5 Natural Treatments for Sinus Infection

True misery is the pain and swelling caused by sinus inflammation. The bones around the nose, the eyes and the cheeks are lined with membranes that produce mucus, which function to warm and moisten inhaled air, plus to filter out any germs. When congested and unable to drain properly, the mucus continues to accumulate, stagnate and become infected. There are a number of causes for chronic sinus infections:

1. Excessive dairy consumption (cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt)
2. Environmental allergies
3. Tobacco and pollution irritation
4. Food allergies
5. Dental infection
6. Fungal infection in the sinus cavity
7. Systemic Candida albicans (overgrowth of yeast)
8. Colds and flu symptoms

Typical allopathic treatments for sinus inflammation can include prescription antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatory, and in some cases, surgery. In fact it is common for people to be taking five different medications to treat their sinus infection. Even with the medications, relief is minimal until milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt are first eliminated from the diet. This will help cut back on the production of mucus and allow the sinuses to clear. There are also herbal and homeopathic remedies, nasal sprays and aromatherapy oils that can help reduce the swelling and speed recovery.
1. Diet:
During infection eat in moderation, with an emphasis on whole grains, beans, lentils, lightly cooked vegetables, soups, and cold-pressed oils. Avoid mucus-forming foods such as, flour products, eggs, chocolate, fried and processed foods, sugar and dairy products. Drink plenty of pure quality water.

2. Herbs: 
Include cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and horseradish in your soups and meals, to help dissolve and eliminate excess mucus. According to the self-care guide, Prescription for Natural Cures, a powerful drainage remedy is to eat a small spoonful of crushed horseradish mixed with lemon juice, but make sure to be near a sink when your nose starts running. Japanese horseradish in the form of Wasabi paste taken with meals can also provide a quick release to the nasal passages. Just remember, “a little dab will do ya.”

3. Neti pot: 
Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in 2 cups of warm water. Standing over a sink fill the neti pot with one cup of water and place the tip of the spout into one nostril. Tilt your head to the side and allow the water to run out through the opposite nostril. Careful not to tilt your head back and up or the water will reroute down your throat. Refill the neti pot and repeat with the other nostril.

4. Apple cider vinegar: 
At the first sign of infection combine 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 6 ounces of water, a teaspoon of raw honey or stevia to sweeten and drink 3 times a day for 5 days. The apple cider vinegar helps to thin congested mucus, so it can be easily eliminated.

5. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE): 
This citrus extract is a powerful natural antibiotic and is used to inhibit microbes, parasites, bacteria, viruses and 30 types of fungi including Candida yeast. For sinus infections you can purchase GSE as a nasal spray and use it as an adjunct to your treatment protocol.

Approximately, 37 million Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis, many of which can be alleviated with a change of diet and a few natural remedies used as a daily protocol. I have mentioned five treatments that have proven effective in clearing sinus inflammation, but I am aware that there are others. If you have found natural ways to cure or control sinus infections for yourself or family please feel free to share them with Care2 readers in the Comments section below. And, as always, many thanks for your contribution.

Snot Mucous Color Chart

Snot Color Chart

Clear, white, yellow, green, brown, red, or gray – what does your snot say about you?

Snot, boogers, mucus, a runny nose - whatever you call it, it is still gross. But did you know the color of your snot can tell you a lot about what is going on inside your body?

That’s why doctors ask extensive questions about your mucus color and texture. Snot color can be a clue to what is causing your runny nose or that gunk you’re coughing up.

There’s no cure for the cold, but sometimes you might need to see a doctor depending on the trail of clues your mucus is leaving behind.

Clear, white, yellow, green, brown, red, or gray – what does your snot say about you?

Do you know what boogers are?Boogers are made of dirt and dust that have gotten stuck inside your nose. The mucus covers it and it eventually dries up inside your nose.   

What Is Mucus Anyway?

Mucus lines the nose and other parts of the body and acts as a guard against bad stuff that might enter the body such as dirt and germs. Mucus is made of water, cells, salts, and mucin, which is a glycoprotein. Mucus producing membranes line the respiratory tract and other parts of the body.

Mucus in different parts of the body has different names. These are the upper-respiratory terms:

• Snot – pretty much refers to just the mucus coming from the nose.
• Phlegm – the mucus in your throat and anything that you might cough up.
• Sputum – a mucus/saliva mix coughed up.
• Postnasal drip – mucus that flows from the nasal cavity down the throat.

The color and texture of mucus can indicate what is going on in the body and can be signs of a virus, infection, or other problems. Read below to find out what the color of your mucus may mean.

Clear Mucus

Normal mucus is a clear color and is a thick, viscous liquid similar to the texture of glue. You probably don’t have any infection or virus if your snot is still clear. As long as your body isn’t producing too much or too little mucus, and as long your mucus is the right texture, you should be in good health snot-wise.

If your body is producing an excess of mucus, the likely cause is allergies. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment.

White Mucus

Snot that is a white color typically comes from eating and drinking dairy products. Fat in dairy products can make the mucus thicker and feel stickier. If you have a cold or sinus infection, refraining from dairy can help with congestion and easier breathing if your body is producing thick or white mucus. Otherwise, the presence of white mucus alone is no cause for alarm and is considered normal. 

Did you know that the body produces about a litre of mucus a day? Talk about being snotty.

Yellow Mucus

If you have yellow snot, it can mean that you have a virus or a sinus infection. Light or bright yellow mucus typically means that your body is fighting off something, most likely a cold. The mucus color is usually brighter at first, possibly even being a neon color. It typically darkens over a few days. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria typically produce a golden yellow colored mucus. Dark yellow phlegm could mean bronchitis or another type of infection in the chest.

Yellow mucus does not necessarily mean that you need to go to the doctor. It just means you’re your body is fighting against something. The best cure is your body’s own defenses. Remember, antibiotics will only clear up bacterial infections. Viral infections just have to run their course. There is no cure for the common cold yet.

See a doctor if the symptoms last longer than a week or worsen. Fever, headache, cough with mucus can also be signs to see a doctor if they last for more than a few days.

Source: Flickr

Green Mucus

Green mucus can signify a bacterial or fungal infection. The green color is produced by a type of white blood cell that responds to infections and inflammations. When the white blood cells die, they burst releasing a green pigment. The green pigment mixes with the mucus giving it the green color. The color is usually brighter at first and darkens over a few days.

When your sinuses become inflamed, they swell. This causes mucus to become trapped in your nasal passages. Over time bacteria and fungi can begin to grow in the mucus. This is when you might need antibiotics.

If the symptoms have lasted more than a week or seem to be getting worse, see a doctor, especially if you are experiencing fever, cough with mucus, headache, and sinus pressure.

Blue Mucus

Mucus can turn blue because of a certain bacteria called Pseudomonas pyocyanea. About 1 in 10,000 people will typically have blue snot. If your mucus has changed to a thick, blue color that has lasted several days, it is probably time to see a doctor.

Blue mucus can also happen if you have inhaled blue powder or something else blue in the air. If this is the case, it should clear up within a day or two.

Did you know that you can have different colored mucus in each nostril? There could be an infection or sore in one side that is not in the other. Now that's a nose of a different color.

What Do You Nose?

Orange/Red/Reddish Brown Mucus

If your mucus is tinged red or reddish brown, it is usually a sign of blood. The blood mixes with the mucus giving it the red tone.

The presence of blood is not necessarily a cause for alarm. It can be caused when the sinuses become inflamed and begin to bleed. It can also occur because of a sore in the nose.

The tiny blood vessels in the nasal passages can break easily causing blood-tinged mucus. This can happen if the air is too dry. Using a saline spray to moisten the nasal passages can help. Gently blowing and wiping the nose can help prevent sores in the front part of the nose.

Asthmatics often have reddish/pink mucus. If you are coughing up red or brown phlegm, it could be a sign of bronchitis. If there is a significant amount of blood that has lasted several days, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of the blood and if any treatment is necessary.

Brown Mucus

Brown or brownish red mucus is typically associated with smokers.  The mucus is mixed with particles from the cigarettes.  Smoking can also irritate nasal passages leading to slight bleeding.  The blood and cigarette bits mix with mucus giving it a brown color.  Coughing up brown/red phlegm can also be caused by smoking.  Smoking less can ease the production of brown mucus and phlegm. 

Inhaling dust and dirt can also give mucus a brown tinge.  See section below for more information. 

Did you know that you could have purple, pink, or even blue snot?Mixing up a pitcher of Kool-Aid can turn your snot the color of the drink if you accidentally breathe in a bit of the powder. Be careful not to breath in powders, though. Too much of it can get into the lungs and stop the flow of air.

Black/Gray Mucus

Dark colored mucus generally happens from inhaling pollutants in the air. The job of the mucus is to trap dirt or other particles and prevent them from getting further into the body. If there was ash, dirt, dust, smoke, or similar substances in the air, the mucus in your body trapped it. Black or gray mucus happens often in the city because of pollution in the air.

Morning Phlegm/Coughing at Night

If you are coughing up stuff mainly in the mornings or if you are coughing at night, it might actually be acid reflux. The stomach acid can move up your throat as you are lying down. This can cause coughing, phlegm, and a scratchy throat. Some people have acid reflux and never have heartburn or an upset stomach.

Check with your doctor if you think acid reflux might be a possibility. An antacid or acid reducer might help the problem. Raising the head of the bed about five inches also helps to keep the acid in place. Avoid eating before bed.

Fixing the Snot

Typically, a virus begins by producing an abundance of clear mucus. Then the mucus turns a bright yellow/greenish color. The mucus darkens over a period of a few days usually turning a green color. At the end of the virus, the mucus may turn a brown/red color. The mucus should then start clearing up, being less thick till your mucus returns to normal.

Ways to ease your symptoms:

• Nasal sprays such as saline sprays keep the nasal passages moist.
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus and keep your upper respiratory system moist.
• Don't starve a cold. Eating nutritious meals when you're sick is important. Your body needs the energy to fight off the bug.
• Tylenol can help with fever and body aches.
• Ibuprofen will help reduce swelling and any inflammation.
• Steam and hot liquids can help keep the mucus flowing and ease congestion.
• Take Mucinex to loosen the phlegm and make coughs more productive.
• Spit out anything you cough up. Don't swallow it.
• Suck on cough drops to keep the throat moist. A spoonful of honey is also good to alleviate cough.
• If it is allergies, take antihistamines to help alleviate the symptoms.
• If you have yellow or green snot, see a doctor about antibiotics if symptoms persist more than a few days.
• Avoid smoking and second hand smoke.

Remember, strange colored mucus doesn't always mean there is a problem. Colored mucus lasting for several days can be a problem, especially when other symptoms such as fever, headache, and cough are present.

Mucus colors are just an indication, not a precise diagnosis. You can still have an infection even with clear mucus. If you are concerned about something with your body, see a doctor.

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An Overview of Sinusitis

An Overview of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection.

Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose), nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).

There are different types of sinusitis, including:

 Acute sinusitis: A sudden onset of cold-like symptoms such as runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that does not go away after 10 to 14 days. Acute sinusitis typically lasts 4 weeks or less.
Subacute sinusitis: An inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
Chronic sinusitis: A condition characterized by sinus inflammation symptoms lasting 8 weeks or longer.
Recurrent sinusitis: Several attacks within a year.


Who Gets Sinusitis?

About 37 million Americans suffer from at least one episode of sinusitis each year. People who have the following conditions have a higher risk of sinusitis:


Nasal mucous membrane swelling as from a common cold
Blockage of drainage ducts
Structural differences that narrow the drainage ducts
Nasal polyps
Conditions that result in an increased risk of infection such as immune deficiencies or taking medications that suppress the immune system.
In children, common environmental factors that contribute to sinusitis include allergies, illness from other children at day care or school, pacifiers, bottle drinking while lying on one's back, and smoke in the environment.

In adults, the contributing factors are most frequently infections and smoking.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis?

Some of the primary symptoms of acute sinusitis include:

Facial pain/pressure
Nasal stuffiness
Nasal discharge
Loss of smell
Cough/congestion
Additional symptoms may include:

Fever
Bad breath
Fatigue
Dental pain
Acute sinusitis may be diagnosed when a person has two or more symptoms and/or the presence of thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis?



People with chronic sinusitis may have the following symptoms for 8 weeks or more:

Facial congestion/fullness
A nasal obstruction/blockage
Pus in the nasal cavity
Fever
Nasal discharge/discolored postnasal drainage
Additional symptoms of chronic sinusitis may include:

Headaches
Bad breath
Fatigue
Dental pain


How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose sinusitis, your doctor will review your symptoms and give you a physical examination.

The exam may include the doctor feeling and pressing your sinuses for tenderness. He or she may also tap your teeth to see if you have an inflamed paranasal sinus.

Other diagnostic tests to assess the potential causes for sinusitis may include a mucus culture, nasal endoscopy (see below), X-rays, allergy testing, CT scan of the sinuses, or blood work.



A nasal endoscope is a special tube-like instrument equipped with tiny lights and cameras used to examine the interior of the nose and sinus drainage areas.

A nasal endoscopy allows your doctor to view the accessible areas of the sinus drainage pathways. Your nasal cavity may first be numbed using a local anesthetic (some cases do not require any anesthetic). A rigid or flexible endoscope is then placed in position to view the middle bone structure of the nasal cavity.

The procedure is used to observe signs of obstruction as well as detect nasal polyps hidden from routine nasal examination. During the endoscopic exam, the doctor also looks for any structural abnormalities that would cause you to suffer from recurrent sinusitis.

How Is Sinusitis Treated?



Treatment for sinusitis depends on the severity.


 Acute sinusitis. If you have a simple sinus infection, your health care provider may recommend treatment with decongestants like Sudafed and steam inhalations alone. Use of nonprescription decongestant nasal drops or sprays may also be effective in controlling symptoms. However, these medicines should not be used beyond their recommended use, usually four to five days, or they may actually increase congestion. If antibiotics are given, they are usually given for 10 to 14 days. With treatment, the symptoms usually disappear and antibiotics are no longer required.
Chronic sinusitis. Warm moist air may alleviate sinus congestion. A vaporizer or inhaling steam from a pan of boiling water (removed from heat) may also help. Warm compresses are useful to relieve pain in the nose and sinuses. Saline nose drops are also safe for home use. Use of nonprescription decongestant nasal drops or sprays might be effective in controlling symptoms, however, they should not be used beyond their recommended use. Antibiotics or oral steroids may also be prescribed.


Other Treatment Options for Sinusitis

 Addressing potential triggers or contributing factors is a key first step in the management of sinusitis. To reduce congestion due to sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe nasal sprays (some may contain steroid sprays), nose drops, or oral decongestant medicine. If you suffer from severe chronic sinusitis, oral steroids might be prescribed to reduce inflammation -- usually only when other medications have not worked. Antibiotics will be prescribed for any bacterial infection found in the sinuses (antibiotics are not effective against a viral infection). An antihistamine may be recommended for the treatment of allergies. Antifungal medicine may be prescribed for a fungal sinus infection. Immunoglobulin (antibodies) may be given if you have certain immune deficiencies.

Will I Need to Make Lifestyle Changes?

Smoking is never recommended, but if you do smoke, you should refrain during treatment for sinus problems. No special diet is required, but drinking extra fluids helps to thin secretions.

An Overview of Sinusitis


Is Sinus Surgery Necessary?



Mucus is developed by the body to moisten the sinus walls. In the sinus walls, the mucus is moved across tissue linings toward the opening of each sinus by millions of cilia (a hair-like extension of a cell). Irritation and swelling from an allergy can narrow the opening of the sinus and block mucus movement. If antibiotics and other medicines are not effective in opening the sinus, surgery may be necessary. Also, if there is a structural abnormality of the sinus such as nasal polyps, which can obstruct sinus drainage, surgery may be needed.

Surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia using an endoscope. Most people can return to normal activities within five to seven days following surgery. Full recovery usually takes about four to six weeks.

A procedure called a "turbinectomy" may also be performed to shrink the swollen tissues of the nose. This can be done in your doctor's office and can take only a few minutes. The anesthetic used is very similar to that used in routine dental procedures.

What Happens If Sinusitis Is Not Treated?

Delaying treatment for sinusitis may result in suffering from unnecessary pain and discomfort. In extremely rare circumstances, untreated sinusitis can lead to meningitis or brain abscess and infection of the bone.

Mucus Color

Every time something goes wrong with our body, it somehow signals us that all is not well. One of these signals is the change in mucus color. Different colors signify different problems. The content that follows will enlighten you on just that.







Did You Know?

Contrary to our belief, mucus actually helps to protect the body from harmful germs, dust, pollen, ash and other particles from entering the nose, throat, lungs, ears, and lips.


To understand the different mucus colors and what they mean, you have to think of all the different types of colors that you may have seen. I'm warning you, this is going to be gross, but it's better than looking at a picture of mucus. Our body produces one liter of mucus every day. It is made up of water, cells, salts, and mucin. So think of when you had a running nose, a throat infection and a dry cough. I'm sure words like 'snot' and 'booger' come to your mind. So let us find out what is mucus exactly.


Mucus is an excretion from the mucus membranes which are present in the nostrils, ears, lips, genital area and the anus. Its main purpose is to protect the body from harmful disease-causing agents. In women, the texture of the mucus indicates various stages in the menstrual cycle and is used to ascertain the most fertile and infertile period during the cycle. It is possible to detect a health problem by looking at the mucus color chart.


What Does the Mucus Color Indicate?


Broadly, mucus can be white, green, brown/red, yellow and gray or black in color. Let's have a look at what each color signifies.


White and Clear


Clear white color is a sign of good health, but if a body produces more than the normal amount of mucus which is white in color, then it can indicate a health problem.

A running nose with clear mucus can indicate conditions like an allergy, acid reflux disease, or hay fever.

Congested sinus can also lead to white, clear mucus discharge.

Consuming dairy products can lead to a thick white mucus discharge, too.

If you have a severe cold or sinus infection, choose not to consume any dairy products for a while.


Yellow


Yellow mucus is an indication that the person may have contracted a virus which the body is fighting against.

This usually occurs during common cold or sinus infection.

Dark yellow mucus in the throat occurs when a person has chest infection like pneumonia, bronchitis etc.

Consult a doctor if the cold, fever, cough, and headache continue to exist.


Green


Green color means that the person may be suffering from bacterial infection and a green vaginal discharge is also an indication of an infection.

The green phlegm usually develops in those who are suffering from allergies, so watch out for other allergy symptoms as well.

The mucus turns green in color, when the white blood corpuscle -- an important part of the body's defense system -- dies fighting the bacteria. Eventually the bacteria and fungi begin to multiply and cause a swelling. This is when you need to seek help from a professional doctor.


Brown or Red


Reddish-pink mucus is common in asthmatics and could also be a sign of bronchitis. It is caused when the nose becomes hot, swollen and begins to bleed.

Brown or bloodstained mucus is an indication of an irritated throat. It is most common in smokers.

Certain foods and alcohol consumption also cause the mucus to be red- or brown-colored.

Pollutants in the air, excessive smoking or second-hand smoking also causes the mucus to turn gray, black or brown.

Treatment


If someone is experiencing a cold or an irritated throat, chances are that there will be colored mucus discharge. These are some measures, that you can take to prevent and treat an infection.

Don't swallow the mucus. Eject/spit it out.

Refrain from eating or drinking dairy products that could cause phlegm and mucus in the body.

Increase the intake of warm liquids that could help ease the throat.

Keep your sinus and nasal passage clear. Take health supplements to boost your immune system.

If you are suffering from green or yellow mucus, consider taking appropriate antibiotics to fight the infection. Also cut down on alcohol and smoking.

It is also very essential to keep the body hydrated to soothe irritation, drink 8 glasses of water every day to prevent dehydration.

Take steam treatment, to ease the congestion of mucus in the lungs, as this will help clear the nasal passage as well.

So the next time, you notice a change in the color of the mucus, remember to take action against it accordingly. Remember to consult a doctor if your symptoms last more than 3-4 days or if you develop a foul-smelling mucus or have fever, cough (mucus/saliva mix) and headache.

The color of your snot can tell you a lot about what is going on inside your body

Snot, boogers, mucus, a runny nose - whatever you call it, it is still gross. But did you know the color of your snot can tell you a lot about what is going on inside your body?

That’s why doctors ask extensive questions about your mucus color and texture. Snot color can be a clue to what is causing your runny nose or that gunk you’re coughing up.

There’s no cure for the cold, but sometimes you might need to see a doctor depending on the trail of clues your mucus is leaving behind.

Clear, white, yellow, green, brown, red, or gray – what does your snot say about you?

Do you know what boogers are?Boogers are made of dirt and dust that have gotten stuck inside your nose. The mucus covers it and it eventually dries up inside your nose.   

What Is Mucus Anyway?

Mucus lines the nose and other parts of the body and acts as a guard against bad stuff that might enter the body such as dirt and germs. Mucus is made of water, cells, salts, and mucin, which is a glycoprotein. Mucus producing membranes line the respiratory tract and other parts of the body.

Mucus in different parts of the body has different names. These are the upper-respiratory terms:

• Snot – pretty much refers to just the mucus coming from the nose.
• Phlegm – the mucus in your throat and anything that you might cough up.
• Sputum – a mucus/saliva mix coughed up.
• Postnasal drip – mucus that flows from the nasal cavity down the throat.

The color and texture of mucus can indicate what is going on in the body and can be signs of a virus, infection, or other problems. Read below to find out what the color of your mucus may mean.

Clear Mucus

Normal mucus is a clear color and is a thick, viscous liquid similar to the texture of glue. You probably don’t have any infection or virus if your snot is still clear. As long as your body isn’t producing too much or too little mucus, and as long your mucus is the right texture, you should be in good health snot-wise.

If your body is producing an excess of mucus, the likely cause is allergies. Talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment.

White Mucus

Snot that is a white color typically comes from eating and drinking dairy products. Fat in dairy products can make the mucus thicker and feel stickier. If you have a cold or sinus infection, refraining from dairy can help with congestion and easier breathing if your body is producing thick or white mucus. Otherwise, the presence of white mucus alone is no cause for alarm and is considered normal. 

Did you know that the body produces about a litre of mucus a day? Talk about being snotty.

Yellow Mucus

If you have yellow snot, it can mean that you have a virus or a sinus infection. Light or bright yellow mucus typically means that your body is fighting off something, most likely a cold. The mucus color is usually brighter at first, possibly even being a neon color. It typically darkens over a few days. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria typically produce a golden yellow colored mucus. Dark yellow phlegm could mean bronchitis or another type of infection in the chest.

Yellow mucus does not necessarily mean that you need to go to the doctor. It just means you’re your body is fighting against something. The best cure is your body’s own defenses. Remember, antibiotics will only clear up bacterial infections. Viral infections just have to run their course. There is no cure for the common cold yet.

See a doctor if the symptoms last longer than a week or worsen. Fever, headache, cough with mucus can also be signs to see a doctor if they last for more than a few days.

Source: Flickr

Green Mucus

Green mucus can signify a bacterial or fungal infection. The green color is produced by a type of white blood cell that responds to infections and inflammations. When the white blood cells die, they burst releasing a green pigment. The green pigment mixes with the mucus giving it the green color. The color is usually brighter at first and darkens over a few days.

When your sinuses become inflamed, they swell. This causes mucus to become trapped in your nasal passages. Over time bacteria and fungi can begin to grow in the mucus. This is when you might need antibiotics.

If the symptoms have lasted more than a week or seem to be getting worse, see a doctor, especially if you are experiencing fever, cough with mucus, headache, and sinus pressure.

Blue Mucus

Mucus can turn blue because of a certain bacteria called Pseudomonas pyocyanea. About 1 in 10,000 people will typically have blue snot. If your mucus has changed to a thick, blue color that has lasted several days, it is probably time to see a doctor.

Blue mucus can also happen if you have inhaled blue powder or something else blue in the air. If this is the case, it should clear up within a day or two.

Did you know that you can have different colored mucus in each nostril? There could be an infection or sore in one side that is not in the other. Now that's a nose of a different color.

What Do You Nose?

Orange/Red/Reddish Brown Mucus

If your mucus is tinged red or reddish brown, it is usually a sign of blood. The blood mixes with the mucus giving it the red tone.

The presence of blood is not necessarily a cause for alarm. It can be caused when the sinuses become inflamed and begin to bleed. It can also occur because of a sore in the nose.

The tiny blood vessels in the nasal passages can break easily causing blood-tinged mucus. This can happen if the air is too dry. Using a saline spray to moisten the nasal passages can help. Gently blowing and wiping the nose can help prevent sores in the front part of the nose.

Asthmatics often have reddish/pink mucus. If you are coughing up red or brown phlegm, it could be a sign of bronchitis. If there is a significant amount of blood that has lasted several days, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of the blood and if any treatment is necessary.

Brown Mucus

Brown or brownish red mucus is typically associated with smokers.  The mucus is mixed with particles from the cigarettes.  Smoking can also irritate nasal passages leading to slight bleeding.  The blood and cigarette bits mix with mucus giving it a brown color.  Coughing up brown/red phlegm can also be caused by smoking.  Smoking less can ease the production of brown mucus and phlegm. 

Inhaling dust and dirt can also give mucus a brown tinge.  See section below for more information. 

Did you know that you could have purple, pink, or even blue snot?Mixing up a pitcher of Kool-Aid can turn your snot the color of the drink if you accidentally breathe in a bit of the powder. Be careful not to breath in powders, though. Too much of it can get into the lungs and stop the flow of air.

Black/Gray Mucus

Dark colored mucus generally happens from inhaling pollutants in the air. The job of the mucus is to trap dirt or other particles and prevent them from getting further into the body. If there was ash, dirt, dust, smoke, or similar substances in the air, the mucus in your body trapped it. Black or gray mucus happens often in the city because of pollution in the air.

Morning Phlegm/Coughing at Night

If you are coughing up stuff mainly in the mornings or if you are coughing at night, it might actually be acid reflux. The stomach acid can move up your throat as you are lying down. This can cause coughing, phlegm, and a scratchy throat. Some people have acid reflux and never have heartburn or an upset stomach.

Check with your doctor if you think acid reflux might be a possibility. An antacid or acid reducer might help the problem. Raising the head of the bed about five inches also helps to keep the acid in place. Avoid eating before bed.

Fixing the Snot

Typically, a virus begins by producing an abundance of clear mucus. Then the mucus turns a bright yellow/greenish color. The mucus darkens over a period of a few days usually turning a green color. At the end of the virus, the mucus may turn a brown/red color. The mucus should then start clearing up, being less thick till your mucus returns to normal.

Ways to ease your symptoms:

• Nasal sprays such as saline sprays keep the nasal passages moist.
• Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus and keep your upper respiratory system moist.
• Don't starve a cold. Eating nutritious meals when you're sick is important. Your body needs the energy to fight off the bug.
• Tylenol can help with fever and body aches.
• Ibuprofen will help reduce swelling and any inflammation.
• Steam and hot liquids can help keep the mucus flowing and ease congestion.
• Take stuff to loosen the phlegm and make coughs more productive.
• Spit out anything you cough up. Don't swallow it.
• Suck on cough drops to keep the throat moist. A spoonful of honey is also good to alleviate cough.
• If it is allergies, take antihistamines to help alleviate the symptoms.
• If you have yellow or green snot, see a doctor about antibiotics if symptoms persist more than a few days.
• Avoid smoking and second hand smoke.

Remember, strange colored mucus doesn't always mean there is a problem. Colored mucus lasting for several days can be a problem, especially when other symptoms such as fever, headache, and cough are present.

Mucus colors are just an indication, not a precise diagnosis. You can still have an infection even with clear mucus. If you are concerned about something with your body, see a doctor.

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