Mucus can be excreted from several different parts of the body including, the nose, ears, lips, and genital areas. Mucus protects the body from harmful germs, but its color can indicate wellness or a potential problem. Normal mucus color is clear or white, but it could be yellow, green, or brown. Mucus color can help people detect sinus issues or infections in the body.
Clear mucus is most likely a sign that a person is well unless it is a constant drip. If there is a large amount of clear mucus dripping from the nose, it could indicate that there is some kind of sinus problem. Allergies can also cause people to have a nasal drip with clear mucus that can become irritating. If a person is experiencing excessive amounts of mucus, then they may need to see a doctor.
Sometimes the color of mucus can change from clear to white. Eating too many dairy products can cause mucus to turn white. It can also look white if a cold or allergies are getting worse. If mucus is becoming thicker, it can often go from clear to white as well.
If the body's mucus color changes to yellow, this may indicate some type of virus. The body may be fighting off the virus, but may also have a sinus infection. A chest infection, such as bronchitis, may cause yellow mucus to show up in the back of the throat. A person who is seeing yellow mucus may want to consult a doctor about a potential virus or infection.
Some viruses or bacterial infections may give a person green mucus. When a person experiences cold symptoms that seem to be getting worse, the mucus may change from yellow to green. Severe allergies can also cause green mucus. The mucus becoming thick and green may cause uncomfortable congestion and sinus pressure.
The mucus color of people who smoke cigarettes is often brown. This is because their sinuses are irritated by the tobacco smoke. Mucus can also look brown or red because it has blood mixed in it. Nasal polyps or irritated nasal membranes can cause blood to mix with the mucus.
Yellow, green, or brown mucus could be a sign of something wrong in the body. Anytime mucus is an off color or extreme, it is wise to see a physician to check for infections. There are many medical treatments for sinus infections, allergies, or other sinus issues that may occur.
