The Meaning of Nasal Discharge Colors

What does it mean when you have clear nasal discharge? Is there an infection when you have yellow or green discharge? In this article, we’ll talk about the meaning of nasal discharge colors.

What is Nasal Discharge?

Delving into the meaning of nasal discharge requires an understanding of what mucus is. This is because nasal discharge is essentially mucus.

You often call mucus, “snot”, when it’s from the nose, or “phlegm”, when it’s thicker and produced by the lungs or the upper respiratory tract.

When you’re not suffering from productive cough, runny nose, or any other condition that causes you to produce phlegm or snot, you may think that you don’t have mucus in your body.

However, that’s not the case. According to medical experts, we have a lot of mucus.

In fact, the nasal and sinus linings produce at least a liter of mucus daily!

Mucus is a type of viscous liquid that our body produces to line cavities or cover the internal organs.

The Role of Nasal Discharge

Nasal discharge is a type of mucus, which basically does the following.

• Serves as a barrier. The thick and sticky mucus “traps” pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and prevents them from entering the body.
• Gives protection. It turns out that mucus doesn’t just trap pathogens; it also has the ability to kill them because it contains immune system elements like white blood cells and antibodies.
• Acts as a moisturizer. The lining of the cavities and organs may crack if it’s too dry. Mucus helps moisturize the tissues to maintain their integrity and health.

Depending on where it’s located, mucus can serve other purposes as well.

For instance, in the digestive tract, it aids the passage of food down the esophagus.

Meaning of Nasal Discharge Colors

Under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t notice that you’re producing mucus, as most of it will trickle down your throat anyway.

But when you’re sick, you may note that you have thicker mucus—and in copious amounts.

This happens so that you can have more white blood cells, antibodies, and enzymes to repel the pathogens.

While it’s quite bothersome, the amount of mucus increases and its consistency changes, so it can effectively protect us.

But, what does it mean to have a clear, yellow, or green discharge?

Here’s what you need to know about the meaning of nasal discharge colors.

Clear 

Generally, there’s nothing wrong with clear nasal discharge.

Medical experts consider this as healthy or normal. It’s made up of water, proteins called mucin, salts, and antibodies.

Usually, you wouldn’t detect a clear nasal discharge unless you produce a lot of it.

If you observe that you have more clear nasal discharge than normal, it could be an indication of allergies from things like dog fur, dust mites, and pollen.

The increase in the amount of clear nasal discharge is the body’s way to expel or get rid of the irritating particle.

White 

What’s the meaning behind a white nasal discharge color?

Like the clear nasal discharge, white or cloudy nasal mucus is generally nothing to worry about.

You might see white snot when you’re feeling “stuffy”.

Experts explain that when the airway passages become inflamed, possibly due to a viral infection, the amount of water in the nasal discharge decreases, making it thicker and white or cloudy-looking. As usual, this is the body’s way to expel the pathogen.

Hence, if you notice that you have white nasal discharge, it probably means that you’re suffering from a common cold.

But, besides common cold, other conditions, such as asthma and allergies might also lead to white or cloudy snot.

Yellow or Green 

Many reports say that a yellow or green nasal discharge means you have a bacterial infection.

However, doctors clarify that’s not always the case.

While it’s true that a yellow or green nasal discharge often indicates an infection, you couldn’t tell whether it’s bacterial or viral just by merely observing its color.

What’s clear is that your snot turns yellow or green because your body is fighting off an infection, probably a sinus infection.

You see, in the presence of an infection, immune cells, such as the white blood cells, rush in to expel the pathogen. After they’ve done their job, they get disposed of in the snot, tingeing it yellow or green.

Red or Pink 

What’s the meaning behind a red or pink nasal discharge?

Blood would turn your nasal discharge pink or red. Often, it happens after a trauma to the nose, or when you’re blowing your nose too hard.

However, please note that if you have a consistent experience with pink or red nasal discharge, especially if you’re a smoker, it’s best to talk to your doctor. Persistent bloody snot could mean that you have an underlying respiratory condition like nasal tuberculosis.

Brown or Orange 

You might find it a little concerning to find brown or orange snot, but don’t panic right away.

Medical experts say that when blood ages, its color changes to brown. Hence, brown or orange snot might be an indication of prior bleeding.

In some cases, brown or orange discharge doesn’t mean anything other than you inhaled a significant amount of pollution, such as cigarette smoke.

Black 

Just like having brown or orange nasal discharge, black snot could mean that you inhaled dirt.

However, in rare instances, it could be also a sign of a serious fungal infection. This is especially true for people with compromised immunity.

Key Takeaways

Learning about the meaning behind nasal discharge colors is a good way to be more aware of what’s happening in your body. However, please note that snot color is by no means a reliable way to diagnose your condition.

If you notice a concerning change in your nasal discharge (consistency, amount, color), go to your doctor, so they can properly assess you and provide treatment.

Learn more about Respiratory Health here.