\n| smoking\/drug use<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | \u2713<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nWhat does clear snot mean?<\/h2>\nClear snot is considered \u201cnormal\u201d or healthy. Your body produces around 1.5 quarts of this discharge each day, though you likely swallow most of it. This type of mucus is made up of water with proteins, antibodies, and salts. Once it reaches the stomach, it dissolves. Your body continues making it around the clock to help line and protect your nose and sinuses.<\/p>\n Allergic rhinitis or \u201chay fever\u201d may also cause clear, runny nasal discharge. Although you may feel quite ill, allergies aren\u2019t caused by a virus. The symptoms are your body\u2019s response to irritants like pollen, cat or dog fur, and dust mites.<\/p>\n Other symptoms may include:<\/p>\n \n- postnasal drip<\/li>\n
- itchy, watery eyes<\/li>\n
- sneezing<\/li>\n
- coughing<\/li>\n
- itchy nose, throat, or roof of mouth<\/li>\n
- discolored skin under the eyes<\/li>\n
- fatigue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Some women develop a runny nose during pregnancy called nonallergic rhinitis. Researchers explain that this condition is caused by hormonal changes and can develop at any gestation. It\u2019s more common between weeks 13 and 21. This condition usually resolves within a couple weeks of delivery.<\/p>\n What does white snot mean?<\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re feeling congested or stuffy, you may notice your snot is white. You may also experience swelling or inflammation in your nose and a slow flow of nasal mucus. Being stuffy makes your snot lose its water content. It becomes thick and even cloudy, both signs that you may have a cold or infection brewing.<\/p>\n The common cold can make you feel generally unwell. Your symptoms will usually develop between one and three days after being exposed to the virus. Children are particularly prone to colds. Adults, on the other hand, may experience between two and three colds each year.<\/p>\n Other symptoms include:<\/p>\n \n- sore throat<\/li>\n
- congestion<\/li>\n
- cough<\/li>\n
- sneezing<\/li>\n
- low-grade fever, or a fever above 98.6\u00b0F (37\u00b0C) but lower than 100.4\u00b0F (38\u00b0C)<\/li>\n
- mild body aches<\/li>\n
- mild headache<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What does yellow snot mean?<\/h2>\nYellow mucus is a sign that whatever virus or infection you have is taking hold. The good news? Your body is fighting back. The yellow color comes from the cells \u2014 white blood cells, for example \u2014 rushing to kill the offending germs. Once the cells have done their work, they\u2019re discarded in your snot and tinge it a yellowish-brown.<\/p>\n Your illness may last anywhere from 10 to 14 days, but keep an eye on your nasal discharge.<\/p>\n What does green snot mean?<\/h2>\nIf your immune system kicks into high gear to fight infection, your snot may turn green and become especially thick. The color comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products.<\/p>\n But green snot isn\u2019t always a reason to run to your doctor. In fact, some sinus infections may be viral, not bacterial.<\/p>\n Still, if you\u2019ve had your cold or infection for 12 days or more, it may be a good time to make an appointment. You may have a bacterial sinus infection or another bacterial infection that requires medication. Look for other signs you\u2019re not getting better, like fever, headache, or nausea.<\/p>\n What does pink or red (bloody) snot mean?<\/h2>\nBlood in your snot will tinge it pink or red. Blood may flow a bit if you\u2019ve blown your nose a lot or if you\u2019ve had some kind of hit to the nose.<\/p>\n To prevent nosebleeds, consider:<\/p>\n \n- applying Vaseline or another ointment to the nasal passages three times a day<\/li>\n
- using saline nose spray to add moisture to your nasal tissues<\/li>\n
- trimming fingernails to deter nose-picking<\/li>\n
- adding moisture to the air with a humidifier<\/li>\n
- blowing your nose more gently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Women who are pregnant may also experience bloody snot. This may be due to blood volume increases, hormones, or swollen nasal passages.<\/p>\n If your child is experiencing bleeding, call their pediatrician. This is especially important if your tot is under age 2.<\/p>\n If your blood is the result of an acute injury like a car accident, seek medical attention to rule out more serious issues.<\/p>\n You should also see your doctor if you:<\/p>\n \n- have difficulty breathing<\/li>\n
- bleed for more than 30 minutes<\/li>\n
- produce more than about 1 tablespoon of blood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What does brown or orange snot mean?<\/h2>\nBrown snot may be the result of old blood exiting the body. Or you may have inhaled something red or brown that has discolored your mucus. Possibilities include dirt, snuff, or paprika.<\/p>\n What does black snot mean?<\/h2>\nBlack nasal mucus may be a sign of a serious fungal infection. While not common, people with compromised immune systems may be susceptible to this type of illness.<\/p>\n There are four types of fungal infections of the sinuses:<\/p>\n \n- Mycetoma fungal sinusitis.<\/strong> This type results from clumps of spores invading the sinus cavities. Treatment involves scraping the infected sinuses.<\/li>\n
- Allergic fungal sinusitis.<\/strong> This type is more common in people with a history of allergic rhinitis. The infection must be surgically removed.<\/li>\n
- Chronic indolent sinusitis.<\/strong> This type is mostly found outside the United States in areas like Sudan and India. Other symptoms include headache, facial swelling, and visual disturbances.<\/li>\n
- Fulminant sinusitis.<\/strong> This type may cause damage to the sinuses and the bony area that contains the eyeballs and brain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
People who smoke or use illicit drugs may also have black snot.<\/p>\n Whatever the potential cause, it\u2019s a good idea to check in with your doctor for a more formal diagnosis.<\/p>\n What if the snot texture changes?<\/h2>\nThe actual texture of your snot has a lot to do with its moisture content. Nasal mucus that flows freely has more water content than snot that is hard. In some cases, drinking more water may help thin your mucus. Changes in texture can happen throughout the duration of an illness.<\/p>\n Watery discharge from the nose may be a warning sign of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. A leak happens when there\u2019s a tear in the membranes surrounding your brain, likely from injury or certain medical conditions, like hydrocephalus.<\/p>\n Other symptoms of a CSF leak include:<\/p>\n \n- nausea<\/li>\n
- vomiting<\/li>\n
- neck stiffness<\/li>\n
- sensitivity to light or sound<\/li>\n
- positional headaches; for example, you may feel more pain while sitting up versus lying down<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you suspect you may have a CSF leak, seek medical attention.<\/p>\n When to see your doctor<\/h2>\nIt may be difficult to tell the difference between a cold or other viral infection, and a bacterial infection. Color isn\u2019t always the best indicator of whether you should see your doctor. Instead, pay attention to the duration of your illness and the worsening of your other symptoms.<\/p>\n Most colds last between 7 to 10 days. They usually peak in severity between days three and five. A bacterial infection may worsen as it progresses and continue beyond this time period.<\/p>\n Other signs you should make an appointment:<\/p>\n |