About Mucus

Mucus. It's something we all have, but rarely think about. What is it and what purpose does it serve? Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the slimy goo we all know and love: mucus.

Significance

• Despite its apparent lack of purpose, mucus is actually a very important bodily fluid. In the nose, this thick, slimy goo serves as a filter for the air you breathe by trapping bacteria, smoke and other pollutants and stopping them before they enter your body. So, contrary to what you may think, mucus serves as a powerful defense mechanism and helps prevent illnesses. At the same time, however, it can be a source of discomfort and annoyance if your body starts to produce too much of it.

Effects

• An overabundance of mucus is your body's way of warning you that you have come into contact with a virus or bacteria. Because your body is trying to fight off this infection, it begins to overproduce mucus, which leads to symptoms such as sinus pressure, congestion or a runny nose. Although these conditions are certainly inconvenient and uncomfortable, they actually indicate that your body is defending itself and should therefore be a sign of relief, as it means that your immune system is functioning properly.

Types

• Your nose is not the only place you will find mucus. In fact, this substance is found in many of your body's major organs including your lungs, urinary tract, intestines, throat and even your reproductive organs. In the lungs, mucus once again serves as a type of filter. If you do manage to breathe in foreign material, once it gets to your airway lining, mucus traps those substances. But when those pollutants reach your lungs, thanks to the mucus, you'll immediately cough them out. Mucus also lines your throat and helps moisten your food and make it easier to swallow. Cervical mucus is found in women's reproductive organs and helps prevent infection. In males, mucus is found in the semen and actually serves as the major source of energy for sperm.

Features

• So what is mucus anyway? The gelatinous substance is made of white blood cells, water, inorganic salts and mucin (a type of lubricant). Although certain conditions may cause your mucus to have a strange color, normal mucus is thin and clear. Other mucus colors may indicate a bacterial infection or virus: thick, green mucus, for example, usually indicates a sinus infection, a condition that often causes sinus pressure, headaches and congestion; yellow mucus may also indicate a less severe sinus infection. However, yellow mucus may turn green as the condition worsens; brown, blood-tinged mucus can be caused by several things, including cigarettes, alcohol and foods such as chocolate and garlic. Brown mucus is often accompanied by a bloody nose or an irritated throat and, finally, you may see white mucus, which is usually caused by dairy products and starts with a runny nose.

Warning

• Because mucus serves so many purposes,make sure to pay attention to it. If your body begins to produce too much or too little of it, you may want to see a doctor, as it can be a sign of a serious condition such as asthma, bronchitis or flu. Mucus in the stool may even indicate abdominal cancer.