What the colour of your snot says about your health – from harmless bugs to dangerous fungal infections
FEELING all bunged up and snotty is no fun.
But if you've given your nose a big blow, you might be slightly alarmed at the colour of your snot.
Most of the time, a little bit of mucus is nothing to worry about.
However experts have warned that if it's changing colour then it could be a sign of bugs or even fungal infections.
Clear
Dr Raj Sindwani from the Cleveland Clinic in the said that if you have clear mucus then this is normal.
That's because most snot is a mixture of water, dissolved salts, proteins and antibodies.
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The expert added that it's common for the liquid to flow back down the throat before safely being dissolved in the stomach.
Yellow
Pharmacist Rita Ghelani explained that if you have yellow snot which is thicker than usual, then it could be a sign that your body is trying to fight an infection.
"The yellow colour is a result of your infection-fighting white blood cells being expelled with your mucus. You’re probably feeling rough and very blocked up," the expert said.
Black
In most cases, black snot is down to the area you live in, for example if you live in a place with a lot of pollution or if you smoke.
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However, in rare cases it is also a symptom of Mucormycosis.
This is a rare fungal infection that people can contract after inhaling the spores - but it only appears in around one in every one million people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) states.
It's one of the most dangerous fungal infections in the world, and has a mortality rate of around 50 per cent.
White
Dr Sindwani said white snot is often a sign that you have a nasal infection or a cold, he told the .
If this is the case you'll likely also have a swollen nose and be suffering with some congestion.
The expert explained that tissue inflammation results in a slowed flow of mucus, which is a much thicker and cloudier texture.
Rita added that snot this colour is 'nothing to worry about'.
Green
Rita, who worked with nasal spray brand , said if your snot is green, then the infection has taken hold and your immune system is in overdrive.
"You might have a temperature and be feeling feverish – if that’s the case it might be wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist,"; she said.
Pink or red
When your boogers turn pink or red, Dr Sindwani said that this is because nasal tissue has become broken within the nose.
“Full-on red could be a nosebleed related most likely to trauma, or possibly infection.
"A few specks of blood or a pinkish hue mucus may not be a big deal. That could be just damage or irritation of the lining," he added.
Brown
Rita added that brown mucus can signal old blood in your mucus.
"It can also by a sign of bacterial pneumonia, or something more serious and definitely should be checked with your GP," she said.
In most cases, your snot will be down to a harmless cold.
But if you're worried about any of your symptoms you can call 111 who will be able to advise you on next steps, you can also visit a pharmacist.
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111 will be able to give you advice and if necessary, will refer you to your GP.
In the event on an emergency, always call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.