Snot, technically referred to as mucus, can be one of the most annoying things to come out of the human body and boy, sometimes there is a lot of it. But snot isn’t just a side effect of allergies or colds, it actually helps keep your nose moist, traps dust and other irritants from being completely inhaled, and fights off infection.
If we’re lucky, we don’t notice snot that often. It’s when our nasal mucus changes consistency that we need to pay attention to what might be happening with our bodies. When it becomes thicker and changes color that could mean your body is fighting an infection, allergies, or other pollutants. While snot is usually clear, it can change to white, yellow, green, pink or red, brown, or black mucus. When it turns green or yellow, this could be (but isn’t always) a sign that you’re fighting a bacterial infection. Pink or red and sometimes brown can indicate that your nose is or has been dry and/or bleeding. Viruses can also alter the color but the only real way to know what’s going on is to visit your healthcare provider.
When you’re battling bacteria or allergies, your body starts to produce more snot not only to deter the infection from fully settling in but also to help push out whatever is causing the inflammation in the first place. A runny nose is just the body’s way of pushing bacteria and any foreign material out of your nasal passages.
Getting rid of a snotty nose all comes down to finding out what’s causing it and treating that. Colds and viruses usually run their course in a week to 10 days but if symptoms last longer than that, it’s time to check in with your health care provider.
Allergies are usually temporary but can seem like they last forever, especially if you have seasonal allergies to more than one thing and for more than one season. Over the counter antihistamines can help dry you out but check with your provider or pharmacist to see what they recommend for your particular allergies. There are also several prescription allergy meds that can help those who have more prolonged or severe allergies.
Runny noses aren’t the only thing caused by excess mucus. Congestion, or stuffy nose, happens when nasal passages and/or the sinuses become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Over the counter decongestants can help but there are also some other things you can do to get relief.
Get a humidifier. Warm, moist air helps open nasal passages.
Take a hot shower. Same reason as above.
Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps with so many things!
Use a saline nasal spray. This will keep nasal passages moist.
Put a warm compress over your forehead/cheeks. This can help break up congestion and ease pressure and pain.
The bottom line is that, although it can be annoying, snot is the great protector when it comes to allergens and bacteria. Just be sure to check in with your health care provider or pharmacist when you notice any changes and they can steer you toward helpful snot solutions.
Oh, and sneeze into your elbow not your hand!
About Revan Health
Revan Health provides welcoming, respectful family medicine for all from infants to geriatrics. We understand the pain and frustration that comes with not feeling heard by your family care provider. We believe access to respectful care is key to improving medicine adherence and overall life satisfaction for our patients. Like us on Facebook or visit us at revanhealth.com.