We’ve all had a cold or flu unless you have a super immune system. It is uncomfortable as you feel like your nose is stuffed, and the worst part is that it does not clear up fast. It is also painful, especially when you blow your nose. A nasal mucus plug, also known as booger or snot, can vary in appearance depending on its consistency and color. In general, it is a clump of mucus that forms in the nasal cavity.
A nasal mucus plug may be yellowish, greenish, or brownish in color, and it can be either thick or thin. It may also be dry and crusty or wet and slimy.
In some cases, a nasal mucus plug may contain blood or pus, which can give it a different color and appearance.
Overall, the appearance of a nasal mucus plug can vary depending on the individual’s health, the underlying cause, and other factors. If you have concerns about your nasal mucus plug, it is best to consult a healthcare provider.
With a nasal mucus plug, you’ll develop breathing difficulties as you will be forced to blow your nose every few minutes. You will also notice that your tear ducts tend to overreact every time you blow your nose, and if you do it often, you might develop a headache.
The big question is, how can you get rid of the nasal mucus plug at home?
You are in luck as we discuss in detail what causes nasal mucus plug, how to eliminate it at home, and what to do to prevent it. But first, let’s understand what a nasal mucus plug is.
What Causes Nasal Mucus Plug?
If you have a nasal mucus plug, it might be due to the reasons listed below. But don’t worry, as you will easily get rid of your stuffy nose within a short time.
1. Allergies
If you are prone to allergies, it doesn’t matter what kind of allergy as any foreign matter affects your body, lowering its immune system and making it easy for diseases to attack you. Worse is if you have respiratory allergies, and as such, things such as pollen and dust will be your worst enemies.
Allergens force your nose to produce more mucus to protect your membranes and, at the same time, flush the allergens out. If you live in a place where it’s extra dusty, always keep your windows and doors closed. And ensure that the house is always cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
It would be best to invest in HEPA air filters to help remove all allergens, providing you with a clean home free of allergens.
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2. Lung infection
Your lungs are also at risk of being attacked by viruses and bacteria. And your body’s way of protecting you is by producing mucus excreted from your lungs through your nose. So if you notice a thick rubbery mucus from your nose in the absence of a cold, it might be a lung infection.
Some lung diseases that could lead to nasal mucus plug development include pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and bronchitis. Sometimes the mucus will be removed via your mouth as you cough and spit a clump of thick rubbery snot that is very disgusting. Sometimes, it might induce vomiting, especially if it gets stuck in your throat.
Steaming can help soften the mucus to remove it as mucus easily. However, if it’s due to these diseases, you’d better seek medical attention as it can be fatal.
3. Common cold
It is common knowledge that the common cold’s most prevalent symptom is mucus production. This is your body’s way of fighting off the infection. You will notice that your mucus is light at the beginning, and as it progresses, it becomes thick.
You can fight off the common cold by taking warm water mixed with ginger and a touch of lemon and honey. This is usually referred to as dawa. It does not work instantly, so make a habit of taking this concoction often, and within a few days, you will be as good as new.
4. Dry weather
Dry weather can trigger sinuses as the dry air prompts your mucus membrane to produce mucus for protection. So, when the air is dry, especially during winter, it would be wise to invest in a humidifier. It helps keep the air moist such that the air you breathe in is not dry.
5. Fungal infection
Another trigger for nasal mucus plug production is a fungal infection.
The most common fungal infection is fungal rhinosinusitis, a type of sinus infection caused by a fungus. Its symptoms as similar to that of the sinus as it encompasses nasal congestion and sinus pain usually felt between your eyes, forehead, and sometimes cheeks.
Treatment for fungal rhinosinusitis is usually through surgery, but some infections usually clear up themselves. This type of infection is most common in people with a weak immune system, particularly diabetic and leukemic people.
6. Dehydration
Your body’s hydration can also induce mucus production, especially if you are dehydrated. So always keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water. Avoid consuming lots of coffee, alcohol, or some medication as they can cause dehydration.
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What are the Symptoms of Nasal Mucus Plug?
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Chocking
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Headache or facial pressure
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
How to Get Rid of the Nasal Mucus Plug at Home
You can use various methods to get rid of nasal mucus plugs at home. These include:
1. Saline solution
Some people opt to apply a nasal drop on their noses. It helps soften the mucus to remove it as mucus and sometimes swallow it. It also helps decongest your nose.
If the nasal mucus plug gets stuck in your throat, you can gaggle water mixed with salt.
2. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking plenty of water helps you stay hydrated; thus, your mucus membrane will not be prompted to produce mucus to moisten your nose.
3. Humidifier
If you live in a dry region or during the winter season, you’d best invest in a humidifier. It helps keep the air moist; thus, the air you breathe in is not dry.
This is especially important at night as you tend to stay in one place. So place a humidifier in your bedroom, but make sure not to make to moist as it can also be detrimental to your health.
4. Get rid of irritants
We’ve found allergens are also a common cause of mucus production. So make your home free of allergen by keeping it always clean. It would also be beneficial to invest in an air purifier as it helps get rid of all the foreign bodies in the air, leaving it pure.
5. Nasal spray
The nasal spray also works the same as nasal drops as it helps soften the mucus so that you can swallow or remove it. It also helps soothe irritation in the nose by reducing inflammation in your mucous membranes.
A nasal spray is best used at night when your airways get blocked, as it will easily clear your nose.
6. Herbal teas
You can opt to take herbal teas to help soothe their sore throat and soften your thick blob of mucus. Some teas that help treat the common cold include lemon tea, elderberry tea, Echinacea tea, and green tea. You can also add a touch of honey to your herbal teas to taste.
7. Massage
A deep tissue massage can also help clear up your body, mainly if it focuses on your chest to open up your lungs.
8. Medicine
When all these home solutions fail, you’d best seek medical attention. You can visit your physician or get over-the-counter medication. These include:
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Expectorants for softening your mucus
- Decongestants to clear your airways, but don’t overuse them as they could lead to dizziness or spike up your blood pressure.
- Steaming, when you go to the hospital, they usually place a steaming machine on your nose to soften the mucus in your nose and lungs.
- Zinc supplements can help reduce the time you are sick, especially if you take them within 24hours after your symptoms appear.
Spicy food can also help soften your mucus.
Measures to Take to Prevent Nasal Mucus Plug
- Avoid vaping and cigarettes as they dry up your nose, triggering mucus production.
- Have a humidifier in your home
- Install air filters in your house
- If you are prone to respiratory allergies, always wear a respirator mask
- Stay hydrated
- Change your lifestyle habits
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Final Thoughts on What Does a Nasal Mucus Plug Look Like
The nasal mucus plug protects your mucous membrane, but it’s also very irritating, uncomfortable, and painful. This thick blob of mucus makes you feel stuffy and have a problem breathing as your airway is blocked.
In conclusion, a nasal mucus plug can have varying colors and textures depending on a person’s health and underlying conditions. While it is normal to have some nasal mucus, an excess of it can be a sign of a problem.
If you are experiencing frequent nasal mucus plugs or have concerns about their appearance, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment.
In general, it is important to maintain good nasal hygiene by blowing your nose regularly and avoiding irritants such as smoke or allergens. Keeping yourself hydrated and using a saline nasal spray can also help keep your nasal passages clear and healthy.
Overall, paying attention to your nasal mucus plugs and seeking medical attention when necessary can help you maintain good nasal health and improve your overall well-being.
