What the colour of your bogies reveal about your health – and when it’s time to see a doctor

VERY few people talk about the color of their bodily fluids.

But the color of your snot and temples can actually reveal a lot about your health.

1

The chunks are essentially hardened nasal mucus, often referred to as snot.

Snot is made to protect your nose from infection and irritation from objects like your nails.

But your body can’t hold the liquid forever.

Much of the clog eventually drains out of your sinuses and through your nose for drainage, experts say healthyline say.

It’s useful to pay attention to the color of what’s oozing out – it can be a clue that you’re not as sick as you might be feeling, or that you should get checked out.

So what are the colors and what do they mean?

CLEAR

This is considered normal or healthy.

According to the NHS, your body produces around 1.7 liters of this discharge every day, but you usually swallow most of it.

Mucus is made up of water containing proteins, antibodies and salts – it’s very important for lining and protecting your nose and sinuses.

Once it gets into your stomach, it dissolves.

YELLOW

Pharmacist Rita Ghelani said if you notice your feces or snot turning a yellowish tint, it could be a sign your body is fighting an infection.

“The yellow color comes from your infection-fighting white blood cells being excreted with your mucus.

“You’re probably feeling rough and very constipated,” the expert said.

BLACK

In most cases, the occurrence of black boogers depends on where you live and the air you breathe.

People who live in heavily congested — and therefore polluted — areas are more likely to see black stuff up their noses than those who live in the countryside.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it could be a sign of a serious fungal infection, to which people with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible.

These are mycetoma fungal sinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic indolent sinusitis, and fulminant sinusitis.

Smokers or drug addicts can also have black nasal discharge.

GREEN

Rita, who worked with nasal spray brand Xlear, said if your snot is green then the infection has taken hold and your immune system is in overdrive.

“You may have fevers and fevers – if that’s the case, it might be wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist,” she said.

WHITE

dr Raj Sindwani of the Cleveland Clinic in the US said white snot is often a sign that you have a nasal infection or a cold.

If this is the case, you probably also have a swollen nose and suffer from nasal congestion.

In conversation with the NY Postthe expert explained that tissue inflammation results in slowed flow of mucus, which is much thicker and cloudier in texture.

Rita added that snot that color is “nothing to worry about.”

RED OR BROWN

If your boogers are turning red or brown, that means there was some blood there.

dr Raj said: “Full red could be a nosebleed which is most likely due to trauma or possibly infection.

“A few bloodstains or a pink goo might not be a big deal. It could just be damage or irritation of the mucosa.”

Rita added that brown phlegm can indicate old blood in the phlegm.

“It could also be a sign of bacterial pneumonia or something more serious and should definitely be checked out by your GP,” she said.

When should you see a doctor?

In most cases, colored snot is due to a harmless cold.

However, if you are concerned about any of your symptoms, you can call 111, who can advise you on next steps. You can also visit a pharmacist.

In an emergency, always call 999 or visit the nearest emergency room.