The color of your mucus can indicate what’s going on in your body. From allergies to infections, different shades point to minor irritations as well as more serious health issues, and it’s important to know their meaning. A change in the color of mucus can be a signal that you need to see a doctor, the portal informs.
Pale yellow or cloudy white mucus may be related to allergies, asthma, or a mild infection. Allergens and irritants can trigger an increased production of mucus in the nasal cavities, leading to a runny nose. The excess mucus then drains into the throat, known as post-nasal drip, and can cause coughing. For asthma and allergies, it is important to avoid triggers, over-the-counter antihistamines or prescription drugs can help. Nasal rinses with physiological solution are suitable for quick reliefwhich thin the mucus.
Phlegm caused by an infection may start out yellow and gradually darken to green. This color change is caused by an increased amount of white blood cells and other components in the mucus. Dark green mucus often indicates a bacterial infection. If the symptoms last for several days and are accompanied by fever or sinus pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Green mucus may signal the need for antibioticsbut first a correct diagnosis is necessary.
Bright red or dark red mucus is referred to as bloody discharge. Bright red color means fresh blood in the airways, dark red means older blood. The most common causes of blood in mucus include acute respiratory infections, strep throat, epiglottis, laryngitis, cancer, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In more than 90% of cases, these are mild symptoms that will go away on their own.
Pink, frothy mucus can be a sign of pulmonary edema, a serious condition in which the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid. It is sometimes referred to as wet lung and requires immediate medical attention. Sufferers describe feeling like they are drowning, because they can’t breathe enough. Treatment must be quick to remove fluid from the lungs and ease the burden on the heart, while long-term treatment focuses on eliminating the cause of fluid accumulation.
Brown mucus is often a sign of chronic lung disease. It is usually caused by the accumulation of bacteria and blood in the lungs, which changes the color and consistency of the mucus. Infections that cause brown mucus include COPD or emphysema. Treating these conditions can also help manage the mucus itself. The doctor may recommend medication, inhalers, supplemental oxygen, or surgery. Sometimes dark brown mucus is caused by a fungal lung infection that requires antifungal treatment.
Black or gray mucus, known as melanoptysis, is very rare. It can be caused by smoking, exposure to dust, pneumoconiosis (often due to inhalation of coal dust) or fungal infection. The risk of its occurrence is higher in people with weakened immunity, for example with cancer. Always seek medical attention if you cough up black mucus.
