Why is my boogers white

You may be healthy or have a cold, allergies, or another underlying condition. Your body produces around 1. This type of mucus is made up of water with proteins, antibodies, and salts. Once it reaches the stomach, it dissolves.

Your body continues making it around the clock to help line and protect your nose and sinuses. Some women develop a runny nose during pregnancy called nonallergic rhinitis. Researchers explain that this condition is caused by hormonal changes and can develop at any gestation.

This condition usually resolves within a couple weeks of delivery. You may also experience swelling or inflammation in your nose and a slow flow of nasal mucus.

Being stuffy makes your snot lose its water content. It becomes thick and even cloudy, both signs that you may have a cold or infection brewing. The common cold can make you feel generally unwell. Your symptoms will usually develop between one and three days after being exposed to the virus. Children are particularly prone to colds. Adults, on the other hand, may experience between two and three colds each year.

Yellow mucus is a sign that whatever virus or infection you have is taking hold. The good news? Your body is fighting back. The yellow color comes from the cells — white blood cells, for example — rushing to kill the offending germs. Your illness may last anywhere from 10 to 14 days , but keep an eye on your nasal discharge.

If your immune system kicks into high gear to fight infection, your snot may turn green and become especially thick. The color comes from dead white blood cells and other waste products. In fact, some sinus infections may be viral, not bacterial. You may have a bacterial sinus infection or another bacterial infection that requires medication. Blood in your snot will tinge it pink or red. Women who are pregnant may also experience bloody snot. This may be due to blood volume increases, hormones, or swollen nasal passages.

If your child is experiencing bleeding, call their pediatrician. This is especially important if your tot is under age 2. If your blood is the result of an acute injury like a car accident, seek medical attention to rule out more serious issues.

Brown snot may be the result of old blood exiting the body. Your doctor will get to know you and your history and can plan your treatments accordingly.

Our PCPs offer a variety of services, including preventive care and treatment for both urgent and chronic conditions. Share this on: You may call it mucus, phlegm, boogers , snot, or something extra cutesy. Have more questions about your health? Get them answered by contacting a UPMC primary care doctor. Never Miss a Beat! Tap Click to Join! I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time.

Yellow snot is a sign that whatever infection you may be battling is attempting to take over. The good news is that your body is officially in fight mode. Snot becomes yellow due to the high concentration of white blood cells, as an immune response to the infection. Consistent yellow snot may be a sign of chronic sinus infections. Dead white blood cells and other unwanted waste accelerate your snot into the greenish color. Pink or red snot is a clear indicator of blood.

If you experience light nosebleeds, consider a saline spray, avoid nose-picking and lighten up on the nose-blowing. Consider retracing your steps when it comes to brown or orange snot. This is a sign of old blood leaving the body or contact with a foreign substance such as dirt. While not the most common of discolored snot, black snot could be a sign of a fungal infection. Fungal infections tend to affect those with a compromised immune system and should be taken seriously. Whether the signs in your snot are giving you insight to a temporary issue or something serious, you should always consult with a medical professional if you have sinus concerns.