What Is Mucus?
Mucus is a normal, slippery, and stringy fluid substance produced by many lining tissues in the body. It is essential for body function and acts as a protective and moisturizing layer to keep critical organs from drying out. Mucus also acts as a trap for irritants like dust, smoke, or bacteria. It contains antibodies and bacteria-killing enzymes to help fight off infections.
The body produces a lot of mucus -- about 1 to 1.5 liters per day. We don't tend to notice mucus at all unless its production is increased or the quality of mucus has changed, as may happen with different illnesses and conditions.
What causes mucus production to increase?
Respiratory infections like colds, the
flu, and
sinusitis are common causes of increased mucus production and
coughing up
mucus.
Allergic reactions are another reason that mucus production can increase. Even consumption of spicy foods can spark excess mucus production in the nasal passages.
When you are sick from
respiratory infection, you may notice thickened mucus that may appear darker than normal. This thickened mucus is harder to clear than typical mucus. This mucus is associated with many of the characteristic symptoms of a
cold or
flu. The mucus may also appear yellow-green in color when you are ill.
What areas of the body produce mucus?
Mucus is produced in many sites in the body by mucus glands in the lining tissues of multiple organs, including the:
- lungs,
- sinuses,
- mouth,
- throat,
- nose, and
- gastrointestinal tract.
What is the difference between mucus and phlegm?
Phlegm is the term that is used to refer to mucus produced by the respiratory system, particularly when excess mucus is produced and coughed up. During an infection, the mucus contains the
viruses or
bacteria responsible for the infection as well as infection-fighting cells of the body's immune system
(white blood cells).
Phlegm itself is not dangerous, but when present in large amounts, it can clog the airways. Phlegm is usually expelled by
coughing, and this is typically accompanied by symptoms like
nasal congestion,
runny nose, and
sore throat.
What do different colors of mucus and phlegm mean?
- The thickened mucus that accompanies many illnesses is often darker and yellow-colored compared to normal, clear, thin mucus.
- Greenish mucus means that the mucus contains infection-fighting white blood cells.
- Blood-tinged or brownish mucus is also common with upper respiratory infections, especially if the inside of the nose has become irritated or scratched.
While a small amount of blood in mucus is normal, you should see a healthcare professional if there is excessive bleeding.
When is excessive mucus a problem?
Excessive
mucus is rarely a serious medical problem, but it is uncomfortable and a nuisance, particularly when it blocks sinuses or causes coughing fits. Thickened mucus and excess mucus production cause many unpleasant symptoms including:
- runny nose,
- nasal congestion,
- sore throat,
- sinus headache, and
- cough.
How do you get rid of mucus?
Saline nasal rinses, including neti pots, are an option for those who would like to get rid of excess mucus without taking medications. Bulb syringes and squeeze bottles are other methods to do
nasal irrigation. Saline nasal sprays may also be helpful.
All these techniques thin out the mucus and help clear the airways and sinuses. Always use sterile saline rinses that can be purchased, or use distilled, previously boiled, or sterile water to make up the solution. Using non-sterile tap water has a small chance of introducing an infection into the airways and sinuses.
Certain medications are also able to help thin mucus and enhance the body's ability to remove it. source.
What Is Mucus? Learn How to Get Rid of It
