It has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between regular allergies, common cold, and covid-19. Millions of Americans experience seasonal allergies or related problems every single day. One of the many issues these conditions bring along is mucus or phlegm production. With an increasing number of cases, the paranoia is increasing too. Since covid is similar to other diseases, you may get confused. In this blog, we have explained how you can distinguish between the common cold, allergies, or covid by screening your mucus color and other signs and symptoms related to it.
What Is Mucus Your Mucus Trying To Tell?
The best way to know is to get a test done to confirm covid, but mucus color might tell when it is not.
Clear Watery Mucus
Mostly, clear drainage from the nasal cavity indicate early start of common cold, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Allergies are accompanied by itchy and watery eyes, with lots of sneezes.
Non-allergic rhinitis is usually drippy nose because of irritant exposure or hormonal changes.
However, in certain cases, clear drainage out of one nostril only can indicate cerebrospinal fluid dripping, which is harmful, especially if it happens after an impact. It is a state of a medical emergency, and it is best to get a doctor’s attention right away.
Cloudy Green Mucus
Cloudy mucus drained, green or yellow in color doesn’t mean covid it indicates a viral or bacterial infection. Both these infections are easily treatable with the help of either antibiotics or antivirals, whichever the case may be.
Viral and bacterial infections are characterized by fever, itchy nose, throat, runny nasal passages, headache, and loss of smell. All of these symptoms are also present in a covid patient. However, mucus color can act as a distinguishing factor between the two.
With the right medication, adequate rest, and hydration, viral and bacterial infections are easily handled and disappear within the due course. It is best to stay indoors when infected to not spread to others.
Pink or Red Mucus
Mucus, pink or red-colored does not signify covid but indicates bleeding from dry nasal passages. This may happen during extremely cold weather or infection because of excessive blowing. Usually, it is not frequent; consult your physician immediately if it is happening in continuity.
Black Mucus
Dark or black-colored mucus is a rare phenomenon but can happen. People living in high pollution areas or under fire mostly suffer from this problem.
Covid-19 Symptoms
If you are concerned about the mucus discharge from the body, here are some of the other symptoms to look out for:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body ache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Congestion
Vaccination is one of the safest methods to deal with this issue right now. However, if you test positive for covid, there is no need of panicking; steroids and pain relievers are working well for mild cases.
Take Out
Common colds and allergies do not last for more than 7 to 10 days; if the infection has surpassed this period, get proper testing done for ensuring the cause of distress. If you have unusual symptoms and mucus or phlegm is hindering breathing – shortness of breath, get in touch with one of our pulmonologists from Pulmonary Medical Consultant for a screening. Call now at 281 357 1300 for more information.