sounds like you have a virus. Unfortunately, it will just have to run its course. It usually takes a couple of weeks for it to clear. Runny nose and coughing could continue a bit longer.
The best thing to do for it is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you want something to ease the symptoms, check with a pharmacist. They can usually point you to an over the counter medicine that will give you some temporary relief of symptoms.
If the symptoms get worse or continue for more than a couple or three weeks total, you may want to see a doctor for antibiotics. Feel better...
I have had mucus cough ups increasingly for about 10 years. white and transparent. it is more or less depending on climate/ diet/ exercise. the drs keep telling me its normal but its almost every day! and i didnt used to have it? (aged 31)
kripa - I would worry too much about it if the doctors think it is okay. Since the phlegm is mostly clear, it means there isn't any infection. If you are having an excess of it, it could be allergies. Try keeping a log of what makes it worse like certain foods or during a particular season. If you can pinpoint what is causing it, then you can avoid whatever it is. You could also try taking antihistamines to see if it helps. By the way, eating a lot of dairy food can cause excess mucus that has a white color.
I recently got over sinisitis about 3 weeks ago, but didn't finish all the antibiotics because I thought I was better. Now, for the past 5 days, I wake up to a bloody nose mixed with clear when I blow my nose. I have a dry cough that hurts my chest and a scratchy throat with a little soreness and I spit up really thick green or sometimes brpwn mucous.
BM - Sounds like you either have an infection from your earlier sinusitis still or you have gotten another virus. Probably best to see a doctor about it and get some more antibiotics. The best way to make sure an infection doesn't come back is to finish the antibiotics. Even if you feel better, the bacteria can still be lurking in your body. Hope you feel better soon.
thank you!
Thankyou!!
I am not congested but the last couple days I have been waking up with redish brown phlegm and a little bit of a sore throat i am positive it is not from my nose because my nose is clear. I usually feel fine by the time I have gone threw the day to bed but then the next morning it will happen again.
AP - It could be a virus or infection lower in your respiratory tract or in your throat. If it doesn't clear up within a week or two, you may want to see the doctor.
There is also a possibility it is acid reflux. When you are lying down at night, the acid in your stomach could be flowing into your throat. This could cause a sore throat and the phlegm. It would be a more ongoing problem if this is the case.
Either way, check with a doctor if the problem continues for long.
Thank you!
My mucus is brown.....bit I don't smoke...confused?
Feeling unwell - Brown mucus can also indicate blood mixed with the mucus. It could mean the blood vessels in your nose have broken from blowing your nose or from irritation. It is no cause for worry and is very common. Brown mucus can also happen if there is dirt or other pollutants in the air.
If it lasts more than a week or two, you may want to go to the doctor.
Thank you.
My mucus is very light and has traces of blood in it .i also have a slight cought and sore throat.we are experiencing harmattan in Africa so i dont know whether its the cause.
Richard - The dust from the Harmattan could be irritating your throat and sinuses. It could also be a cold. If it is a cold, it should go away within a couple of weeks.
If it is the dusty, dry air, it could last longer. Try staying indoors as much as possible and wearing a dust mask when outside. Using a nasal spray or Neti Pot can help clear out your nose. Antihistamines might also help.
I have had thick green mucus for about two weeks and now it is changing to yellow. Ideas? I can't afford to go to the doctor. Could this mean I am getting better?
Erin - It could be a sign of a virus that your body is fighting off. Mucus usually goes from lighter to darker in a normal progression of a virus. So the green to yellow is an indication of something unusual. It could be that you are improving. It could also mean you have an infection now. Any other symptoms you may have can help determine that.
If your body is able to fight it alone, you would start improving within a couple of weeks after getting sick. You could wait another week or so to see. If it doesn't clear up or if it gets worse, you probably have an infection and are going to need antibiotics.
Thanks :)
Very informative and also funny!
The title alone made this hub a must-read for me. Right now, I am experiencing some mucus issues myself. Mucinex is my best friend when I feel this way. Very helpful hub and voted up!
elanger333 - Thanks! Laughter is the best medicine, so they say.
Jeannieinabottle - Mucinex is great for clearing out the mucus. I love the characters in the Mucinex commercials. Thank you!
Pls i once in a while cough out brownish sputum, sometimes darker. I just quitted smoking marijuana. I dont smoke cigarettes at all. And sometimes feel some pains at my left chest. What culd this possibly mean?
Lucky - The brown sputum could be from inhaling the marijuana smoke. There are irritants and carcinogens in it that could be causing you problems. You may even have an infection in your lungs. That could be the cause of the chest pains as well.
You should see a doctor about it because the chest pains could be a number of different things like a sore muscle, your heart, or lungs.
Very, very informative! I've had a cluster of sinus problems for about 3 weeks: first started as fluid in my ears and major earaches; secondly, a sore throat (my first in years - I have no tonsils/adenoids) and post-nasal drip. Eventually, blowing my nose produced thick, green mucus. I made sure to blow my nose a lot, and clear/clean my throat and eliminate as much drainage as possible. I never ran a fever but I did have chills occasionally. Weeks later, my ears pop very loudly whenever I swallow, each and every time. I'm coughing up sputum in - this is SO gross - small chunks of greenish-gray almost solid mucus. The cough is very dry, like a hacking cough. My chest does not hurt, before or after. And blowing my nose so often I'm going through a box of Kleenex a day! Each time, it's yellow - like, sunflower yellow, or goldenrod yellow. Sometimes it's so dark yellow that it nearly appears brown! I'm not a smoker, not do I live with one or hang around people who do. I also live in a rural area with little to no air pollution. I've taken Mucinex DM and this stuff is pretty much laughing at it.
What the heck is going on?!
Jillian Bogy - It sounds like you have a cold that may be turning into a sinus infection. Since it has been three weeks, you may need some antibiotics to tackle it. Considering what you described with your ears, you may have an ear infection also.
Mucus in any form is pretty gross. But it's how our bodies keep us well.
Hope you feel better soon and your tissue usage goes way down!
Thanks Candace. Succinct, clear and accurate. Your 'hub' not my snot. ;)
Stringy/Yellow - Is that how your cheese is or are you referring to your snot? Glad to be of help.
I have been coughing up white phlegm all night, I have to keep getting up to spit out. I was just wondering if I should go to the doctor ro get ontop of it or wait a few more days to see if it clears or worsens? Any ideas what it could be? I did just travel on n plane and I was thinking I could of caught something from one of the other passengers.
Jenny - If it has just been a day, it's probably best to wait before going to the doctor. A lot of doctors won't do much until it has been several days or a week.
It could be a cold or virus. It could even be sinus inflammation from the change of air pressure of the plane trip.
You may want to cut back on dairy products for a few days. Dairy products can make mucus thicker.
If it doesn't clear up within a week or so or if it gets worse, then see about a doctor.
I am a nonsmoker but live with a heavy smoker. I had a slight cold, some stuffiness and when I coughed I coughed up blood and then later I coughed up bright red blood again. Next morning sneezed and had a spec of blood. Haven't seen any blood since (been a week) but have a "bleach" taste yesterday. Does this sound serious? OH, earlier before the blood I was experiencing light green color.
wordsmith - Coughing and sneezing up blood isn't necessarily serious unless it lasts for a long time. If you had a cold, the blood is probably from inflammation in your sinuses or maybe even a busted blood vessel. If the blood and the discolored mucus have pretty much cleared up, then it isn't much to be concerned about.
The "bleach" or chemical taste could be from post nasal drip. Or it could be something unrelated. If it is ongoing, you may want to talk to a doctor about it. Here are some more possibilities with it: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Undiagnosed-Symptoms/
I've had a cold with lingering cough now for about 2 months no sign of getting better and this morning my mucus went from being green to a reddish brown colour can u give me some advise do I need to see doctor
I was thinking I would have to wait before seeing a doctor, hopefully it clears up soon! Thank you for your help. :)
Stressed - You should definitely go to the doctor if it has been two months. The cold has probably become an infection. It may not even be a cold if it has gone on this long. It could be allergies or something else.
Jenny - No problem. Too bad modern medicine still can't cure colds. Hope you get better soon.
Some times my snot will be stringy like string cheese and often like a long piece of rope that you can keep pulling and feel it coming loose up in the sinuses? What its that about?
lotsasnots - That is pretty normal. Snot is sticky, so unless something pulls it apart, it will stay together.
Have you ever played with slime or silly putty? The whole glob of it will stay together as you pull and play with it. But it can also be separated really easily with just a pinch.
The consistency of the snot is likely a factor when it does that. The mucus is probably thick enough to stay together but not so thin that it is just dripping.
All in all it is probably good that it comes loose easily, especially if it clears your sinuses afterward. If your nose is consistently backed up, though, it may mean you have allergies or a sinus infection.
I have had a cough for about 2 months now, a cold comes and goes i cough up yellow mucus im not sure what it is could you help?
Hi, for a couple of mornings now (I think, I have a really bad memory) I've been hacking up dark brown (possibly reddish?) phlegm that quickly dries to a gluey consistency. For the rest of the day it doesn't reappear.
Possible factors: There's bronchitis going around my school and I did end up hugging my friend who was recovering, with my face fairly close to hers, about a week ago (?). I haven't been getting that much sleep and can't really get more considering my schedule without being out of school. I do not use any substances (psychological/allergy meds, tobacco/alcohol/et c) except caffeine, to which I am thoroughly addicted. No abnormal emotional stressors; in fact, I am (was) actually a lot happier than normal due to my birthday last week. Weather has been cold and damp, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Other symptoms: Persistent mostly-dry cough, mood swings, random crying (lasted roughly 15 minutes), lethargy, throbbing pain in eyes, muscle tension, difficulty controlling force (almost decking someone when I tried to pat them on the head, inability to properly open a door), occasional spates of nervous energy (including leg-twitching so intense that it looked "like @#%$ tapdancing" and manic affect), "blank spots" in memory, severe disorientation, and inability to drink from a water fountain (probably an effect of lethargy or disorientation, but thought I'd include anyway).
Sorry if this isn't what this is for, I'm just going for as many opinions as possible because I don't want to be mysteriously sick for midterms. You can disregard any extraneous info.
grudale - If it keeps coming and going, it is probably allergies. Either that or you have an infection. It is probably best to see a doctor if it has been going on for a couple of months.
KillerBlancmange - If it is happening when you are sleeping primarily, it might be acid reflux from your stomach. Try taking an antacid one night and see if you have the problem the next morning.
If it doesn't help, it could be bronchitis or some other type of virus or infection. You may want to see a doctor about it if it doesn't clear up soon.
As far as the other symptoms go, they are likely from lack or sleep or too much caffeine or maybe even school stress. If you end up going to the doctor, be sure to mention them.
hello, yesterday i had the symptoms of a cold, ache muscles, headache, sneezing. now today i wake up to a sore throat with thick mucus in my throat. ive coughed up a brown mucus from which was in my nose. ive been like this for about 3-4 days. and way i can combat this without going to the doctor? thanks :)
helpme - Most doctors won't prescribe anything until after about 5-7 days anyway. So trying to fight it without going to the doctor is the best idea.
Your best bet is to talk to a pharmacist. Describe your symptoms and ask which over the counter cold medicine he or she would recommend.
Then just try to take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water and juices. Avoid dairy till it clears up. Eat soup and rest.
If it doesn't improve after another week or so, then it is time to think about seeing a doctor.
i have been paranaoid for the last 15 days ..........in my cough in the morning i am seeing a brown spc very tiny ....once every 4 to 5 days .....i went to gp my throat and x ray and blood tests are clear but still i am worried ......i wonder if it is blood then shud appear daily how can there be 5 to 7 day gaps ....i have no other symptoms of illness please advise......
last april I had gotten a cold/flu an had a bad cough, most of the symptoms went away except I was left with the feeling of mucus in my throat and wheezing which happens mainly at night when im trying to sleep.i dnt feel any kind of.pain,.its just the wheezing at night an blood in my mucus that I spit out every now an then..i started taking allegra d thinking it was allergies an its the only thing thats stopped the wheezing but I have to consistently take it..i never got checked by a doctor because I have no medical..:(..do u think I might have a serious ailment or can it just be allergies?..if allergies, can it really be year long?
I started with a cough weds before xmas and had it since iv been doctors twice first time he said it was viral and now he doesnt know as its just phlem in my throat its making me sick everytime i cough i bring food up or clear froffy liquid with white/yellow snot in it iv had chesty cough medicine, tickly cough medicine and sudofed for sinisitus which helped clear most of it up 5 weeks on and im so tired i dont know what to do any suggestions please x
I'm not a smoker but sometimes like today I woke up and coughed, a quarter size yellowish piece of orders phlem came out. What causes that?
abybaby - If the doctors checked you out and aren't worried, then you needn't worry either. Coughing up a bit of stuff every now and then is normal for a lot of people. Mucus catches pollutants in our bodies. It could just be junk in the air that your body is getting rid of.
Unless it starts happening more frequently or you start coughing up more and more, it is likely just mucus doing it's job.
By the way, if it is mostly happening in the morning, it could be a bit of acid reflux. If that is the case, taking an acid reducer at night would help.
Frustrated... - It could definitely be allergies if the Allegra helps the wheezing. Wheezing can also be a symptom of asthma. If you get short of breath, it could point to asthma also.
It may happen more at night because you are lying down and the mucus is dripping down your throat making it harder to breathe. Nighttime acid reflux is also a common reason for night coughs. It could also explain the stuff coughed up. An acid reducer might help if that is the case.
You could try different anti-histamines to see if another kind would help more. Zyrtec might be better for you. If it is allergies, taking an anti-histamine daily is about your only option. Nasal sprays help some people.
Make sure to wash your bed sheets every week. Sticking your pillows in the dryer for about ten minutes may help also. It can help get rid of any allergens.
Nicci - If the doctor isn't sure, I don't have much else to tell you. I would suggest taking an anti-histamine for a few days to see if it helps. You may be developing allergies. You could also try an acid reducer if you seem to be coughing up stuff from your stomach.
If things don't get better soon, I suggest seeing a specialist like an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
bay - If it isn't a daily thing, then it is probably just normal mucus. Maybe there is extra pollutants in the air and your body produced extra mucus. Coughing stuff up from time to time isn't abnormal.
If it is happening a lot, it could be allergies. An anti-histamine might help.
Fascinating...and more than a little disgusting! I think I would totally freak out if I had blue mucus, but as a person who's allergic to just about everything, I've spent more time than I'd like to admit dealing with the stuff. Thanks for an informative read!
I'm a smoker and just recently quitted lately I've been having a weird pain in my throat when I swallow also I've been coughing up mucas clear mucas with tiny not all the way black but brown specks in my mucas? Is it lung cancer? I've only smoked cigs for 2 years off and on. Should I be concerned?
very informative thank you! mine started with some chest pressure than just slight coughing up little buits of thick yellowish green stuff. i started taking olive leaf, tumeric, onion/honey syrup, vit e,& vitc c, and its taken chest pressure away, now just little more coughing stuff up and little runny nose. runny nose is clear, but stuiff i cough up is slightly yellow still, hopefully its going away! thanks :)
livelonger - I have had a purplish mucus when I've made Kool-Aid. That was strange! Disgusting as it may be, many people have to deal with this subject on a daily basis. Thanks so much!
Audidude21 - I wouldn't worry about cancer just yet. If it hasn't been going on for very long, it's probably a cold or maybe an infection.
A lot of people report sore throats and coughing up mucus after they stop smoking. It is actually a good thing. It is your body clearing out the bad stuff like toxins and carcinogens from the cigarettes and the lungs start repairing themselves. Here is more info about it: http://www.ehow.com/about_5032414_coughing-after-q
If it lasts for more than a few weeks, you may need to see a doctor, but otherwise, it isn't abnormal.
laura - Sounds like you have your cold under control! Now all you have to do is just wait for it to run its course. Feel better soon.
thank you! :)have to recomend olive leaf to everyone, it cured my reoccuring tonsilitus and i havent had to take an antibiotic in past couple years.get well everyone!
Hi, i was sick for a couple of weeks, so took a z-pack, but I have a cough still lingering.... My mucus is clear but I still feel like there's mucus in my lungs....
laura - I'll have to remember that next time I get sick. Thanks for sharing that.
Eric - It may take another week or two for it to clear up completely. You might also need a different type of antibiotic or another round of antibiotics to get rid of it. If it doesn't go away, you may need to see a doctor about it.
Im pretty pos. I have pleurisy. I have every symptom and its hurting so bad. I also have a cough that produces white clear sputum or pphlem with browny spots. Taking a zpac with. 2 days left. What about the pleurisy? What should I do?
rach - If you think you have pleurisy, you should probably see a doctor. You may need a different type of antibiotic and some anti-inflammatory medicine. If you have a lot of fluid in your lungs, it may even need to be drained.
i've been sick for the [ast 5 days ,but i dont have a cough. could it just be a little head cold?
also all that wrong is a stuffy nose! when i started getting sick, the mucus came out clear now when i blow its yellow could that be a sign that im just getting better?
Kiki2012 - Yellow mucus usually means that your body is fighting off something. It probably is just a cold. It will take your body about a week to fight it off. If you aren't cleared up after that, you may want to see a doctor.
Hey, I have a old sore on my nose. Not inside, on top. Whenever I try to blow my nose it hurts. But when I do my right side throws out blood wit snot. Ppl say its from the infection, any tips?
sorry I mean cold sore on my nose.
Madridista12 - Most cold sores are caused by a type of virus. The virus is a type of herpes. If the sore you have is caused by the virus, the bloody mucus could be from that infection. Or sometimes cold sores pop up when your body is stressed. Like if you get a cold.
The sore might not be caused by that virus. Only a doctor would be able to tell you for sure. Your doctor can also prescribe medicine to help with cold sores if you get them frequently.
If you aren't worried enough to see a doctor, there are lots of home remedies and other treatments for cold sores. Most pharmacies have over the counter ointments to put on cold sores. Some people say putting ice on it soothes it. Tea tree oil and aloe also help some people.
The sore and mucus might clear up on their own, but if not, you should go to a doctor. If it gets worse, then definitely go see a doctor.
Edit "nutrition meal" to "nutritious meal" and thanks for the info!
My 12 yr old son has been suffering from nasal congestion for the past 8 months .Initially we thought it was due to seasonal allergies and he was prescribed some allergy medicines.The problem persisted , then we tried to change his diet but nothing helped and his condition only got worse. Finally I took him to a ENT specialist who came up with this possible reason. According to the doctor his condition is due to acid reflux . The acid is travelling back all the way to his nasal passage causing inflammation of throat and nose and thereby producing all the mucous. He has been adviced to completely stop eating late in the evening and has been scheduled for a CT scan next week to explore for any other possibility.Will this change in eating habit improve his condition? He is really miserable and can use up a whole tissue box in a day.BTW his mucous is yellow in color.
Cough cough - Thanks. It's fixed.
manubanu - I actually had this problem as well. Acid reflux can cause upper respiratory problems because the stuff from the stomach is sitting in the throat. Eating close to bedtime does cause problems for some people. It might help him to avoid eating a couple or three hours before bed. Here are some of the other suggestions I have discovered.
Raise the head of his bed about 5 or 6 inches. Make sure he drinks plenty of water. 12 might be too young for acid reducers, you can check with your doctor on that. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can also regulate the digestive system.
Really the best way to solve the problem is to figure out the cause. It could be too much stomach acid. Some people also have too little stomach acid that can cause reflux. It could also be the H. pylori bacteria. Again you will need to check with the doctor about that. A hiatal hernia is another possible cause. The tests he is going to do should turn up any irregularity like that. Food allergies have been known to cause stomach problems as well.
Good luck figuring out the problem.
Hi, I've been kind of sick this past week and I can't figure out what is wrong! The first day of my symptoms I had a very slight cough. The following day I had a 100.4 fever and the chills along with a stuffy nose and the small cough. The day after, the fever seemed to go away but the congestion and minor cough were still there. Now today I feel great except for my darned stuffy nose and now wheezy phlegmish cough. Throat doesn't hurt and mucus has been very clear throughout the week. Any idea if this is a small virus or maybe just a very big case of allergies?
okay, can this be a serious condition or not? I have a head cold i guess i do because all i have is a stuffy nose that doesnt seem to wnt to get better but the mucus is hite and i've been sick since last thursday!!but when i breath either through my nose or my mouth, i can feel air in the back of my throat and its really bothering me! but can it be something serious or not????
bpsav - A virus is more likely mainly because of the suddenness and how quickly the worst symptoms passed. But allergies aren't entirely out of the question. Allergies can cause fever as well. It will probably take a few more days or a week before it runs its course. If it lingers, it may be allergies. If you feel like it is starting to become an infection, you may want to see a doctor.
Kiki2012 - If it has only been a week, it is probably just a cold and not anything more serious. It sounds like your nose is congested. Mucinex would probably help loosen the mucus so that you can breathe better. If it goes on for more than a week or so more, check with a doctor.
hi im real worried ive got thick white mucus with flecs of blood in it if had a chest xray in december and came back clear i only notice it wen ive got a cold more than anything doctors thinks its coming from throat or sinius do u know what it cold be
Helllo I've had green snot for a while and a very chesty cough and I sneeze at least 8 times a day I have a rash on my nose (near mouth) and most mucus is green like neon green... It isn't changing and I'm very ill ...... Shall I go to the doctor because I'm also getting flem in my mouth ........... But thanks
katrina - If you are eating or drinking a good bit of dairy products, it can cause your mucus to be white and thick. Cutting back on the dairy might help. If it seems to be a cold, then there isn't really anything unusual. If it is happening regularly, it could be allergies and you may need to take an antihistamine. If it persists, you can go see an ear, nose, and throat doctor to pinpoint the problem.
fhashi - If it has been more than a week, you may need antibiotics to clear it up. If it has only been a couple of days, the doctor can't do much to help. The neon green means your body is fighting off something.
Is the rash from blowing your nose? If so, a little bit of neosporin or lotion on it may help. If it seems more like a cold sore, then there are over the counter ointments for that. Sometimes a cold or flu can cause rashes.
Hi, I have dust allergy and often i use to fall sick.But for the past few days I am often pop- up a light yellow hard and even it smell very bad, everytime after brushing. And I also feel that somethings is in my throat. May i know, is it Phlegm... Do i need to consult a doctor immediately... or is there a home remedy
Manju - It is probably allergies or maybe even a cold or virus. Try taking antihistamines and Mucinex to help clear up some of the mucus. If it goes on for more than a week or two or if it gets worse, then you may need to get checked out by a doctor.
for about four days ive been stuffed up but this morning i woke up and started coughing up dark thick green mucus and blowing clear or yellow from my nose but when i cough it feels so thick that it starts to give me pain in my ears it hurts to move
help please
nene - It sounds like you have a cold. The best thing is to go talk to a pharmacist to get the best type of medicine. Mucinex will help thin and loosen the mucus so it won't be as painful.
This morning I had orange phlegm, not one of the colors that you mention at the top of this page. What does this portend?
lowcarb - Orange mucus can be happen when yellow mucus becomes tinged with blood from your nasal passages. If you are coughing it up, there may be a bit of blood somewhere along your respiratory tract or you may have an infection. If it goes on for more than a few days or about a week, you may need to see a doctor for some antibiotics.
I woke up this morning feeling awful. The feeling was most attributable to a hangover (i.e. light sensitivity, headache, some nausea) though I had not drank alcohol last night and I felt fine. After that I coughed up brown mucus with streaks of red in it, I am a smoker, so that seems the most logical reason for that; however, do the hangover-like symptoms indicate some sort of infection that could be related to the mucus, or is it an entirely separate issue?
Hi for the past month I have been waking up with reddish mucus every morning. It is also very clotty. What does this mean?
I stopped smoking cold turkey about 6 days ago and sometimes in the morning i will cough up mucus with streaks of blood in it. It only happens in the morning and no other times. I know the body has a lot of different symtoms after quitting smoking. I just want to know if this is normal.
Jay - The symptoms you describe could be a cold or flu or even just an infection. That could explain the mucus also. If it goes on for more than a few days or if it gets a lot worse, then you may want to see a doctor.
sophie - If you are waking up with the mucus, it means it is happening during the night. It could be nasal drainage that is getting trapped while you are lying down. If you are coughing it up, it could be acid reflux.
Try an antihistamine to see if it helps. If it keeps happening, see a doctor. You may have an infection.
nate - It is definitely normal to cough up stuff after quitting smoking. It may keep happening for a few weeks or months as your lungs start getting rid of the toxins and repairing themselves.
it is nice to see something put so plan so the kids can see read and know what it all means and learns something from it
Thank you for the time you put into this site
Been dealing with some sort of virus for the past week... Startedout with a cough & congestion. Snot was clear, but started coughing up yellow & yellowish brown phlegm. Today is day 6, and the cough has started to go away, but now I am completely stuffed up and when I blow my nose, the snot is green, sometimes almost neon green. I thought I had a viral infection, but does this snot color indicate bacterial?
Joe - Thank you for your kind words. That means a lot.
Angela - It could mean you are developing a bacteria infection. But more than likely it is just be the normal progression of the cold. Mucus typically goes from clear to yellow to green during the course of a virus. And neon green can mean your body is still fighting it off.
Try taking a decongestant to help relieve your sinuses. Check with a pharmacist about the right one for your symptoms. If the mucus doesn't go back to clear within a week or so, then you might need antibiotics.
What happens when your snot is orange????
My friend has like 1 inch green thick boogers/mucus that comes out 1 to 2 times a day. She says it's hard too blow out cause thats how thick it is.She says when blowing almost makes her "black-out" & its like blowing out a green 1 inch pencil. She says its been going on for about 3-4 weeks. Dont know if its comming from her sinus,chest or stomach as she had a physical(normal). Or can it come from white blood cell count?
ralph - Orange mucus can be caused when yellow mucus becomes tinged with blood. The blood vessels in the nose are very tiny and can break easily as you blow your nose. If it doesn't clear up in about a week, you may want to see a doctor.
tanyat21 - If it has been going on for that long, she probably has a sinus infection and will need antibiotics to clear it up. The "black-out" feeling is probably from lack of oxygen since her nose is so stopped up. Mucinex may help thin and loosen the mucus to help get rid of some of the congestion.
I work for the IT department of a Nutraceutical wholesaler. My sinus has been killing me for a week. So my co-worker snuck in and told me to take 2 Oregano pills in the morning and one after lunch until my sinus aches went away. After one day of treatment I was noticing quite an improvement, today I took the pills and tonight, I blew my nose and the whole sinusitis infection come out in one big mass. Now after a tingly face for a little bit everything feels better. Try Oregano, it definitely worked for me.
Another note I is I had started an asian diet the week before, so was only eating Wonton soup and rice noodle type meals. The dairy thing definitely has something to do with the overbundance of mucus. This was my dryest "cold like" symptoms/sinusitis I ever experienced. Had to convince people how sick I felt for a week.
Alec - Thanks for sharing the tip. Oregano has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, so it is good to take for sinus problems. There are so many natural remedies out there that work as well or better than many medicines. And dairy is definitely something to avoid with a cold. Thanks again.
Well I have all clear snot so Im pretty sure its allergies however my throat is so sore orange juice burns it and just today I blew my nose and a thick wad of green and red snot shot out. The rest of it is clear and thin. Where did the sticky pasty ball come from?
marcii - It could have been something stuck further up in your sinuses. Since your throat is so sore, you may have a virus right now. That could explain why your mucus is turning green. The red means your sinuses are probably irritated.
I have yellow mucus but only sometimes it comes out but I feel it in my chest and I feel like I can't breath I'm taking mucinx and drinking a lot of water the tightness in my chest went away but I still can't breath that good .......what I do about this
Ive been looking for at home remodies for sometime now. about 3 weeks ago i got over a two month sickness of coughing and mucus. I didnt go to the doctor because i dont have medical insurance. I finally got over it like 3 weeks ago and now its coming back but this time with a severe sore throat. I looked in the mirror and my throat has white on it....anyone know anything.
So I've been sick for about 2.5 days now. I am a smoker. My problem is that I have this dry cough. It wouldn't be so bad if I was actually coughing stuff up. This morning I gargled with some warm water and coughed up some red/black and brown mucus. Is there some antiseptic for your throat?? Or anything that will let me cough stuff up?
Stacy - If it is a virus or cold, it will just take time for your body to fight it off. If it has been more than a week or two, you may have an infection. See a doctor if it doesn't clear up within another day or so.
ash - White spots on your throat could mean strep throat, especially since you are having a sore throat as well. You don't necessarily have to go to a doctor with strep throat. Most of the time your body will fight it off without antibiotics.
If it seems to linger for more than a couple of weeks, you may need to see a doctor. In a small percentage of cases strep can linger and turn into scarlet fever or other complications.
Taking aspirin for the inflammation and sucking on throat lozenges can help with the sore throat.
Ethan - Sometimes Mucinex will help break up mucus so coughs can be more productive. It just depends on what is causing the congestion. Chloraseptic spray is also good for sore throats and dry cough. You can also talk to a pharmacist about other over the counter medicines.
How can I find out what's causing the congestion without seeing a doctor? It feels like phlem or whatever is stuck to my throat, but when I cough it's just dry and nothing comes up. It's also sore. Will mucinex break up the stuff in my throat?
Ethan - If you don't want to go to a doctor, your best bet is probably to talk to a pharmacist. They are usually really good about pointing people to the best type of medicine to take according to the symptoms.
I just coughed up a huge chunk the size of a ping pong ball it is bright red and brown and looks like pieces of tissue is attached to it I had a fever for two days loose watery diahrea and white and yellow puss spots on my tongsils it looks like strep throat but I have had strep throat in the past and never coughed up anything like this what should I do should I be alarmed I don't smoke overall I'm healthy
maria - It sounds like you have a virus of some kind. It could be strep. I don't think the stuff you coughed up is something to get alarmed about just yet. It is probably just mucus that is tinged with a bit of blood. If your throat and nose are irritated, a bit of blood isn't abnormal. If the virus doesn't clear up in two or three more days or if you keep coughing up huge amounts, then you may need to see a doctor. But once or twice of coughing up something is typically just your body's way of clearing out the excess mucus from the virus.
So glad to know I am not alone. On Friday - I sneezed twice, my nose dripped once - I thought it was from spicy food I was eating - when I went to go spit - it was a lot but a very dark green. I have a headache - but in the face - other than that - other than the headache - I look and feel fine - outside of the dark green stuff I occasionally have been spitting up.
Ive only ever had green flem when ive had a cold... yet the last few ive had a nose like a tap... drip drip drip... Except its yellow.... Bright bright yellow, almost like ear wax. Its crazy, have a wee cough nothing to indercate i've got a cold... Donno tho, very strange.... Any suggestions..?
Helen - Sounds like a cold or sinuses. The ache in your face is probably your sinuses. An aspirin will help with the headache. If the green mucus lasts for more than a week or two, then you may check with a doctor.
Sash - It is more than likely a virus your body is fighting off. Mucus typically darkens over a period of few days. It is common for mucus to start out yellow then darken to green. There are some types of bacteria that can cause yellow mucus, though. So see if changes color again.
If your body can fight it on its own, it should clear up within about a week. If it lasts longer than that, you may need to see a doctor about antibiotics.
My doctor told me I had a throat infection but later on that day while showering I coughed up a lot of yellowish pleghm almost like ear wax with reddish brown traces is this my throat infection clearing up?
April - Maybe. It could also be excess mucus your body is getting rid of.
thank you! :)have to recomend olive leaf to everyone, it cured my reoccuring tonsilitus and i havent had to take an antibiotic in past couple years.get well everyone!
i thought i had heartburn its started yesterday, going to bed hoping it would have gone in the morning! since this morning i have been bringing up brown mucus but i dont have a cough or cold. the only wasy i can describe the pain in my throat/chest is its like when u swallow food that you may not have chewed properly and it hurst as you swallow. any advice please?
louromano - There are tons of great natural cures out there. I'll have to remember olive leaf.
nicola - That sounds like acid reflux. The stuff from the stomach comes up into the esophagus. Acid reducers like Prilosec may help. You may want to talk to your doctor about it as well to see what is causing it.
Hello! I've never had anything like this before, it started two days ago (now on my third), I started to lose my voice and the coughing began at day two. There has been lots of yellow mucus, a lot of dry coughs, a few small fevers, and I have been trying to drink lots of water and take long showers. Still it does not feel like it's helping. I feel like I've gotten over the worst now but my throat still bothers me and my voice is even worse. Last night I couldn't stop coughing and that never happens. Is there anything else I can do?
Danya D - I have heard a lot of people talking about how well oregano oil worked for them. You could try that. You can also try throat lozenges and cough drops. Hot liquids also help sooth coughs. I lose my voice often also. If it is mucus causing the problem, Mucinex can help break it up so your coughs can be more productive. If the dry cough lasts for more than a few days or gets worse, you may want to see a doctor.
Thanks so much cocopreme! I'll see if I can work around to getting oregano oil. I got some throat lozenges. I feel great now, I'm getting my voice back, my mucus is now light yellow, my nose runs every now and then, my cough is going on four days, is more deep and a bit less dry. I've had pneumonia before and almost died of it when I was little and these coughs do resemble it a little and hope they don't get worse. Mucinex probably my best bet so I will work on it. Not many people are considerate like you are to take time and answer all these questions for free thanks again.
Danya D - Mucinex probably is your best bet. Glad you are starting to feel better. Hope it clears all the way up soon. And you are very welcome. It is nice to know I am appreciated. Thank you.
hi i'm so glad this place is still active with people who actually respond to their readers. anyway i've lately been sick, with a fever. it started last friday and right now its wednesday. ive been having a runny/stuffy nose, headache, sore throat, coughing, and i tend to sweat and burn up while i'm sleeping, even in thin covers and with the fan on. i took tylenol and advil which got rid of the head ache and sore throat. so now i just have those other symptons plus some sneezing that just started now. also i'm taking anti bitotics. and the color of my snot is kind of clear-yellow with some blood.
someone - It sounds like you have a virus. If you are taking antibiotics, it should keep kill any infection and help your body fight off any bacteria. Just make sure to finish all the antibiotics so the bug doesn't pop back up.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. The night sweats are probably from the fever. The Tylenol should help with those.
You should start feeling better within a few days. If you are still running a fever after the weekend, you may want to check with a doctor. Otherwise, just get plenty of rest so your body can focus on getting well. Hope you feel better soon.
czechsmix - It is probably nothing to worry about. It could be post nasal drip from allergies or just a random nose bleed even. The blood vessel in the nasal passages and very tiny and delicate. They can break very easily.
You could try some nose spray to help moisten your nasal passages and help clear it up. If it keeps happening for more than a few days, then you may want to see a doctor to figure out what is causing it.
ok my snot is clear with white dots in it what does that mean
X - It probably means your mucus is thickening. This could happen if you've been eating a lot of dairy. Dairy products can make mucus turn thick and white.
If you have breathed in something white and powdery it could also cause dots in your mucus.
I hadn't been able to blow my nose recently, no air flow at all actually, but today 2 clumps of a bloody raw meat like substance came out of my nose, one from each nostril. I have air flow again, but my snot has been bloody ever sense. Should I be worried about what that was?
SlightlyWorried - That was probably what was blocking your nasal passages. The red is from busted blood vessels, more than likely when you were blowing your nose.
It probably isn't something to worry about unless it keeps happening. Then you may want to talk to a doctor about it.
I had a sore throat two days ago. It was the kind that usually kicks off a cold. Yesterday, I was feeling tired and congested. I was spitting up mucus that was a mixture of yellow, greenish-yellow, and even a little brown, but I had no cough. Today, I only spit out one cluster of mucus, and it was yellow. I feel fine again, but I'm not sure I really am. I have been sick one other time this year already, except last time with a cough. Should I see a doctor?
My snot keeps changing colors. Sometimes when I blow my nose the mucous is clear, and then the next time it's green, and the next time it's yellow. What could this mean? I've had a cold (or what I thought was a cold) for about a week now. I had a sore throat also.I have just now began to feel better. I am still coughing and my nose is still congested. It started in my chest, then moved to my head, and now it is in my nose. I usually get sinus infections but have never really had allergies. Should I see a doctor?
Jerome - It sounds like a virus. If you are starting to feel better, there probably isn't any need to see a doctor. There isn't really anything they can do for a virus. It just has to run its course. If you feel worse again, or if it doesn't clear up in a few more days, then you may need to go.
Racheal Gray - Since you are feeling better, you more than likely don't need to go to the doctor. It is probably a virus. Mucus normally changes colors as your body goes through different stages of fighting off the bug. Mucinex will probably help loosen the congestion.
If you are still congested and if your mucus isn't going back to clear within a few days to a week, then you may need to see a doctor.
What if my mucus has went back to normal but the sore throat has returned? It is so painful at night I can't even talk. Does this mean I may have strepe? Should I see a doctor anyway or just try to take some antibiotics and see if that clears it up?
Racheal Gray - If it has come back, you may want to see a doctor to find out exactly what is going on. A doctor will be able to tell you if antibiotics will help you.
i don't get colds, i take organic juices, i take plenty of vitamin-c. [and it does not cause kidney stones,thats mainstream BS]. there is, and are, cures for the common cold,do some research for folks!
barent - Those things are good ways to prevent colds because they boost your immune system. But they won't cure a cold once you are already sick.
My doctor wants me to submit phlegm samples but i have been smoking and i don't want him to find out because he will flip on me. Can the lab prove that i have been smoking and can they give that info freely to the doc?
Concerned wanna be ex-smoker - Usually a phlegm sample is tested for either bacteria, fungi, or tuberculosis. The lab won't do any forensic-like tests to determine if you smoked. BUT, smoking can make your phlegm a brownish color. So, the color and texture might give it away.
As far as the lab communicating with the doctor about it, it depends on where the lab work is going on. A lot of places do the lab work on site. Some send the lab work off to somewhere else.
If you are having health problems, it is probably best to go ahead and do the samples. The doctor needs to know what is wrong with you so you can get better even if it means you have to face some lecturing about smoking.
My snot stopped being dark green, but is now a really light tinted green that sometimes has a greyish streak through it. I also just coughed up some redish-brown stuff.
I quit smoking a couple weeks ago. I had a couple a few nights ago but other than that have not had any.
What is this ?
I have had a sore throat with a lot of coughing which brings yellow green mucous it has been about 5 days. Productive cough? I always spit out the mucous. Sometimes it is hard to get it out. How long should i wait before seeing the Dr.? I have been taking ACV with lemon and honey. It doesn't seem to be helping. I' m thinking about oregano. Do I get the oil or leaves for tea? Health Food store or supermarket?
Help!,,,,,
I woke this morning and I had orange fluid coming out of my nose when I blew it and it's been 30 min now and I had to blow my nose and then I had clear mucous...I sometimes have sinuses cause of my dad. he past away from having cancer from sinuses..should I go get it checked out?
Hello,I have lot's of white ,thick mucus and every other day I see white things that I have to take out by pressing it in my tonsils ...it's really bothering me and I'm worried...
Laydi Pahuku - It could be a cold or it could be from quitting smoking. It is normally to cough up stuff and have discolored mucus for awhile after you quit smoking.
Patricia - Usually doctors can't do much until it has been a week or so. Then they might prescribe antibiotics or any other kind of medicine necessary. So if you haven't improved any, you may need to see a doctor after another day or so.
Any type of oregano is fine. It even comes in pills. Health food store or maybe even a pharmacy is your best bet.
lex - If it has just been going on for a day or so, then it is probably just sinus irritation. The orange is probably from a tiny blood vessel that popped and mixed with your mucus. Unless it keeps happening over more than a few days, it isn't a cause for major concern.
If you are concerned about getting cancer as well, you can talk to the doctor about it and get regular screenings.
jana - The best thing to do is probably to see a doctor about it. It could possibly be tonsillolith, which are basically clusters of debris that form in the crevice of the tonsils. See this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillolith.
As far as the thick, white mucus goes, try cutting back on dairy and see if that helps.
I've had a bad cough for about 3 weeks now and the phlegm is a light yellow color. Also after I cough I get a nose bleed. Should I see a doctor?
I have brown snot but I don't smoke nor I have been inhaling any smoke....... Freeeaaakkyyy
David L. - You probably should go to a doctor. You more than likely have an infection that is going to need antibiotics to treat.
Emily - You may have a bit of blood in your nasal passages. That can cause mucus to turn a brownish color.
Cocopreme:
I was in WA DC (live in CA) this past weekend, where we did a lot of walking out in the cold. Saturday night was BEYOND cold! So Sunday morning is when I felt sick. Had a fever, chills, and body aches. But no cough and no headache.
Then starting Tuesday, I had a cough that began. Still with a fever.
Wednesday, no more chills, but still had a fever. And I coughed up a yellowish mucus in the morning.
Thursday, I woke up with my voice scratchy, fever, cough, and more yellowish mucus.
Friday, voice got worse...so this morning (Saturday), I decided to go to the doctor. He checked my throat and ears and said it looks fine. But said I have a mild case of laryngitis. He prescribed me the antibiotic: Azithromycin, and a cough syrup.
When do you believe I'll get my voice back? And he didn't tell me, but am I contagious? I live with my family and it's been 7 days now and they're all fine...but what if I were to kiss someone...because I'm on antibiotics, can they still catch it?
Thank you!
Still with
Sally - Usually you are not contagious after being on antibiotics for 24-48 hours. I would avoid contact for a day or two, if you can, just to be on the same side.
As far as your voice goes, it is hard to say. If it was caused by the bug you have, it may come back as soon as the medicine kicks in. But there is no guarantee. I've had laryngitis that has lasted for weeks.
There are lots of things you can do to help your throat and hopefully get your voice back quicker. Hot drinks and soups are good. So are humidifiers, throat lozenges. You can also try gargling with warm salt water. The best thing to do is to just let your voice rest. Hope it comes back soon.
Thank you so much for your quick reply!
Lastly, you said after 24-48 hours on being on antibiotics, I'm no longer contagious, does this mean the other person cannot get ANYTHING that made me sick, correct?
And the fact that I had a fever, does that mean it's bacterial and not a virus?
My mucus now goes between yellow and clear...mean anything?
Today was day 1 of my antibiotics...
Sally - Both bacterias and viruses can cause fevers, so that doesn't really indicate either way. It was more than likely a virus, but it's hard to say. You may have had a bacterial infection or bronchitis as well since the doctor prescribed you antibiotics.
As far as being contagious, there is a slight chance that you could get someone sick even after all of your symptoms have disappeared. But after the first few days and after being on antibiotics, the chance of that goes way down. Here is some more info about it: askville.amazon.com/virus-bacterial-chest-throat-infection-long-contagious-start-end/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=2379270.
Thank you SO much!!
Sally - You're welcome!
Hi, I've been sick for about 10 days now- began with a sudden sore throat for the first 3-4 days (occasionally coughing up some green/orangish gross chunky mucus). Then the sore throat went away and the green stuff started escaping from my nose. Now, over the past 4 days or so, I've had a persistent cough. It's sometimes dry, and sometimes got green stuff in it. I also still have a runny nose, though it doesn't run as much as before (expelling clear stuff with streaks of green). My throat is pretty hoarse from all the coughing, and there are some red spots on my tonsils it seems. I've been taking 2 vitamin C tablets/day for the past 3 days and drinking lemon-honey tea before bed... but it's been 10 days, and I feel like my condition has improved very little (save for the burning sore throat at the beginning). Should I see a doctor?
Sick in New Hampshire - Yes, it is probably time to see a doctor, especially since there hasn't been much improvement. It sounds like it is time for antibiotics.
I am hoping you might be able to shed some light on a condition i have going on right now. I am 52 yrs old and have had a bad sinus on the right side, with a deviated septum for about 25 yrs. I have had repeated infections.
I was recently in the hospital for 7 days. sick to my stomache with intractible vomiting, the right side of my nose and sinuses are feels very strange. I had an MRI that showed an enlarged limph node in the back of my neck. i have a foul smell and taste in my nose and throat. my head hurts , but only on the right side. my right ear itches inside terribly, when it isnt hurting. do you have any ideas as i was released today, but my fever has returned. what kind of test could they perform that will enable them to see the infection if that is what it is.
Barbara in Missouri - You could have an infection just in the right side. Have you ever been to an ear, nose, and throat specialist? That might be the best type of doctor to see.
They may do what is called a nasal endoscopy using a long snake-like scope with cameras on the end to be able to see up your nose. They may do other types of scans or x-rays to see what the problem is.
If it is an infection, antibiotics should help. You may need to ask about surgery for the deviated septum.
My snot is white. Yes, I've been drinking milk in my tea with lemon!
Otherwise, it's a light green...lol
I have a cold right. Great article, I found it amusing. I guiggled and wheezed myself into a cough, and up came more mucus...EW! Lol..
No, seriously, thanks for posting this! :)
Hi, my nose has been running light water for 2 days , it's been running that bad that my nose is sore from blowing/rubbing it. Also in the morning the flem/mucus I cough up is thick green and I mean very thick not like the usual green mucus I've had before. I'm not overly worried but this seems a bit different to other flu's or colds, mayby it's manflu ;-)
ladysonoma - Tea is good for colds, so drink up! Better the mucus come up than go down! Thanks and feel better.
Kieron - It could just be a different strain of virus than you have had before. (You might be right about the manflu, ha ha) It could even be allergies. The stuff you are coughing up in the mornings is probably mucus that pooled in your throat while you were lying down and sat there too long. Hope it clears up soon!
Hey! About two weeks ago I started to get snotty so I blew my nose and eventually I started to get nosebleeds in both nostrils, which is usually normal for me because I tend to blow harder, but this time I wasn't blowing hard at all. Ever since then, I can hardly breathe because of the hard snot building up in my nose. It's usually all blood but sometimes it's green and yellow mixed with blood spots. The inside of my nose hurts a lot, even if I just touch the outside. There is also a really painful ball inside one side of my nostril, I thought it was a pimple because when I picked the hard mucus near it, the part over the ball was clear and yellow like dried pus. It hasn't gone away though, and now I've been getting a mucus build up and I have to clear my throat a lot, but nothing is coming out if I cough. I've been using nasal spray for the past week, morning and night but it only stops the running nose, not the hard snot build up. I'm going to the doctor today so I can finally clear this up!
hi i want to ask about my father my father have heart problem surgen said for baypass but he want stud now the stud ok but after that the nose to much running like water when the nose stop running they have got pain in chest line and the pain comes only when he go for shopping and outside the house and the water color is white could you tell me what is this i m very thankful if you tell me
My mucus was a dark gray and then right after I coughed again and it was yellow and red I've been coughing up a dark green mucus for about six months now what should I do?
Sick of being sick - Going to the doctor is probably the best bet. You could also try Mucinex to loosen up the mucus. Hope it clears up soon.
syeda - If he has recently had heart surgery, that might be something you need to see a doctor about. The runny nose could be allergies or maybe a bit of a cold. It could just be irritation from the oxygen tubes they used during surgery. But if he is having chest pain, he should get it checked.
Jonny - If you have been coughing stuff up for that long, you should probably have a doctor check it out to see what the cause is. The most likely cause is allergies and an antihistamine may help. It could also be acid reflux.
I have had a runny nose and sore throat for over 2 months. I have been prescribed 3 different types of antibiotics which have not worked. I have had a chest x-ray which was clear. My nose is constantly blocked and my voice is going hose because I am coughing all the time. I was diagnosed with pemphogoed over 3 years ago. This has resulted in my immune system not helping to attack any infection. I have been taking tablets to help. At the moment I blowing my nose every 5 minutes and feel tired all the time and
Generally out of sorts. I am at the end of my tether. I am currently waiting to see an ear nose and throat specialist. Any suggestions
this is a great hub :) my family suffers from allergies, so we have always had to be "up" on snot colors (lol) in order to know when it was time to go to the doctor for antibiotics. i knew clear and white was ok and that yellow and green meant infection, and i have experience brown (ex-smoker), and the other colors made sense, but i have never in my life heard of blue mucus!! learn something new everyday, right? great hub...voted up and awesome!
Genowfer - Since the antibiotics don't seem to be working, it doesn't seem to be bacterial or an infection. Have you tried taking antihistamines? Nasal sprays might also help.
Sometimes hoarseness can be caused by acid reflux. It can also cause upper respiratory problems like runny nose and cough. The ear, nose, and throat doctor should be able to tell you if that is the case. Taking acid reducers could help if that is the case.
Other than that, allergies would be my guess. Hopefully the specialist can get to the bottom of it.
tiffany delite - Surprisingly, (and disgustingly) mucus can come in a rainbow of colors. Sounds like you know exactly what hues mean a trip to the doctor. Hope your mucus stays clear. Thanks!
HI Cocopreme
Thanks for your advise, I never thought about allergies hopefully when I go see the ear, nose & throat doctor I should mention it.
Kind regards
Genowfer
Yea, my snot is a yellowish/greenish color, i cough it up and sometimes chunks of stuff come out, somedays i dont sneeze or cough, so what should i do, what are those chunks, and should i be worried?
Genowfer - You're welcome. Hope you figure out what the problem is.
Quentori - The chunks are more than likely thick bits of mucus. If this has been going on for awhile, you probably need to see a doctor. You may have a sinus infection. If it is happening some days, but not others, it could be allergies. An antihistamine may help with it.
Thank you, you are a big help, im looking foward to getting advice from you for now on.
Quentori - You are welcome!
at first my mucus was really thick and green, almost neon green, but then it turned clear but my nose is still stuffy and i'm still producing a lot of mucus. Is there anything I can do to help reduce the symptoms?
I had a sinus infection 2 months ago, was prescribed antibiotics for 8 days (2 pills per day), and have had clear, watery snot plus yellowish-green phlegm ever since.
Any idea what's causing the phlegm and snot? Thanks so much for your help!
Heather - Mucinex is probably the best thing to help clear out the congestion and mucus. It sounds like you had a cold, but it is starting to clear up now. You could also try herbal teas to help boost your body back up.
Claudia - It is more than likely allergies. Try taking an antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin for a few days. You should notice a difference if that is the problem.
I dunno about everyone else but my snot has ALWAYS been green, I think. Something must be wrong with me?
my son is just three and has stuffy nose mostly at night.his breathing sounds like as if there is something stucked in his nose and so he snores. in the morning when he is brushing his teeth, he mostly coughs out a brownwish mucus.he had his tongsils and adenoids removed because of these issues and his condition improved but he had a cold about a month ago and all these night issues have returned.
This has been happening for about a week now, why is it that only in the morning my nose is plugged up and when I blow my nose i have light yellow snot and cough up a small glob of mucus(i know, GROSS!!) then i feel fine during the day and my spit is clear? I do have very slight cough (clearing my throat), other then that, I don't feel sick at all. I've been doing the hot steam bath before i go to bed and its helps to bring out mucus and cough or blow it out so it isn't as bad as before now, i just want to know why does it only happen in the morning??
Last night out of nowhere i was using my computer when i noticed a drip had started. That was followed by headaches, and eventually vomiting. My snot is dark yellow/brown/ bloody, and my body aches all over. Most likely i have a virus, what would you reccomend
w/e - It's probably frequent sinus infections most likely from allergies. You may want to talk to a doctor about it. Antihistamines may help.
andrea - You could try raising the head of his bed a few inches by putting wooden blocks underneath. Sometimes lying with the head tilted can help with drainage.
It may be allergens on the bedclothes or pillows also. Make sure to wash his sheets at least once a week in hot water. Putting the pillows in the dryer on high heat for about 10 minutes will kill dust mites that could be causing problems.
If it keeps up, you may want to talk to a doctor about allergies or the slight possibility it is acid reflux. Sometimes coughing up stuff in the mornings can be a sign of acid reflux. Hope you find a solution.
Lynn A - You may be having drainage during the day, but it might not be as noticeable. At night, when you are lying down, the mucus can't flow as easily, so it can get clogged. That's probably the case since you have a slight cough.
Since you don't feel sick otherwise, it is probably allergies. Taking an antihistamine for a few days might help. You might also be allergic to something on or near your bed. Dust mites are a common allergen and can live in pillows.
Ak - Theraflu may help you. Other helpful medicines are Tylenol Cold and Flu and Mucinex, if you are feeling congested. Talk with a pharmacist, too. They are usually the most helpful when picking out the best type of medicine for the symptoms.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids like water and juice to help your body fight it off. Avoid sodas. Warm soup is a good home remedy.
Wow I learned a lot! Thank you
A few days ago, I got a sore throat. While I was at tennis practice later that day, I got a bloody nose. Immediatly after I got rid of it (I get them very often, so i know how do deal with them), my voice sounded different (my friends say it sounds a lot deeper), but i didn't give it much thought then. The next day, I woke up with a stuffed nose (blew it till my nose bled, then used a nasal spray) and a cough(the snot was green by the way). My throat was still very sore and my voice was still wierd (I went through most of the day without talking because it was painful and somewhat diffucult to do so). Now (which is 3 days after the nose bleed), the sore throat, stuffed nose (what's still there is yellow now), and cough are gone (my family gets sick often, so we are kind of experts at getting rid of these things), and my voice got a bit better, but it still sounds different. It's not difficult or painful for me to talk anymore, but it's weird talking and not hearing my normal voice (my friends say it sounds deeper). Do you have any idea what is going on or how I can get my voice back?
Sorry if I put in too many unneeded details, I tend to ramble.
Guest - Glad it helped!
Spencer - It sounds like you have laryngitis. It can sometimes make your voice sound strange or deeper. You may have had a cold or something. That can cause laryngitis. Or just the inflammation in your throat can irritate the vocal chords.
Normally when you are making a deep voice sound, the vocal chords lengthen. When you are making high-pitched sounds, they become tighter and smaller. But if your vocal chords are inflamed, they can be thicker, which makes a deeper sound.
The best thing to do is to rest your voice and try not to talk unless necessary. Drink plenty of fluids. Hot liquids like tea may help. Taking something for the cold will also help your throat. Your voice should go back to normal in a few days or a week or so.
I have been blowing neon green snot out of my nose for the last 2 weeks. I have been on strong Biaxin for 10 days (last dose today) and still have major sinus pain and green snot. Should I be going back to my dr for more antibiotics or just waiting it out. I have a history of pneumonia so I am a bit paranoid. any ideas?
A week ago I had a silent migraine or a migraine aura without the headache. I was told it could have been from eating something that I am allergic to. Two days later I had a sore throat on the right side of my throat of which went away within a day. I started feel under the weather (more tire than usual with a possible slight temperature)with symptoms of sneezing and coughing. My snot has been green-ish/yellow-ish and now is clear but an abundance of clear mucus still. Allergies or Cold?
kerri - If you have been on antibiotics for 10 days and aren't feeling any better, then it is either something that antibiotics won't help (viral) or you may need a different type of antibiotic. As far as waiting it out, that is up to you to decide. If there hasn't been any improvement or you are feeling worse, you should probably go back. If you are feeling better, it may not be worth another trip.
Mia - That is hard to say. I would lean more toward a cold because allergies usually cause a clear mucus unless it turns into a bacterial infection. When your body is fighting off something it is the yellow/green mucus most of the time.
If it happens again and you suspect an allergic reaction, try taking antihistamines. If they help, it could be an allergy.
Hi cocopreme,
You were definitely right on the money! I have heat hives and decided to cut out all dairy to see if it would make the hives would go away. They're gone -- for the most part -- and so is the phlegm and snot!
I also went cold-turkey on the antihistamines since I was taking them for almost two months straight, and I didn't want my body to become immune to their effects. But as it turned out, when I cut out the dairy, I didn't need the Zyrtec & Benadril anymore!
Anywho, I just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to answer -- not just mine -- but everyone's questions. This hub is such a helpful resource, especially in a time when not everyone can afford to go to the doctor, urgent care, E.R., etc when they're sick.
Claudia - I'm glad that I have been able to help you and other people as well. Doctors can be expensive and it isn't always necessary to see them with every cold or whatnot.
It's great that you were able to figure out what was causing your problems. Sometimes a simple diet change can make a big difference. Hope you keep feeling better and stay that way!
I went to the doctor today and was diagnosed with strep throat, i gargled with salt water to help ease the pain, but now im coughing up bright yellow phlegm in the morning, and in the afternoon it turned to brown reddish like there s blood in it, will the antibiotics help with this?
Leighann - Yes, the antibiotics should help with that. The blood is probably from the strep blisters in your throat. Once the strep clears up, you should go back to normal. If by some chance it doesn't, check back with the doctor after about a week or so.
What about orange creamy mucus/sputum? What does that mean?
Ana - An orange color can happen when there is a bit of blood in the mucus. Typically it is a yellowish mucus with blood that turns it orange. Have you had a lot of dairy? That could make it creamy. If it has been going on for more than a couple of weeks, check with a doctor. If it hasn't been that long, it's probably a cold.
I've been spitting out mucus since last year February when I got a cold. Now whenever I get a cold, the mucus is really thick, lasts for days, but then gets back to me always having to do a hock and spit. I do that everyday.
What's wrong? I have been doing this for a year now.
What an imaginative scientist you are. EEEwww!
Hi, I've just stopped smoking after smoking off and on for 25 years. At first my phlegm/mucus was white and foamy. Now it is turning ever so slightly darker with little specks in it. I'm hoping that my body is just getting rid of all the toxic stuff that I've put in it over the years. The first 2 days it was difficult to breathe however, it was quite humid here.. I'm on day 3 (with no desire to smoke) and breathing is easier but I'm still a bit winded. Of course, I'm worried about lung cancer however I had a horrible sinus infection that lasted for months and months. Anyway, can you please advise the normal progression of phlegm and mucus after quitting smoking? I realize everyone is different however, as the color changes I get every so increasingly worried. It is not dark or "lumpy" or streaky. It has just specks and it's usually after I've had something dark to drink like coffee or tea but sometimes well after. Thank you in advance for your opinion.
Cami - If it has been going on for a year, it could be allergies. Have you tried taking an antihistamine? And are you eating a lot of dairy? That can make mucus thick as well. If it doesn't improve, you may want to talk to a doctor about it.
ElizaDoole - :) Bodily functions can be gross, but somebody's got to figure them out!
TLJ New non smoker - That sounds like what is typical after quitting smoking. It is just your lungs clearing out and rebuilding. From what I've heard, coughing up stuff, excess mucus of all sorts of colors and textures, and even runny noses can last a month or even two.
It may be annoying, but at least your body is getting rid of all the toxins. You'll start feeling much better once all that stuff gets cleared up.
If at any point in the clearing out you start getting dark green mucus and feel bad, that's when you may want to check with a doctor. All the excess mucus you are having could get infected. Good luck and hope you can quit for good.
Cocopreme, thank you for the quick response. You have given me peace of mind.... TLJ
Hi, super thread, really helpful.
It's the middle of the night and mucus is irritating my thrat.
I went to the fridge and drank about half a bottle of milk because it was cold and soothing.... Then I saw this site. Is it too late? Can I fix the dairy intake, or do I need to just take it on the chin and not do it again.
Cheers in advance.
TLJ New non Smoker - Glad it helped. :)
Agent Red - There isn't much to be done about the milk now. Just avoid it in the future if you are having a lot of mucus. Is it just a cold or does the mucus keep you up often? It happens a lot, it could be allergies or even reflux. Try elevating your head more. That often helps.
Thanks for your input. Turns out I have massive white spots on my glands, so I think they are infected and the mucus is just joining the party.
I have typical chest infection - lungs wheezing, coughing up gunk that is mostly clear with smaller harder yellow/dark bits in. I also took deworming medication and there are very small hard white/pale brown bits that look a bit like small sesame seeds in with mucus - could these be eggs and do I need to a second deworm or is it most likely just bits related to the rest of the infection?
Agent Red - If you have white spots on your throat, it could be strep throat. You may want to see a doctor about it.
HackingCough - It is probably just related to the infection. Worms and parasites like that don't typically cause upper respiratory symptoms. It would just depend on what kind of worms and where they were in your body. If you are worried about it, double check with your doctor.
Thank you for posting this! It was very informative. The reason I searched the net for this was to see my options, and boy do you supply them. I never like sleeping soon after eating, but one recent night I did and kept waking up. About halfway through the night I started needing to cough at a little 'tickle' in my throat (like, between back of nose and throat, above uvula a good half inch or so), and the next morning I started building a yellow mucus around that spot. Later that following day I would cough about every two hours to get a very impressive circular clot-mucus thingy, with a semi-dry and kinda ripple surface (darker in color, firmer) and attached would be yellowish tinged mucus (like, a good centimeter in thickness, the whole thing is like an impressive goop-chunk). I'm not too worried about it after reading this (acid or perhaps a small injury, but no blood), but I am curious. No other color (well, some clear sometimes, but still with yellow), but about 16 hours after initial tickle with some coughs (which went away after mucus became prominent) my ear started to react, favoring the same side of the sore spot in my throat (a little to the left. Had my tonsils removed, probably close to that). It's annoying, hopefully won't get painful, just wondering if it's something major. I won't worry about it too much (worrying never helps...) but it's always good to get a second opinion. Especially since I get to be all graphic since I can't see you face-to-face. ;)
Another reason I think it's acid (from sleeping with a meal fresh in) is because it acts up with a bit of orange juice.
Very informative Hub! I don't know what a hub is, but I tried to use it in place of 'blog' for this. Thank you for writing such thorough information! ^_^
Jackie - You are probably right about it being acid reflux. Like you said, try to avoid eating right before bed. You could try some acid reducers or antacids like Prilosec at night if it keeps flaring up and if you keep coughing up stuff.
Acid reflux can cause ear aches and even ear infections. As the acid creeps up your throat, it can pool into the Eustachian tubes leading up to the ears. If the reflux continues for long periods of time, it can even cause a runny nose, sinus infection, and especially coughing up a lot of thick mucus stuff.
If it happens a lot, it might be something to talk to a doctor about, especially if the ear ache doesn't go away. It may turn into an infection. Hope your stomach starts resting easier. :)
I had a lower back tooth pulled 5 days ago, I have a cough (worse at night) sore throat, and a light yellow mucas that I either lightly blow or cough up. Any ideas what i can take to ease it up? Or just let it run its course? Btw no fever with it
mandi - It sounds like a virus, so it will just have to run its course. You can take some over the counter medicine to make you feel better in the meantime. Probably Tylenol Cold or Sudafed Cold. Look for one that covers your symptoms. If you feel congested, then go for Mucinex as well. Nyquil is probably the best nighttime cough medicine.
Since you just had a tooth pulled, keep a close eye out for any signs of infection like thick, dark green mucus, increasingly sore lymph nodes, or just feeling worse than you did before. If you don't start feeling better in a two or three days, you may want to double check with a doctor.
Hey, I have an auto immune disease (porphyria) and I work with kids, bad combo as I'm always getting sick. This time however it is going on 2 weeks and intense symptoms. Clear mucus from the nose but hard yellow chunks from the lungs, and fever, body aches, sweating and loss of voice all come and go. Im thinking sinus infection with bronchial inflammation from viral exposure. What's yr thought.
I've been having a cold for a week now & I been taking cefprozil *antibiotics* and drinking robotussin as my doctor prescribed but I see no sighn of relief white / clear stuff comes out my nose & sometimes yellow / clear through my throat... I get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids...what do I do now? Is it getting worser? how can i get better?
I had a cold for about a day but then after it cleared up I still had a runny nose and so it seems like every five minutes I need another tissue. I had a little green snot yesterday but now I haven't noticed anymore even though I still have a runny nose. Any ways to get rid of my runny nose altogether ?
Leanne - You are probably right. If it's been that long and no sign of it getting better, it's probably time to see a doctor. You've probably got an infection because most viruses will run their course quicker than that.
Jennifer - If you are already on antibiotics, there isn't much more to do besides wait for it to run its course. It sounds like it is a virus and antibiotics won't get rid of viruses. You could try something like Theraflu or Cold Eeze.
It might even be allergies if you are mainly just having the excess mucus. If so, antihistamines may help.
A-choo ! - Other than just waiting for your body to finish fighting off the bug, you could try Mucinex. It may make your nose a bit runnier at first, but it will clear out the excess mucus. Antihistamines help dry up mucus, but they also make mucus thicker. So I don't recommend them unless it is actually allergies.
okay, what i am experiencing sound kind of like what jackie recently wrote about...
for the past four months or so, usually around night before bed, i'll have a really hard sneeze, and a peice of "something" will be coughed up with the sneeze.
it is an off white cream color, and about the size of a pea, and the best way to describe how it looks is comparing it to brains! its hard but slightly sqishy, rippled like brains... what is it?! possibly very calcified snot/phlem??
You're just the expert I've been looking for. I am 52 and for at least the last 40 years I have had chronic white phlegm. There are months when I have to expel thick white phlegm up to 6 times a day, and milk fat does make it so much worse. There are also weeks when I have no phlegm at all. I just experienced a period of no phlegm for 3 weeks after taking amoxicillin for bronchitis, and today I started getting the phlegm back. I have noticed the lack of phlegm after previous bouts of sinus infection, and thought it was the recidual decongestant working, but this last time I did not need decongestants. Do you think it's possible I have a recurring infection causing the phlegm? And do you think something simple like oregano oil could be the cure?
brains! - Well, you are right, the grey matter from your skull has been leaking out. Just kidding.
Usually when mucus is "chunky" it means that the mucus has been stuck somewhere long enough for it to dry and form into balls. So, yeah, kinda calcified.
So, what's causing it? There are a few possibilities. It could be post-nasal mucus dripping down the back of your throat and just sitting around too long in there. It could also be caused by acid reflux. Junk from your stomach like tiny bits of food escapes back up the throat and gets mixed with the mucus.
You could try antihistamines to see if it helps with the mucus. If it happens at night when you are lying down, though, I would be more willing to bet on the reflux. An acid reducer in the evenings might help. If the problem keeps happening, talk to a doctor to get to the bottom of it. And keep your brains plugged up!
YearsOfPhlegm - If it has been going on continuously for that long, you probably have allergies, maybe even to milk. Allergies cause an excess of mucus, which can make a person more prone to sinus infections. So, yes it can be related.
Do you take antihistamines? Have you ever seen an allergist? I would start with antihistamines if you don't take them already. Definitely avoid dairy as much as possible when the mucus is at its worst. Allergic reactions can vary and be bad sometimes and then hardly at all at other times.
If it bothers you a lot, you may want to see an allergist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Chronic mucus and infections can lead to breathing problems like asthma.
Oregano oil is good to take for infections and it can boost respiratory health. It can even help with allergies. So it might help with your problem. It would be worth a shot. Be sure to take extra iron with it, though, because it can affect the body's absorption of iron.
Thanks for the advice. I have seen an allergist, and specifically asked him about dairy allergies. The results of the tests were all negative. I have not tried antihistimines except when I've had sinus congestion. I will try the oregano oil first as I'd like to clear an infection if I have one. If that doesn't work after a month I will move on to antihistimines. Do you know of any consequences to long term antihistimine use? Thanks again for you help.
YearsOfPhlegm - That's probably a good plan. Maybe with the oregano oil and the antihistamines you can get some relief.
I'm kind of surprised that nothing showed up on your allergy test, but false results sometimes do happen, especially with skin tests. If you still suspect that milk might give you problems, eliminate it from your diet for a few days to see how you feel. Sometimes our bodies don't tolerate certain foods well even though we may not be actually allergic to them. Did the allergist have any thoughts about what it could be if he didn't think it was allergies? There has to be a cause for that much excess mucus.
At any rate, if the oregano and antihistamines help, then you have a solution. If they don't, you may want to get a second opinion from someone who will take the time to get to the bottom of it.
There are side effects of using antihistamines for long periods, but they are mostly mild. Tiredness and brain fog are the most common. Decreased ability to fight off viruses, depression or anxiety, increased appetite, alterations in taste are also possible. I would recommend taking them as needed but there are people who take them every day for decades and are fine. Hope you figure out the problem and I hope the solution is quick and easy.
Very interesting. Thanks for educating me. :)
I do avoid milk products as much as I can, especially when I am producing a lot of phlegm. I can have plenty of milk products during the few weeks I don't produce any phlegm, with no adverse affects. The allergist didn't have any ideas as to the cause of my phlegm.
Thanks again for your advice!!!
Wow - I see this hub's not short on attention, but I just wanted to throw my 2 cents in and thank you for writing an article that helps the people help themselves. In times where big business and the pharmie companies have a hand in the decisions of our doctors, knowing how to diagnose simple problems for yourself and others empowers the people. Thanks - this is more than just snot. It's smart.
angela_michelle - No problem. Thanks!
I noticed my snot is like 60% red and I recently had a nose bleed, could there still be blood in my nose?
tobi - Yes, it's very possible, especially if the nose bleed was in the last day or so. The blood vessels in your nose may still be irritated. It should clear up over the next day or so.
It cleared up today, thank you cocopreme! I was starting to get worried.
tobi - Good! Glad it's fine now.
As a Prison Officer in the UK we had a walk out last Thursday due to pension and retirement changes by the UK Government.
I ended up spending most of the day outside standing in the rain and by the afternoon was sneezing badly. It receded on Friday and Saturday but by Sunday I was affected by a build up of clear mucus in my nose and bright green mucus in my throat aswell as a very pain full sore throat.
As I am on night shift this week I took a day off sick to rest, I feel better today however I still have a sore throat and bringing up a very thick dark green mucus.
Should I consider taking one more day off to rest it off?
Christopher - An extra day to rest probably wouldn't be a bad idea. The body needs rest more than anything when you are sick. It sounds like a virus, so you might even still be contagious.
But it is really your call. If you feel good and don't have extra days off to spare, then go on in. If you are still feeling bad or just not great, then stay home and give yourself an extra day to recuperate.
I have had PND for the past 5 years with on and off fatigue and headaches lasting up to 2 weeks at a time. The PND is very thick and very green. I have to try and hack it up every day. Right now I'm having a lot with such fatigue, almost out of breath walking around. Allergy testing was normal except for dust mites. All food allergy test came back neg. I'm so tired of living like this not feeling well more than feeling well. ENT says I dont have a sinus infection that they can see but scans say slight mucosal thickening. They consider that normal. Any ideas?
Jennie - Getting rid of it can only happen if you can figure out the cause. And I think something is causing it because no one considers excess mucus normal.
Here are some possibilities I can think of: acid reflux, food intolerance, air pollutants or environmental causes.
Have the doctors checked you for signs of acid reflux? Typically it will cause frequent laryngitis, but thick mucus and post nasal drip can all be caused by it as well. If you seem to cough up more stuff in the morning or if you are waking up from sleep coughing, this could be a possibility. Acid reducers could help in this case.
Now to possibility number 2. Sometimes our bodies don't tolerate certain foods well. We may not be actually allergic to them, but they can still cause problems. And sometimes allergy tests aren't 100%. False negatives can show up. If you did a skin test, your skin may react differently to a substance than your respiratory or digestive system. Have you noticed any foods that seem to make your symptoms worse? Gluten and dairy allergies and intolerance are common. You could try eliminating them from your diet and see if you feel any better.
If the air where you live is bad (a lot of pollutants), it could be causing the problem. Especially if you are sensitive to dust mites. A hepa air filter could help. Does cold air or air conditioning bother you? Sometimes it can cause post nasal drip.
Other than that, I would suggest talking to someone at a health food store or a similar place. They might be able to recommend a natural treatment that could clear it up. If you don't take antihistamines, you could try them for a week or so and see if it makes a difference. You could also try nasal sprays if you haven't already. Good luck with figuring out the problem.
Hi,really dont know whats going on in my body but i know it,s not good,for approximatley 2 years i blow my nose but nothing comes out,i litterally have to get this stuff out with cotton buds everyday as it,s mostly clear but it,s like glue stuck to me i also put it under the microscope and have noticed amongst this stuff it looks like black strands of cotton,this stuff is also coming from various other parts of my mody,mainly my sweat glands,over the last 3 years i have had swabs taken the 1st time nothing came back the 2nd time was staph bacteria the 3rd time was rhodotorola then the 4th time a case of thrush,am at my wits end as knowing seems to know anything or even know where to send me for testing,please help.
my sputum burns my mouth when i cough up. it tastes like battery acid. any help?
I have had a cold for about 3 days now. It started off with losing my voice and then the congestion started. My appetite has been gone. I decided I needed to eat and in the middle of chewing a piece of sandwich I coughed, but what came up was bigger than what I had bitten from the sandwich. Scared the hell out of me because it almost looks like a piece of flesh, with a pinkish/reddish color to it and very thick. Granted, my throat feels clear now, but the consistency worries me. When I went to the doctor 2 days ago, she didn't see any infection so now what? Should I go back or should I be grateful my body got rid of this??
LOUISA - It sounds like you have something very serious going on. Have you ever been checked for cystic fibrosis? It can cause extremely thick mucus and affect your sweat glands.
Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. You seem to be prone to infections, probably because the thick mucus is keeping bacteria and germs trapped in your body.
You could try taking medicines that will thin and loosen the mucus. Like antihistamines and Mucinex. Keep looking for a doctor or specialist who can get to the bottom of the problem.
damieng - It is probably acid reflux. The stuff you are spitting up is more than likely from your stomach. Try taking an acid reducer like Prilosec or antacids.
Mari - It doesn't sound like it is anything to worry about. It is probably just mucus that was hanging around in your throat and dried out. The food probably dislodged it. Did your voice clear up any after that? Coughing up stuff like that usually helps with laryngitis.
Unless it keeps happening, there isn't a reason to see the doctor again.
Hello I'm on my 3rd cold of the year now and I get it around once - twice a day is a lumpy blood streaked yeollowy brown phlegm, which I am unsure if its coming from my nose or my chest. Please could you advise many thanks :)
Emma - You could try Mucinex to help thin and dry the mucus. It could be from your nose. But if it thick and lumpy, it is probably mucus that has been in your throat and gotten dry.
Thanks for your simple yet informative site.
I've had sinus drainage, swollen glands behind ears, slight temp for a week. Then it went to a stuffed up nose, flemmy sometimes cough and pink eye in the second week. The flem now is green so I'm guessing that my body is finally beating this?
John - If you are feeling better, than yes, your body is probably starting to win the battle. If your phlegm is a dark green, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection. They are pretty common with colds. If you still are feeling bad and still having the mucus, after a few more days, you may want to check with a doctor about antibiotics. If your mucus starts turning back to clear, then you are probably good to go.
My boys(4and6) keep getting yellow mucus. It goes away and then returns. They already took antibiotics (azithromycin) and are now on singulair and pulmicort. My 4 year old also had a sinus infection while on antibiotics then he got fever. He has had fever for 5 days now. On Monday his WBC were at 15 then Wednesday at 10 but the fever has not gone away and he is even more congested now. I am so confused. They tell me it's viral or allergies but then why does it keep coming back and why aren't the preventive meds working? This has been going on for three months now.
I would just like to say thank you so much for posting this, I just found input I have allergies, wow just acquiring allergies at 32 but my mucous has gone through the light to red/brown color and i am able to breathe clearly the doctor has me taking claritin and flonase... I just needed more insight and you have covered everything I also love how you answer all your bloggers questions so again thank you so much for posting this and way above I read where you said gross is what you do I love it cause I'm that way and i always want to know what everything is... Thank you
I meant to add that my mucous OS clearing back up, I was really nervous about the red/brownish color until I read your blog
Desperatemommy - Since both of your boys keep having it, allergies seems less likely to me. It would be strange if they both suddenly developed allergies. But if one of them is worse than the other, then maybe so.
Since the antibiotics aren't working, it is probably not an infection. And since the allergy medicine doesn't seem to be helping, it may not be that either.
It could be that they are passing a virus back and forth. By the time it clears up, the virus has mutated enough that they are getting reinfected. If you and anyone else you are around frequently have been sick some as well, then it's very likely.
Has there been any big changes that could be the cause? Have they started a new daycare or school? Have you gotten a new pet or moved somewhere where there could be more stuff in the air? Do they share a room?
I would start by checking their room to make sure nothing strange is going on like mold or mildew. Then I would sanitize everything with bleach, all toys, bed, and get them new toothbrushes. If it is a virus, maybe that will keep it from cycling through.
You could try oregano oil for them. It's good for colds and to help with allergy problems. Just give them a smaller dose than what is recommended for adults.
I would also start doing stuff to boost their immune systems. Pack in the fruits and veggies. Fish oil capsules are also good. Hope your boys start feeling better soon.
Eunique - Strangely colored mucus can be freaky, especially when it looks like it has blood in it. But oddly enough, it is normal or at least not a cause for panic.
It's funny how allergies seem to develop suddenly in adulthood, but it's happening to more and more people. There are a bunch of studies going on to figure out why allergies are becoming more common. But at least you know what the problem is and luckily the medicines are helping you.
And yup, gross stuff can be interesting. Our bodies are fascinating. I know what you mean about wanting to understand it all. Glad this has been helpful! :)
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Amber 8 months ago
I took the quiz at the bottom, and the last question said "What color mucas indicats an infection?" The correct anwser is green/yellow. But the quiz told me that the anwser is clear/white...someone needs to fix that.