Sinus and Nasal Mucus - Its Hues, the Allergy Connection and How to Get Rid of It

Coming in a variety of hues and consistencies it is one of the most loathsome, annoying aspects of our humanity. Yet, have you wondered if those hues mucus comes in really mean anything? Or, is it just another way nature chooses to display its many color splendors--here to camouflage a yucky, but vital function? Could some relevant data about it make it more bearable next time you may have to deal with it? Let's try.

Mucus is to our respiratory (breathing) organs both: a filter and a humidifier. These two functions are vital for keeping this wonderful breathing machine of ours working smoothly. They prevent it from becoming clogged or contaminated. Imagine what would happen if all the viruses, germs and foreign particles mucus traps were allowed to roam free and bring their nefarious results. Life would be pretty miserable. Mucus not only traps, but disposes of those unwanted elements in an ingenious manner. It also washes away irritants that otherwise would torment us like: itchy noses, infected sinuses, long coughing spells.

Mucus hues

Allergies, on the other hand, often are a significant player in the production of nasal and sinus mucus. The key word is: "irritation," of the sinus and nasal membranes by such things as: house dust, pollens, smoke, smog, chemical fumes, dust particles. Those membranes are programmed to get rid of anything that is foreign to them or biochemically unacceptable. Thus they produce an abundance of secretion to wash off whatever it deems potentially damaging. This secretion is a form of mucus called histamine. It is usually clear, but if an infection develops it changes to a light yellow, then to a darker yellow. Finally, If a bacterial secondary infection should happen to develop also the color could turn green.

Allergies

The best thing is to avoid the allergic irritation in the first place. This can be accomplished by blocking the body's automatic immune system response to incoming perceived threats; so that the production of histamine is blocked. And here is the reason why antihistamines have become a popular medication. The downside to this simple therapy is that they have side effects. One of them is drowsiness, with its potential risks if one needs to drive, work with machinery, etc. Sometimes, however, the allergic reactions are so overwhelming that antihistamines are not very effective. In those cases the immune system needs to be desensitized to specific allergens.

How to get rid of mucus

If you suspect some specific item is causing you severe allergic reaction get close to that item. Breath deeply and see what happens. If you are allergic to it you will soon know it: sneezing, profuse histamine production, itchy eyes, nose or both, will immediately follow. Depending on the severity of the reaction you may want to consider seeing an allergy specialist who may recommend skin allergy tests. They are performed by injecting very small amounts of serum, of the suspected allergen, just below the skin to see what kind of reaction it produces. For example, a red disk around the injected spot would be a positive reaction; the size of the disk would indicate the severity of the reaction. The testing is relatively painless and it is the best way to determine if you have allergies to which you may need to be desensitized. This, then, is accomplished by means of regular allergy injections.

If you have a chronic abundance of mucus and allergy tests reveal strong sensitivity to certain allergens, the best way to get rid of that mucus and begin to enjoy life more normally again is to take allergy injections regularly.