What Does It Mean When Your Snot Is Yellow

When it is caused by bacteria you may notice yellow or green phlegm nasal congestion postnasal drip and pressure in your sinus cavities.

When your snot turns yellow it means your illness is progressing normally. The yellow color comes from the cells white blood cells for example rushing to kill the offending germs. Your mucus usually turns yellow when your body is fighting an infection. You might have heard that yellow or green mucus is a clear sign that you have an infection but despite that common misperception the yellow or green hue isn t due to bacteria.

An individual may notice phlegm also referred to as mucus coming from the nose for a variety of different reasons the flow of yellow phlegm from the nose almost always means that some type of irritation or inflammation is present. Once the cells have done their work they re discarded in your snot and tinge it a. When your mucus traps potential illness causing debris like pathogens that cause the common cold or flu your immune system. In many cases a person notices phlegm coming from the nose because of a virus including a common cold an allergy or even asthma.