Where Does All That Snot Come From During a Cold?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins and composition of mucus produced during a cold, exploring questions about its source, purpose, and the body's mechanisms for mucus production. Participants share personal experiences and inquire about the biological processes involved, including the role of mucous membranes and the impact of medications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Medical/health-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the volume of mucus produced during a cold and questions where it comes from and what it is made of.
  • Another suggests that mucus is produced by mucous membranes and lungs, along with dead germs.
  • Some participants mention the role of histamine in mucus production and its effects on nasal congestion.
  • There are claims that the body produces a significant amount of mucus daily, which can increase during illness.
  • One participant questions the effectiveness of antihistamines and their potential interference with recovery.
  • Another participant shares information about the composition of mucus, including mucins, inorganic salts, and cellular debris.
  • Discussion includes anatomical references to sinuses and their role in mucus drainage.
  • Some participants share personal experiences with medications like Sudafed and codeine for symptom relief.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that mucus is produced by mucous membranes and serves a protective function, but there is no consensus on the implications of antihistamine use or the exact mechanisms of mucus production and drainage. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness of various treatments and the body's response to colds.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about mucus composition and production mechanisms depend on specific biological definitions and may not account for individual variations in health or response to illness. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence and personal experiences that may not reflect broader medical consensus.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in biology, health, and the physiological responses to colds may find this discussion informative, particularly those curious about mucus production and treatment options.

  • #31
Mk said:
What does yellow mean?
Same thing. Bacterial.
 
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  • #32
Andy Resnick said:
A rule of thumb- if your mucus is cloudy, you have a bacterial infection. If it's clear, you have a viral infection. This is based on the size of the bug (light scattering).
Really? Huh. I'd always assumed the green/yellow was the carcasses of white blood cells.
 
  • #33
The green/yellow thing I know applies to sputum (what you cough up and spit out coming up from your lungs), but I'm not so sure it applies to nasal mucus (what comes out when you blow your nose). Every time I've ever had a cold, it starts out clear and runny, and as I start to get better and the mucus isn't produced so copiously, it thickens and gets yellowish just before finally going away (that's yellowish and cloudy, not green...green is probably still a sign of bacterial infection). Now you guys are going to make me spend my lunch hour looking up references on snot...thanks. :rolleyes:
 

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