When does nasal mucus require a doctor's consultation? | health

The German Association of Otolaryngologists said that it is possible through color Nasal mucus Inferring health status, noting that the color of nasal mucus has the following indications:

• Transparent and clear: Normally, nasal mucus is transparent and clear.
• White: The white and cloudy color of nasal mucus indicates an early cold.
• Yellow: The yellow color of nasal mucus indicates that the cold is progressing and the immune system has begun to fight the pathogen.
• Green: The green color of nasal mucus indicates increased activity of the immune system in fighting pathogens. The green color may also indicate a bacterial infection causing sinusitis.
• Red: The red color is due to the presence of blood in the mucus, and it indicates that the mucous membrane has been damaged due to inflammatory processes.
• Brown: Brown color may also indicate the presence of blood in the mucus, and it may also be due to inhaling dirt or pollen through the nose. In addition, the brown color of nasal mucus is due to heavy smoking.
• Black: Black color of nasal mucus indicates a fungal infection.

The association recommended that special caution be taken when bacteria infect the sinuses and cause suppurative sinusitis, as there is a risk of the infection spreading to surrounding areas such as bone membranes, eye sockets, meninges, or the brain. Such serious complications require timely medical care.

Consultation with a doctor.. When?

Therefore, the Association stressed the need to consult a doctor urgently if sudden changes in the color of nasal mucus are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever (higher than 39 degrees Celsius), shivering, severe headache, severe limb pain, throat and ear pain, and shortness of breath, in addition to the emission of an odor. Purulent nasal mucus.