There're many factors that cause the nose to release mucus. It can be due to respiratory and sinus infections, common cold, substance abuse, or just dust allergy from the environment that triggers the production of snot. Sometimes snot is very disturbing.
Sputum is a slightly different substance because phlegm is the mucus produced in the lower respiratory tract, not by the nose and sinus cavity, in response to inflammation. You won't sputter unless you have a lower respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Behind the nasal snot, in fact, many facts are hidden, including what the function of snot is, and what snot marks that are not healthy and need treatment. Here you can see the facts about snot.
What exactly is snot?
Mouth, nose, throat, sinus and lungs are filled with mucus membranes. These membranes routinely secrete mucus as a form of protection against fungal, bacterial and viral infections. When you get flu, the production of snot and phlegm is increased, and some will come out through the nose. If you suffer from an infection, snot color becomes more intense because it's mixed with dead cell tissue, bacteria and white blood.
Does snot have a function?
Although repulsive, snot is useful, you know! It serves to protect epithelial cells from bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Our body produces about six cups of snot and mucus every day. Most will be removed through digestive tract. When we have flu or respiratory infection that cause increased snot production, some will come out through the nose. Body-produced mucus is made from water that contains protein and salt. When drained into stomach, it will be destroyed. So swallowing snot is not a danger, yes!
What's the meaning of snot color?
Normal snot is colorless. Here's the meaning behind the color of snot:
1. Clear, colorless
Clear snot, apart from normal, can also be an allergy symptom. It's not caused by viruses, especially bacteria, only as a form of reaction of the body's immune system to allergen substances such as dust, pollen, animal fur, fungus or louse. Snot because of allergy is very typical, usually accompanied by itchy nose, coughing or sneezing.
2. White
White snot is commonly caused by flu, usually accompanied by nasal congestion, because there's swelling or inflammation in the nose, so that the flow of mucus becomes slower. In flu, the snot is thicker and white due to the loss of water content. Other symptoms of flu, other than nasal congestion and a change in the consistency of snot, are sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache and slight fever.
2. Yellow
Yellow snot is a sign of viral infection. Precisely, a yellow color indicates your body is fighting the infection. The yellow color comes from white blood cells whose production increase to kill germs. After completing the task, the dead white blood cells will be removed through the snot, so that the color becomes yellowish. The infection will usually heal after 10 to 14 days. So, if the symptoms don't go away, consult a doctor immediately.
3. Green
If your immune system works very hard against infection, your snot can turn green and become very thick. The color comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products. But the green snot doesn't always have to see a doctor unless you also have fever or infection for 12 days or more. Beware of sinus infection caused by bacteria because the treatment requires antibiotics.
4. Pink, red
Blood on the snot makes the color pink or red. Blood may mingle with snot if you blow your nose by force and hurt the nasal cavity. To prevent the nasal cavity from getting injured, in flu or upper respiratory tract infection, you should use a spray that contains saline solution to add moisture in the tissue. Don't insert fingers with sharp nails into the nose, and don't be too hard to blow the snot.
5. Black
A black snot may be a sign of a serious fungal infection. Although unusual, people with impaired immune systems may be susceptible to this type of disease. Smokers or users of illegal drugs may also have black snot. Whatever the potential cause, you should check with your doctor for a more accurate diagnosis.
This snot problem is trivial but can interfere with daily activities. Almost everyone in the world must have dealt with runny or stuffy nose and everything related to snot-out. Once understood, you can now take the right action for your snot!
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