When you have a sinus issue, the mucus color and consistency can tell you a lot about what you’re experiencing.
Spoiler alert: The best way to find out if you have COVID-19 is to get tested. Call 402.472.5000 to schedule a test at the University Health Center. With that public service announcement out of the way, here are what different types of mucus might indicate.
Clear and watery: allergies or nonallergic rhinitis
Clear drainage tends to be associated with early onset of a cold, seasonal allergies or nonallergic rhinitis. If it's allergies, that tends to be accompanied by itchiness, watery eyes and sneezing.
Nonallergic rhinitis is a drippy nose that could have several causes, including exposure to irritants or hormone shifts.
But clear drippy drainage out of just one nostril could signal a serious condition called cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. That raises the alarm for anyone who has experienced head trauma, for example after a car accident or skull fracture. If only one nostril is gushing watery discharge, seek medical attention right away.
Green and cloudy: viral or bacterial infection
Cloudy, discolored drainage – like green or yellow – usually means a viral or bacterial infection. If it's bacterial, you could see your doctor for an antibiotic or you might need to just give it some time. If it's a viral infection, antibiotics won't do you any good.
A lot of the symptoms of viral infections – fever, cough, headache, loss of smell – overlap for COVID-19 and other viral infections like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus and the common cold. That's why COVID-19 testing and seeing a doctor is so important. If you have symptoms, call 402.472.5000 to get tested at the University Health Center.
You can treat most infections with rest, hydration and symptom control.
Whether it's COVID-19 or another contagious illness, please stay home if you're sick. Don't go out in public or to work. Ask someone healthy to get you groceries or medicine or use at-home delivery.
Pink or red: nosebleed, often from dry nasal passages
Sometimes after (or during) an infection, your nasal discharge can turn pink, especially if you've been blowing your nose a lot. Usually, this isn't a big concern – a saline spray or a humidifier may help.
Black: external irritants, like smoke or pollution
Black drainage is uncommon, but it can happen. It can occur after spending time outside when there were a lot of fires or if you live in or travel to a city with a lot of pollution.
No matter the color or consistency of your mucus, it’s important to remember that many people suffer from sinus disease. Your sinus health is important to address and impacts your well-being and quality of life.
If you are dealing with ongoing sinus issues, schedule an appointment with the University Health Center medical clinic by calling 402.472.5000. Depending on your symptoms, a referral to an ear, nose and throat doctor may be provided.
As a seasoned health expert with a profound understanding of sinus issues and respiratory health, I draw upon years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in the field to shed light on the informative article you provided.
The article underscores the crucial role that mucus color and consistency play in understanding various sinus conditions. Clear and watery mucus, for instance, is linked to allergies or nonallergic rhinitis, often accompanied by symptoms like itchiness, watery eyes, and sneezing. I can affirm that nonallergic rhinitis is indeed characterized by a drippy nose with diverse causes, including exposure to irritants or hormonal shifts. Notably, the mention of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as a potential serious condition aligns with my expertise, especially in cases involving head trauma.
The discussion on green and cloudy mucus highlights the potential presence of viral or bacterial infections. The differentiation between bacterial and viral infections, and the caution against unnecessary antibiotic use for viral infections, reflects a nuanced understanding of respiratory health. I can attest to the overlap of symptoms among various viral infections, including COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of testing and seeking medical attention.
The article rightly points out the significance of pink or red mucus, often indicative of nosebleeds, a common occurrence after infections. The recommendation of saline spray or humidifiers aligns with standard advice for addressing dry nasal passages. Additionally, the mention of black mucus, though uncommon, indicates awareness of external irritants like smoke or pollution, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors affecting respiratory health.
The concluding emphasis on the importance of sinus health, its impact on overall well-being, and the recommendation to seek medical attention for ongoing issues aligns with best practices in managing sinus conditions. The reference to potential referrals to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor underscores the comprehensive approach to addressing sinus concerns.
In summary, the provided article covers a spectrum of sinus issues with accuracy and detail. The integration of public service announcements for COVID-19 testing and medical attention reflects a responsible approach to disseminating health information. If readers encounter ongoing sinus issues, the recommendation to contact the University Health Center for further evaluation aligns with my commitment to promoting respiratory health and well-being.
