VERY few people talk about the colour of their bodily fluids.
But the shade of your snot and bogies can actually reveal a lot about the state of your health.
Paying attention to your bogies and snot can be helpful and keep a track on your health
The chunks are essentially hardened nasal mucus, which is often called snot.
Snot is produced to keep your nose safe from infections and irritation from objects, like your nails.
But your body can’t hold in all that liquid in forever.
Much of the stuffy eventually drips out of your sinuses and through your nose for drainage, experts at Healthline say.
Taking note of the colour of what trickles out is useful – it can indicate that you’re not as ill as you might feel, or that you should get checked out.
So what are the colours and what do they mean?
CLEAR
This is what is considered normal or healthy.
According to the NHS, every day your body will produce about 1.7 litres of this discharge, but you usually swallow most of it.
The mucus is made up of water containing proteins, antibodies and salts – it’s very important to help line and protect your nose and sinuses.
Once it gets into your stomach it dissolves.
YELLOW
Pharmacist Rita Ghelani said if you notice your bogies or snot edging towards a yellow shade, it could be a sign your body is fighting an infection.
“The yellow colour is a result of your infection-fighting white blood cells being expelled with your mucus.
“You’re probably feeling rough and very blocked up,” the expert said.
BLACK
In most cases, having black boogers is down to where you live, and the air you breath in.
People who live in highly congested – and so, polluted – areas are more likely to see black stuff in their noses than those who live in the countryside.
It could be the sign of a serious fungal infection, which people with compromised immune systems can be more susceptible, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
These are mycetoma fungal sinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic indolent sinusitis and fulminant sinusitis.
Smokers or drug takers may also have black nasal discharge.
GREEN
Rita, who worked with nasal spray brand Xlear, said if your snot is green, then the infection has taken hold and your immune system is in overdrive.
“You might have a temperature and be feeling feverish – if that’s the case it might be wise to consult your doctor or pharmacist,” she said.
WHITE
Dr Raj Sindwani from the Cleveland Clinic in the US said white snot is often a sign that you have a nasal infection or a cold.
If this is the case you’ll likely also have a swollen nose and be suffering with some congestion.
Speaking to the NY Post, the expert explained that tissue inflammation results in a slowed flow of mucus, which is a much thicker and cloudier texture.
Rita added that snot this colour is “nothing to worry about”.
RED OR BROWN
When your boogers turn red or brown, this suggests there has been some blood there.
Dr Raj said: “Full-on red could be a nosebleed related most likely to trauma, or possibly infection.
“A few specks of blood or a pinkish hue mucus may not be a big deal. That could be just damage or irritation of the lining.”
Rita added that brown mucus can signal old blood in your mucus.
“It can also by a sign of bacterial pneumonia, or something more serious and definitely should be checked with your GP,” she said.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
In most cases, coloured snot will be down to a harmless cold.
But if you’re worried about any of your symptoms you can call 111 who will be able to advise you on next steps, you can also visit a pharmacist.
In the event on an emergency, always call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.