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Yellowish mucus typically means that your white blood cells are "fighting off an illness or infection," says Nasseri. "Most commonly this is linked to the common cold and will likely clear on its own.
Having green, yellow, or thickened phlegm (sputum) does not always indicate the presence of an infection. Also, if an infection is present, the color of the phlegm (sputum) does not determine whether a virus, a bacterium or another pathogen has caused it. Simple allergies can also cause changes in the color of the mucus. [1]
If you experience difficulty breathing, develop a severe cough, notice thick green or yellow mucus, run a fever, and/or feel extremely fatigued. If your symptoms worsen instead of improve over time.
Yellow or green: Indicates an infection often by a virus or bacteria. The color is caused by an enzyme produced by the white blood cells combating the infection. Clear: Indicates allergies. Mucous membranes produce histamines and make more phlegm. Red: Indicates dry air. A nasal spray can be used to alleviate symptoms of a dry nose and throat.
It can result in a thick exudate of mucus and white blood cells caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes in the head in response to an infection. It is a symptom usually associated with the common cold , pharyngitis , and chesty coughs , but it can also be found in patients with adenoiditis , otitis media , sinusitis or tonsillitis .
Blood-laced mucus from the sinus or nose area can sometimes be misidentified as symptomatic of hemoptysis (such secretions can be a sign of nasal or sinus cancer, but also a sinus infection). Extensive non-respiratory injury can also cause one to cough up blood. Cardiac causes like congestive heart failure and mitral stenosis should be ruled ...
The color of your mucus can reveal some surprising things about your health. Here's what your mucus color means, according to experts.
In general, nasal mucus is clear and thin, serving to filter air during inhalation. During times of infection, mucus can change color to yellow or green either as a result of trapped bacteria [24] or due to the body's reaction to viral infection. For example, Staphylococcus aureus infection may turn the mucus yellow. [25]