- #1
Gerenuk
- 1,027
- 5
Why do we sneeze out this yellow stuff, when we have a cold? Does it have to do with bacteria? Are they collected somehow?
Medical What Color is Snot When Sick and Why?
- Thread starter Gerenuk
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the color of mucus during illness, specifically when experiencing a cold. Mucus is typically clear but can turn yellow or green due to the presence of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that combat infections. The enzyme myeloperoxidase, released by these cells, contributes to the greenish hue of infected mucus due to its high iron content. The conversation also highlights that colored mucus, known as purulent rhinitis, does not automatically warrant antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of human immune response mechanisms
- Knowledge of mucus composition and function
- Familiarity with the role of neutrophils in infection
- Awareness of the implications of antibiotic use in viral infections
- Research the role of myeloperoxidase in immune responses
- Learn about purulent rhinitis and its clinical significance
- Investigate the differences between viral and bacterial infections
- Explore the impact of hydration on mucus production and immune function
This discussion is beneficial for medical students, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the physiological responses of the body during infections, particularly regarding mucus and immune function.
- #2
Monique
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 4,211
- 61
I'll venture an answer to this sticky question 
Mucus is normally clear, it functions as a natural protection mechanism of your body. During an infection you produce an increased amount of mucus and white blood cells (neutrophils) are attracted to the area to fight the infection. The neutrophils will try and combat the infection by engulfing the pathogen and secreting toxins. Some will die in the process, creating a pus. The enzyme myeloperoxidase that is excreted by the neutrophils seems to be to blame for a greenish color of infected mucus, due to the high iron-content.
Mucus is normally clear, it functions as a natural protection mechanism of your body. During an infection you produce an increased amount of mucus and white blood cells (neutrophils) are attracted to the area to fight the infection. The neutrophils will try and combat the infection by engulfing the pathogen and secreting toxins. Some will die in the process, creating a pus. The enzyme myeloperoxidase that is excreted by the neutrophils seems to be to blame for a greenish color of infected mucus, due to the high iron-content.- #3
Gerenuk
- 1,027
- 5
Oh scary... 
And this happens in the nose only? Why?
There is not transport of pathogens to the nose?
And this happens in the nose only? Why?
There is not transport of pathogens to the nose?
- #4
Monique
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 4,211
- 61
Your nose is lined by a thin mucous membrane, it is where the outside air is filtered and moistened before it enters your lungs. It is where pathogens have easy access, they also really like the moist environment.
- #5
hypatia
- 1,177
- 10
Purulent rhinitis, is the correct name for colored snots. A out dated rule of thought was if your snot was yellow or green, the Doctor would automatically give you antibiotics. Now they know better, and wait for other signs of infection. Most often we just ride it out, with a lot of tea and soup.
- #6
Monique
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 4,211
- 61
Especially since antibiotics don't work against a viral infection.hypatia said:
- #7
lyu0001
- 1
- 0
It possibly means that you have lower immune system while foreigh infections attacked your body. Immune cells couldn't clean faster than normal condition and caused cell damages that what the yellow stuff you see.
------------------------------
Immune cells clean infections by releasing cytotoxins, interleukin factors ,etc. The damage includes pathogens, infeceted cells and normal injured cells.
------------------------------
Immune cells clean infections by releasing cytotoxins, interleukin factors ,etc. The damage includes pathogens, infeceted cells and normal injured cells.
- #8
WadeS
- 13
- 0
That is bacteria or more like slavia. It's not only yellow depending on how sick you are it will change: Clear=your imune system is safe. Yellow= you're immune system is in war but is winning.Green= very bad,you're immune system is losing to bacteria. Green rarely happens but to be sure I'm proud to tell you so it can prevent more sickness.
Wade.
Wade.
Similar threads
- · Replies 32 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 3 ·
- · Replies 5 ·
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 17 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
Undergrad
On Mixing Colors of Light
- · Replies 207 ·
- · Replies 5 ·