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Medical City Healthcare

What Your Runny Nose Says About Your Health

Find out what your runny nose says about your health based on the features of the mucus, such as whether it's clear, white, yellow, green, red, brown or red.

When you think you're healthy but you're (s)NOT.

What your runny nose says about your health:

  • Clear: colorless snot is normal. Stringy or liquidy may indicate allergies or a virus.
  • White: Thick, whitish mucus for more than 2 weeks may indicate an infection.
  • Yellow: May indicate that you are sick but your body is trying to fight it.
  • Green: May indicate that your body is fighting an infection. If it lasts more than 10 days, see your doctor.
  • Red: May indicate irritated nasal passages due to dry climates, high elevations, allergies or asthma.
  • Brown: May indicate heavy pollution or tobacco use.
  • Black: May indicate a serious fungal infection or other health issue. See your doctor right away.