What color of mucus is bad?

If you have seen a recent change in the color of the mucus you produce then you may be looking for an answer to the question “what color of mucus is bad”. In order to get the exact answer you are looking for, you have to understand what mucus is and what leads to the changes in the color of mucus, and why some colors of mucus are bad.

Mucus is a natural, slick, stringy fluid substance produced by many of the body’s lining tissues. The color of your mucus can be either a positive or negative indicator of serious illness. The color of mucus may range from clear, white, green, yellow, red to brown.

This article throws more light on various colors of mucus and what they mean whether good or bad. Let’s start by taking a deeper dive into what mucus is.

What is mucus?

Mucus is a natural, slick, stringy fluid substance produced by many of the body’s lining tissues. It is necessary for body function and serves as a protective and moisturizing layer that prevents vital organs from drying out. Mucus also traps irritants like dust, smoke, and bacteria.

Antibodies and bacteria-killing enzymes are included to aid in the battle against infections. Mucus is produced in large amounts by the body, roughly 1 to 1.5 liters each day. 

You don’t usually notice mucus unless it’s produced in excess, or the quality of the mucus has altered, which can occur with many illnesses and disorders.

Why does my body make so much mucus?

Increased mucus production and coughing up mucus are frequent symptoms of respiratory infections such as colds, the flu, and sinusitis. 

Mucus production can also be increased as a result of allergic reactions. Even spicy foods can cause an increase in mucus production in the nasal passages.

You may observe thicker mucus that appears darker than normal when you have a respiratory infection. Mucus that has hardened is more difficult to clean than normal mucus. Many of the typical symptoms of a cold or flu are related to this mucus. When you’re sick, your mucus may turn yellow-green in color.

Which parts of the body produce mucus? 

Mucous glands in the lining tissues of various organs, including the lungs, sinuses, mouth, throat, nose, and gastrointestinal system, create mucus.

What is the difference between phlegm and mucus?

The term phlegm refers to mucus generated by the respiratory system, especially when it is excessively produced and coughed up. Viruses or bacteria that cause an illness, as well as infection-fighting cells from the body’s immune system, are found in mucus during an infection (white blood cells).

Phlegm isn’t harmful in and of itself, but it can obstruct the airways if there’s a lot of it. Coughing is the most common way for phlegm to be released, and it’s often accompanied by symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.

What are the different colors of mucus and phlegm?

Clear mucus

It’s usual to have clear mucus. Water, salts, antibodies, and other immune system cells make up this fluid. The majority of it passes down the back of the throat and is swallowed after being created in the respiratory tract.

White color of mucus

Nasal congestion is indicated by white mucus. The tissues of the nasal cavity become swollen and irritated when it is congested, slowing the transit of mucus through the respiratory tract. The mucus thickens and becomes hazy or white as a result of this.

Brown color of mucus

Brown phlegm could indicate blood, and if true, it’s most likely due to bleeding from a long time ago. The presence of bright crimson or pink sputum indicates that the bleeding has occurred lately.

Black color of mucus

A fungal infection could be indicated by black mucus. If you have black phlegm, you should see your doctor right once, especially if you have a weaker immune system.

Yellow Black color of mucus

Immune cells are starting to function at the site of infection or another sort of inflammatory insult, according to yellow mucus.

White blood cells are immune system cells that are responsible for fighting pathogens. They are caught up by the mucus as they battle the infection, giving it a yellowish tint.

Green color of mucus

A widespread and powerful immune response is indicated by green phlegm. The green color of phlegm comes from white blood cells, bacteria, and other cells and proteins produced during the immunological response. 

Though this color of phlegm may indicate an illness, medications are not always required. The majority of infections that cause green phlegm are viral, and they normally go away on their own within a few weeks. 

Antibiotics can be dangerous if they are used when they are not needed, as bacteria might develop resistance. If your green phlegm is accompanied by breathing problems, chest pain, or blood in your cough, see a doctor right once.

Red color of mucus 

The presence of blood is indicated by red phlegm. Blood in the phlegm can occur for a variety of causes. Coughing excessively, like in the case of a respiratory illness, can cause small blood vessels in the lungs or airways to burst and bleed. Blood in the mucus might also signal the presence of a significant medical issue in some cases.

What color of mucus is bad?

The following colors of mucus are considered bad and may be indicators that should be promptly attended to.

Black color 

Black mucus may indicate the presence of a fungal infection. Seek medical attention immediately if you have black mucus. 

Red color

Blood can be detected by red phlegm. Blood in the phlegm might be due to a variety of factors. Even a lot of coughing, such as when you have a respiratory illness, can burst and bleed small blood vessels in the lungs or airways. 

Blood in the mucus might also signal the presence of significant medical disease in other circumstances.

Green color

Green mucus may indicate an illness or an infection. The majority of infections that cause green phlegm are viral, and they normally go away on their own within a few weeks.

When is excessive mucus a problem?

Excess mucus is rarely a significant medical issue, but it is unpleasant and inconvenient, especially when it clogs sinuses or causes coughing fits. 

Many unpleasant symptoms are caused by thickened mucus and excessive mucus production, including runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, sinus headache, and cough are all symptoms of sinusitis.

How to get rid of excess mucus

To get rid of excess mucus or phlegm, you can try these measures.

• Using a humidifier in your house is a good idea. Keeping the air wet can assist loosen phlegm and make it easier to cough up.
• Using saltwater as a gargle. Gargle with a cup of warm water and 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt to loosen any mucus in your throat caused by allergies or a sinus infection.
• Eucalyptus oil is used. This essential oil, which can be found in products like Vicks VapoRub, helps by releasing mucus in your chest.
• Taking expectorants that are available over-the-counter. Medications like guaifenesin (Mucinex) thin your mucus so it flows more freely and you can more easily cough it up. This medication comes in formulations for adults and children.

The takeaway from this article

Mucus is produced by the respiratory system as protection for your lungs. Mucus has different colors and these colors can either be an indication of a good or bad sign. 

For example, white, and clear mucus is usually a good sign. However, black, green, and red mucus are all indications that something is wrong.