By Sophie Glendenning. People who know me well know I am a hypochondriac. If I have a pain in my right side I think I have appendicitis. If I find a bruise on my arm, I start to worry that I may have something more serious. I can’t relax until I have found an alternative explanation for my symptoms. So, to help me and my fellow hypochondriacs from crying “pneumonia!” every time we blow our nose, I have put together this “snot decoder” (note it is not exhaustive and can in no way replace a healthcare professional’s diagnosis).
Clear mucus– A clear watery discharge can point to one of two things; allergies or the influenza virus. How do you know which is which?
Allergies are triggered by something specific such as food, pollens grass or dust mites and usually make you quite tired and itchy around the eyes and nose. If you start sneezing, rubbing your eyes, feel a tickle in your throat or your nose starts running like a tap with clear watery mucus; it’s possible you could have an allergy. Symptoms that are worse at night are often caused by household allergen. Symptoms that are better on weekend are usually due to occupational exposure.
If your nose is streaming clear mucus and you rapidly “go downhill” feeling tired and achy within two to three minutes, but you don’t have any itching, it may be a good idea to quarantine yourself until you’ve had a doctor’s check-up, because it could be a nasty influenza virus. Not to startle anyone but the flu can be more serious in immune–compromised or elderly people so at least stay out of reach of anyone who is frail.
White mucus– Is a sign of a fresh bacterial or viral infection. When a micro-organism (such as a bacteria or virus) invades the body, white blood cells rush to get rid of the infection. The result is white pus-filled mucus. Basically that’s what pus is, it’s a collection of white blood cells that have made their way to the surface to fight a local infection. Charming but true!
Green mucus– Mucus can appear green when special kamikaze white blood cells called “neutrophils”, give their life to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. I learned this from “The Naked Scientists” a group of Cambridge Scientists who have a radio program on BBC radio. When neutrophils swallow up a bacteria or virus, they burst open and the enzymes inside work like bleach to clean and neutralise the infection. The enzymes they squirt out contain iron which colours the mucus green.
Yellow mucus– The classic thick yellow snot that you have to stop school kids from picking out of their little noses is probably caused by a bacterial infection. It is a sign the battle against the infection is in progress as the neutrophils have begun their suicidal mission and the mucus is on its way from being white to green.
Brown mucus– Mucus can be brown from dirt that has become trapped in the mucus or in smokers can be the stain of nicotine.
Rust coloured mucus– Is usually blood streaked mixed with yellow mucus. If you see this type of mucus, see your doctor as blood in the mucus can be a sign of something more serious.
So, if I have not scared you even more, I hope this calms your inner panic merchant at least long enough to get yourself to your healthcare professional. Happy nose-blowing!
Sophie Glendenning is a university qualified naturopath and also has an Arts degree in European culture and language. She has is currently studying fertility care through Creighton University. She has been working at Blackmores four years, and has worked as a naturopath for seven. Sophie has a special interest in chronic fatigue syndrome and auto-immune conditions including endometriosis.
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