Why are boogers green

Most healthy people aren't susceptible to these infections. They're more common, although still somewhat rare, in people with an immune system that's weakened due to illness or medication. Other potential causes of black snot are:. Don't just assume you have black snot because you're a smoker, though. Not only can a fungal infection be dangerous, it could be a sign that you have an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder, so get medical attention. If you have congestion with the following symptoms, it may be time to get evaluated:.

Many sinus infections go away on their own without antibiotics, but some do require treatment. Your healthcare provider can determine what over-the-counter or prescription medicine is best to help relieve your symptoms. Changes in mucus color, from clear to white to yellow to green, are part of the normal course of an illness. It's a sign that your immune system is fighting to get better.

Pink, red, orange, or brown mucus, on the other hand, is typically not from an illness. It may just mean that there is blood or dried blood in your nose. If you have black mucus, which is rare, it may signal a fungal infection and you need to see a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers don't often make a diagnosis based solely on the color of mucus, but it can help complete the picture.

So while it's useful to tell your healthcare provider if your mucus has changed color and consistency, don't expect to automatically get antibiotics just because it's green. Your healthcare provider will use all the information at their disposal to determine the best course of action. Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season.

Sign up and get yours today. Don't judge your mucus by its color. Updated June 22, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic prescribing and use in doctor's offices: Sinus infection sinusitis. Updated August 27, Cleveland Clinic. What the color of your snot really means: decoding the various possible hues.

Updated January 14, The skinny on snot: What your child's mucus says about their health. It tends to turn whitish when it dries, but depending on what comes into contact with it, boogers may have different colors. Boogers can carry bacteria and viruses, which then get spread from your hands to whatever you touch. It also works the other way — germs on your hands can spread to your nose.

Moreover, picking can irritate the delicate tissues in your nose and make them more susceptible to infection. Instead of picking, gently blow your nose.

You can also try a saline nasal rinse with distilled water to rinse your nasal passages. Some kids like to eat their boogers. This is typically experienced by heavy smokers or people who live in highly polluted areas. In rare cases, black snot can be a sign of fungal infection. If you notice this color when you blow your nose, you should consult a doctor. Remember that the color of mucus can be a broad indication of what is occurring in your body, but should not be considered sufficient for a diagnosis.

However, if you are experiencing an unusually high amount of mucus production accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Book Online. Patient safety is our utmost priority at The Medical Offices of Manhattan. Our staff has exercised diligent efforts to maximize safety measures to make sure you feel comfortable and welcome while visiting us.

We Now Offer Dermatology! Govindaraj says. Instead, he suggests that you try an over-the-counter expectorant like Mucinex guaifenesin , which breaks up and thins mucus in the chest and throat so that it is easier to cough up and expel. Snot dried by the air becomes a squishy or crumbly booger that many people — especially young kids — like to pick out of their nose and eat. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: May 1, Medically Reviewed.