Mucus can look clear, yellow or green. It can be thin and watery or thick and clotted. It usually appears in the nose and/or throat. It can last for a few days, months or even years. People who have any form of mucus should discuss their symptoms with their doctors. Most of the time, mucus does not prove serious and can be easily remedied, but in some cases, it can indicate a more life-threatening condition.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are often linked to mucus production. When the body is under allergen attack, it becomes inflamed, manifesting itself in the form of a rash, headache or runny nose. Dairy, eggs, wheat and peanuts prove common offenders, according to "Natural Solutions." Soy, shellfish, and tree nuts can also trigger mucus production, says pediatrician Dr. Sears. A simple elimination diet will usually reveal whether the cause of mucus results from a certain food.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies such as dust, mold and pollen may cause mucus. If a person notices mucus production follows a seasonal pattern, then the environment is likely to blame. Many people who suffer from environmental allergies often find relief from over-the-counter medications such as Claritin or Zyrtec. A nasal rinse may help dislodge any dust or pollen that gets stuck in the nasal passages and triggers mucus production.
Virus or Bacterial Infection
A side effect of most viral infections such as influenza or mononucleosis or bacterial infections such as the common cold is excessive mucus production. The Cleveland Clinic advises patients to rest and use over-the-counter decongestants such as Sudafed or antihistamines such as Benadryl. If symptoms do not improve after 10 days or if clear mucus suddenly becomes green, antibiotics may become necessary to fight the infection and rid the body of excess mucus.
Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Asthma
The Cleveland Clinic notes cystic fibrosis, emphysema and asthma as life-threatening conditions that cause mucus. In each case, the mucus will be thick and interfere with a person's ability to function on a daily basis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease usually diagnosed by a sweat test. Emphysema usually occurs because of years of smoking or breathing second-hand smoke. The cause of asthma remains unknown, but it is a disease of the bronchial tubes that requires medication.
