You’ve got a cold and blow your nose. Much to your dismay, you discover black mucus. Should you be concerned? Well, some of the causes may point to serious health issues, while others don’t. In this article, we list the most common causes of black mucus. No doubt, the most important thing to remember is to seek medical advice if your mucus boasts an unusual black tint.
Causes of Black Mucus
Did you know that the mucus in your nose is there to protect you against environmental pollutants and infections? That’s precisely the reason for its existence. Most of the time, this mucus is clear, coating the inside of your nose with a light, moist barrier. However, if you’ve got a cold, this mucus become heavier and more abundant, while also taking on a different color. So, what about black mucus? Here are some of the factors that tinge your mucus black or give it black streaks:
- Dust and Dirt: If you’re working in a dusty environment, you’re bound to inhale some of it. This may turn your mucus black.
- Smoke: Inhaling smoke from a fire can also blacken your mucus. By the same token, cigarette or marijuana smokers may also have black mucus. This is due to the high aluminum content of the associated smoke. Smoke inhalation from a fire is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Environmental Pollutants: If you’re working in a coal mine or similar environments, your mucus may also be black. Over time, exposure to environmental pollutants can leads to serious health issues.
- Infections: Fungal infections like Aspergillosis and mucormycosis are also associated with black mucus.
- Foreign Bodies: Children sometimes put items into their nose which then become lodged and may cause a discharge of black mucus.
Final Thoughts
So, these are the things that may make your mucus go black. Visit your doctor at once if you’re mucus is black.
