Mucus in the nose and throat: Why it is created and what is its role

In the Respiratory, the nasal cavity, which is the beginning of the respiratory tract, is covered with a membrane, the mucosa.

The mucus produced there contributes to dust retentionand other foreign particles in the inhaled air.

The mucus is a shield of the organism. 

We usually don't feel it, but various factors can help turn it into thick, so it becomes noticeable and naturally unpleasant.

Respiratory infections such as the common cold, sinus infections, smoking or even the environment can make the mucus thick and especially noticeable.

"Mucus is like a gelatinous, sticky substance whose function is to lubricate and filter," says Dr. Michael Ellis, Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Mucus is different from phlegm. Phlegm is not produced by the nose, but by the lower air receptors in response to an inflammation. It may not even be noticeable until you cough it up as a symptom of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Mucus, Dr. Ellis explains, "helps to protect the lungs by trapping dirt and dust that we inhale, while on the other hand, a yellow or green mucus, phlegm, which is usually accompanied by an unpleasant odor, is in most cases a sign of some infection, but not necessarily because of the color. Many times the mucus can get its color from the dust particles we inhale."

Causes that may favor the creation of thick and annoying mucus are:

• The dry environment, either due to air conditioning or excessive heat
• Dehydration if you don't drink water often or consume caffeinated drinks that can cause frequent urination
• Smoking
• Medicines that dehydrate the body

One warm bath will relieve you from the feeling of thick mucus in the throat or nose due to water vapor and will help you feel better temporarily.

If you notice very often that you have thick mucus in the nose and throat, it is good to consult a doctor because many have fallen into the trap of self-diagnosing themselves by assuming they have an allergy (which is actually signaled by lots of watery discharge accompanied by other allergy symptoms). Then they take antihistamines when they shouldn't, which eventually dries out the nose and makes the mucus thicker and the feeling even more unpleasant.

That is why it is very important to make a correct diagnosis.

onmed.gr