The story you didn't know about mucus: Let's learn about this protector in our body!

When you have a cold, your nose is blocked, your throat is runny, and your throat is full of mucus, which makes you feel very uncomfortable. We all think of this "phlegm" as a disease, a nuisance, something that needs to be removed from the body as soon as possible. But did you know that this mucus that you think is a nuisance is actually a silent but very important protector in your body? Yes, it's true. In this article, we will talk about what this mucus is, what service it provides to our body, and what the color of the mucus says about our health .

What exactly is this 'mucus'?

Simply put, mucus is a slippery, jelly-like fluid that our bodies produce. It acts as a protective coating on the inside of our bodies. It lines the inside of your respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs), digestive system (mouth to intestines), urinary system, and reproductive system.

We call it by different names. When it comes from the nose, it's called "snot," and when it comes from the throat and chest, it's called "phlegm." No matter what you call it, its basic function is the same. It's to protect us from harmful things, especially pathogens, that enter our bodies. It also allows things like oxygen and nutrients that our bodies need to get in. In other words, it's like a smart security guard. It lets the good guys in and keeps the bad guys out.

What service does mucus provide to our body?

Mucus is not just a sticky liquid. It performs an incredible service for our bodies. Let's take a look at its main functions.

• Protection from germs and harmful particles: When we breathe, how many things like dust, smoke, viruses, and bacteria enter our nose? This layer of mucus traps all of these like a sticky net. It traps them and protects them from entering our lungs and body tissues.

• Acting as part of the immune system: Mucus contains antibodies that act like our body's defense soldiers. These antibodies inactivate germs that enter the body, marking them for easier destruction by immune cells.

• Removing unwanted things from the body: Our body removes things like dust and germs that get trapped in mucus in a wonderful way. Tiny hair-like parts (cilia) in the nose push this mucus towards the throat. We swallow that mucus without realizing it. Then it goes to the stomach and is destroyed by the acids in the stomach. Or it comes out as mucus when we cough or sneeze.

• Providing moisture and lubrication: Mucus helps to keep our nose, throat, and eyes moist and prevents them from drying out. It also provides the lubrication needed for the food we eat to pass through our digestive tract. Another type of mucus is cervical mucus, which helps sperm travel to an egg in the reproductive system.

The story told by the color of mucus

Normally, a healthy person's mucus is clear and not very thick. But when you have an infection, the color and thickness of the mucus changes. This change can give us some clues about the condition of our body. But remember, the color of the mucus alone cannot determine the exact nature of the disease. It is only a clue.

Diseases that cause changes in mucus

There are many reasons why mucus can change in quantity, thickness, and color. Let's look at some of the main causes.

• Infections: As we discussed earlier, the main cause of increased mucus and thickening is a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory system. Examples include the common cold, sinusitis, and pneumonia.
• Allergies: People who are allergic to things like dust, pollen, and animal dander may have a constant runny nose with a clear, watery discharge.
• Lung diseases: Some chronic lung diseases can cause increased mucus production. For example, conditions like `(bronchiectasis)` and `(COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)`.
• Cystic Fibrosis: This is a genetic disease. People with this disease produce very thick, sticky mucus. This causes serious problems with the mucus getting stuck in organs like the lungs and pancreas.
• Digestive system problems: Some medical conditions can cause mucus to pass through the stool. For example, conditions like `(Diverticulitis)`, `(Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD)`, `(Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS)`.
• Hormonal problems: During periods of low estrogen levels, such as menopause, problems such as decreased vaginal lubrication and vaginal dryness can occur.
• Cancer: Very rarely, there are types of cancer that arise from mucus-producing cells (mucinous carcinomas).

What do you do when mucus increases?

Often, when you have an illness like a cold, the build-up of mucus is your body's attempt to expel toxins. But when your mucus becomes blocked and you're having trouble breathing, there are a few ways to ease the discomfort.

• Expectorants: These help thin out thick mucus and make it easier to cough up and remove from the chest.
• Nasal Rinses: Rinsing the inside of the nose with something like saline water can help clear mucus and reduce nasal congestion.
• Decongestants: These medications or nasal sprays temporarily reduce swelling and mucus production in the nose and throat.
• Antihistamines: These medications are useful if the mucus is increased due to allergies.

When do you need to see a doctor?

It's normal to have a runny nose with a common cold. However, it's important to see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• If your mucus becomes dark yellow or green and doesn't go away after a few days.
• If the color of the mucus is brown or black.
• If there is a significant amount of blood coming out with the mucus.
• If you have a fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, facial pain, or a severe headache with mucus.
• If the mucus persists for more than three weeks.

Isn't it good to swallow mucus?

This is a question that many people have. Is swallowing mucus good or bad? To be honest, swallowing mucus does not harm the body. We swallow mucus all day long without realizing it. When that mucus enters the stomach, the strong acids there destroy any toxins that may be present.

But some people may feel nauseous, cough more, or feel a tightness in their throat when swallowing mucus. For such people, it is good to blow their nose. But you should also think about others when doing so. The healthiest way is to put the mucus on a tissue, throw it in the trash, and wash your hands thoroughly.