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What is Clear Mucus?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

Clear mucus is, generally, normal mucus. Cells that line the sinus passages produce mucus to protect the lining of the mucus membrane. The main purpose of mucus in its normal state is to filter air when a person breathes. A certain amount of clear mucus is healthy and necessary. The production of excess clear mucus, or different types of mucus, can indicate a problem.

It is normal, healthy, and necessary for a certain amount of clear mucus to be present in the sinus passages. This kind of mucus acts as a defense against airborne particles. It protects the lining of the nose's mucus membrane and helps keep dust, pollen, germs, and other debris from getting any farther into the body. In this normal production state, the presence of healthy, clear mucus rarely is noticeable or bothersome. Generally, a person only needs to become concerned when there is too much clear mucus or the mucus isn't clear, indicating an infection.

Nasal decongestants in spray form can help to treat infected mucus.
Nasal decongestants in spray form can help to treat infected mucus.

Some of the most common causes of excess clear mucus include allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. Many of these conditions can be treated with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medications. Other causes of excess clear mucus, such as acute sinusitis and the flu, might require a doctor’s attention. Excess clear mucus usually drains by way of post-nasal drip, which is often marked by a running nose, nasal congestion, and tickling or soreness in the throat.

The body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats.
The body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats.

If other types of mucus are present, it might mean the person is suffering from a more serious condition. For example, green, yellow, or brown mucus could indicate a viral or bacterial infection. Viral infections, such as the flu and the common cold, are usually cared for by treating the symptoms rather than the condition itself. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, generally require antibiotics. These antibiotics will treat the secondary nasal bacterial infection, but a doctor also will need to diagnose and treat the primary illness causing the infected mucus.

It is necessary for a certain amount of clear mucus to be present in the sinus passages.
It is necessary for a certain amount of clear mucus to be present in the sinus passages.

Common home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help treat simple post-nasal drip and even alleviate the symptoms of viral infections causing infected mucus. Such remedies include taking a steam-filled shower or using antihistamines or nasal decongestants in pill or spray form. If infected mucus is present, it is best to see a doctor. Infected mucus often means a bacterial infection is present, and a bacterial infection generally requires a doctor’s attention and prescription treatments. It is always best to see a doctor when the nature and cause of the infected mucus are unknown.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I just learned about cervical mucus in class. I had been wondering what different types of cervical mucus during a menstruation period mean.

Apparently, clear, thin and slippery mucus means that it's close to ovulation and the woman is fertile. Cloudy, white and thick mucus means that the woman is not fertile.

I think many women keep track of cervical mucus because it's important for pregnancy.

stoneMason

@SarahGen-- Clear mucus without odor does mean that there is no infection. But it's not good to have a huge amount of clear mucus for a very long time either. Aside from the color and smell of mucus, its amount and duration is important as well.

Are you taking allergy or decongestant medication? If it's just seasonal allergies, you should be better in a week or so. If mucus continues for longer, see your doctor.

I used to have chronic sinusitis with a lot of clear mucus in my throat, nose and sinuses. I also had migraines and post-nasal drip. I ended up having sinus surgery.

SarahGen

My sinuses are acting up because of allergies and my nose is running a lot. But the mucus is clear. This means that my sinuses are not infected right? They're just inflamed?

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    • Nasal decongestants in spray form can help to treat infected mucus.
      By: Ken Hurst
      Nasal decongestants in spray form can help to treat infected mucus.
    • The body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats.
      By: aseph
      The body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats.
    • It is necessary for a certain amount of clear mucus to be present in the sinus passages.
      By: Ilike
      It is necessary for a certain amount of clear mucus to be present in the sinus passages.
    • Many sinus infections are triggered by bacteria or a different pathogen.
      By: drubig-photo
      Many sinus infections are triggered by bacteria or a different pathogen.
    • The common cold is often a reason for an excess amount of clear mucus.
      By: fabianaponzi
      The common cold is often a reason for an excess amount of clear mucus.
    • Drinking plenty of water can help clear excessive mucus from the lungs.
      By: vgstudio
      Drinking plenty of water can help clear excessive mucus from the lungs.
    • A bacterial infection may require prescription treatments.
      By: 18percentgrey
      A bacterial infection may require prescription treatments.