What does colored snot mean

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. It's common for mucus to change from clear to white, yellow, or green during a single illness. Many people believe the color of your mucus indicates how sick you are and whether your infection is bacterial or viral, but that's not the case.

Changes in mucus color are a normal part of the natural course of an illness. When germs make you sick, one of the first ways your body fights the infection is by creating extra mucus to try to flush out the invading pathogen. This early mucus is typically clear. A few days later, your body has sent in immune cells to join the fight. They can turn the mucus to white or yellow. If bacteria are mixed in as well, the mucus could turn green.

But it's important to remember that bacteria are present in your body all the time. Some make you sick and some don't. Just because they're in your mucus doesn't necessarily mean they're problematic—or that you need antibiotics to get better.

For example, bacterial infection only occurs in between 0. Though less common, it's also possible for your mucus to turn pink, red, brown, orange, or black. Read on to learn what the color of your mucus means, and when it's important to seek help. Healthy, normal mucus is clear and made up of water, salt, proteins, and antibodies. Your body makes it night and day to protect your nasal passages, putting out about 1. You may have an especially runny nose with clear mucus:.

Rarely, watery nasal discharge can result from a leak of cerebrospinal fluid , the fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain, usually due to trauma or certain medical conditions. Get emergency medical help if you have watery discharge along with:.

White mucus is often associated with a cold or other infection that causes a stuffy nose. When you're congested, inflammation in your nose makes it harder for the snot to flow out, and it starts to dry. This makes it cloudy and thick. It may also turn white due to the presence of immune cells that your body sends to battle the illness. When your snot turns yellow, it means your illness is progressing normally.

White blood cells and other cells from the immune system have come to fight the germs making you sick. Some of them are now exhausted and being washed away by mucus. The texture is likely drier and thicker than it used to be as well. Green, thick snot means your body is fighting a hard battle. Even more depleted immune cells and waste products are being flushed out.

Green mucus isn't reason for immediate concern. But if you're still sick after about 12 days, you could have a bacterial infection and might need antibiotics. Especially if you have a fever or nausea, it's time to see a healthcare provider. When you have pink or red mucus, it means there's blood in your nose. This can be caused by:. Blood in the nose is more common if you live in a dry climate or at a high elevation. Our staff has exercised diligent efforts to maximize safety measures to make sure you feel comfortable and welcome while visiting us.

We Now Offer Dermatology! Facebook Twitter. What is Mucus? Keep in mind that the color of your boogers should not be considered a clear indication of any root cause, but the following colors may offer some clues: White If you are feeling unusually congested with white mucus, it often indicates the early stages of a cold.

Light Green or Yellow Greenish or yellowish-colored snot signifies the presence of enzymes from white blood cells, meaning that your immune system is battling an infection.

Dark Green or Yellow This color often indicates a worsening infection. Reddish Red or pink coloration in snot comes from blood, which typically means that the nasal passage is dry or irritated. Brown Brown mucus could indicate the presence of dried blood, or dirt particles or residue resulting from smoking or pollution. Black This is typically experienced by heavy smokers or people who live in highly polluted areas. Schedule Your Appointment Today. Book an Appointment.

Some women develop a runny nose during pregnancy called nonallergic rhinitis. Researchers explain that this condition is caused by hormonal changes and can develop at any gestation. This condition usually resolves within a couple weeks of delivery. You may also experience swelling or inflammation in your nose and a slow flow of nasal mucus. Being stuffy makes your snot lose its water content. It becomes thick and even cloudy, both signs that you may have a cold or infection brewing.

The common cold can make you feel generally unwell. Your symptoms will usually develop between one and three days after being exposed to the virus. Children are particularly prone to colds. Adults, on the other hand, may experience between two and three colds each year.

Yellow mucus is a sign that whatever virus or infection you have is taking hold. The good news? Your body is fighting back. The yellow color comes from the cells — white blood cells, for example — rushing to kill the offending germs. Your illness may last anywhere from 10 to 14 days , but keep an eye on your nasal discharge.

If your immune system kicks into high gear to fight infection, your snot may turn green and become especially thick. The color comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products. In fact, some sinus infections may be viral, not bacterial. You may have a bacterial sinus infection or another bacterial infection that requires medication. Blood in your snot will tinge it pink or red. Women who are pregnant may also experience bloody snot.

This may be due to blood volume increases, hormones, or swollen nasal passages. If your child is experiencing bleeding, call their pediatrician. This is especially important if your tot is under age 2. If your blood is the result of an acute injury like a car accident, seek medical attention to rule out more serious issues.

Brown snot may be the result of old blood exiting the body. Or you may have inhaled something red or brown that has discolored your mucus. Possibilities include dirt, snuff, or paprika. Black nasal mucus may be a sign of a serious fungal infection.

While not common, people with compromised immune systems may be susceptible to this type of illness. The actual texture of your snot has a lot to do with its moisture content.