Table of contents:
- Benefits of mucus
- Content in the mucus
- The color of the mucus determines the health condition
- 1. Clear mucus
- 2. White or cloudy mucus
- 3. Yellow or green mucus
- 3. Pink or red
Mucus is often seen as disgusting because of its sticky color and texture. However, did you know that mucus is actually good for your health?
Benefits of mucus
Mucus, or what is commonly referred to as mucus and phlegm, is a sticky material that functions to protect the lungs, throat, mouth, nose and sinuses from dust, bacteria, vehicle fumes, cigarette smoke, viruses, and bacteria. Mucus is the first line of defense in the human body to prevent germs from entering the body.
Content in the mucus
Mucus contains water and proteins such as mucins and antibodies. All of these compositions have their respective roles, including:
- Mucin is a protein produced by cell surface tissue. The functions of mucin molecules include connecting body cells, forming chemical barriers, and as protection.
- Antibodies play a role in helping the immune system to attack pathogens (organisms that cause disease)
The color of the mucus determines the health condition
The mucus that comes out of the nose can be gray, white, yellow, green, pink, red, or rust. The following is an explanation of the color differences in mucus.
1. Clear mucus
The trapped mucus that is expelled from the nose is often gray in color due to the dust and dirt it contains.
2. White or cloudy mucus
Thick white mucus indicates that there is tissue that is inflamed and swollen due to infection or allergies. This causes the mucus to move more slowly, lose moisture, thicken and become cloudy.
3. Yellow or green mucus
Yellow or green mucus indicates an infection. When the flu occurs, the immune system sends white blood cells called neutrophils to the area where the infection occurs. When fighting infection, white blood cells secrete enzymes to fight infection. This enzyme contains iron which makes mucus green.
If the mucus lingers for a long time, for example when you sleep, it can thicken and have a darker yellowish or greenish color. And if the color of the mucus is accompanied by other symptoms such as smelly mucus, fever, or pain in certain parts, it can be a sign that a certain infection has occurred in your body. You need to consult a doctor if you experience this.
3. Pink or red
Pink, red, or rust colored mucus also indicates the presence of blood. This can occur due to the entry of foreign objects that can damage the soft tissue in the nasal passages. It is recommended that you consult a doctor if your mucus continues to be red.
