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What is Nasal Mucus?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

Nasal mucus is a substance produced in the nose by mucous membranes. Mucus is produced in many parts of the body for a variety of different reasons. The primary reason for nasal mucus is to protect the body from harmful agents that might enter and infect a person. Another reason for mucus in the nose is to keep the skin inside the nostrils from drying out.

Mucus is made from cells that tend to absorb massive quantities of any liquid. These cells are then mixed with the body’s natural liquids and they expand. Mucus also has other cells that carry antibodies and some that are actually antiseptic, which means they can sometimes directly kill bacteria they encounter. The consistency of mucus often changes depending on how much water is mixed with it, so sometimes it can be very runny, or it may be thick or even crusty.

A nasal irrigation spray.
A nasal irrigation spray.

A person’s body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats. For example, if the body detects any allergens in the air, it will produce more mucus as a way of getting rid of it. In this way, nasal mucus is almost like tree sap. Both tree sap and nasal mucus work to trap incoming threats, and they both dry up, thereby neutralizing those threats. A lot of mucus will run out of the nose, but a good portion of it is also generally swallowed, which allows the stomach to destroy any threats trapped inside.

Inhalating menthol vapor or steam is a good way to reduce nasal mucous.
Inhalating menthol vapor or steam is a good way to reduce nasal mucous.

The color of nasal mucus can sometimes give clues to the cause. Most doctors say that clear mucus is usually a sign of some kind of immediate physical response, which will generally suggest allergies or an immediate bacterial threat. Many doctors believe that white mucus might suggest some kind of viral infection, while dark green mucus is known to suggest a long-standing bacterial infection. The color of mucus isn’t always considered a reliable indicator, but in some cases, people can use it to make cursory judgments about their condition.

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

There are many treatments for excessive nasal mucus, along with several home remedies. The most basic remedy is to simply blow the nose, but some doctors think this can cause sinus infections. There are also drugs called antihistamines that limit the body's immune response, and they can potentially lessen nasal mucus. Some experts suggest that interfering with mucus can actually be counterproductive because it may short-circuit the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Discussion Comments

anon1000781

@burcidi: My doc prescribed Atrovent but in generic and I finally have stopped using Sudafed for the first time in years. I didn't think it would work because I have been to an allergist for years and this nasal spray actually stopped all the nasal stuffiness in my sinus area around my eyes, cheeks and side of nose.

I had been using three different sinus sprays and allergy pills for seven years and nothing has stopped the pressure and thick drainage until now. I even had sinus surgery to open my sinus area on the left and that didn't stop the continuous amt of drainage from my left side until this spray. I've used a neti pot a few times a week for past 12 yrs and a humidifier too, for the past 15 years. I know what you are going through.

burcidi

Whenever I have sinus issues, I get thick nasal mucus. It's so difficult to breathe when it happens. There are only two things that give me relief. One is a humidifier which I use all night when I have nasal congestion. The other is a neti pot which I use to flush out my nose using saline solution.

I don't know what I would do without these because I get sinus and nasal congestion about three times a year. And each time, the congestion lasts for several weeks.

literally45

@SarahGen-- Yellow mucus is a sign of infection. It's normal to get more mucus when there is an ongoing infection because the body is trying to get rid of bacteria, viruses and their remains. The color of mucus comes from macrophages. These are cells produced by the immune system, it's their job to get bacteria and viruses out of the body. Sometimes dead skin cells are found in mucus too and they can affect the color.

If you're asking about how an infection in your lungs or ears cause mucus in your nose, it's because they're all connected. Phlegm from the lungs is removed via the throat. The throat, nose and ears have passageways to one another.

SarahGen

Why do I get yellow nasal mucus when I have an upper respiratory infection or an ear infection?

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    • A nasal irrigation spray.
      By: Vladyslav Danilin
      A nasal irrigation spray.
    • Inhalating menthol vapor or steam is a good way to reduce nasal mucous.
      By: drubig-photo
      Inhalating menthol vapor or steam is a good way to reduce nasal mucous.
    • The body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats.
      By: aseph
      The body produces nasal mucus in response to many perceived threats.
    • Taking hot showers can help break up nasal mucus that causes congestion.
      By: zhu difeng
      Taking hot showers can help break up nasal mucus that causes congestion.
    • There are several treatments for excessive nasal mucus.
      By: Ilike
      There are several treatments for excessive nasal mucus.