Mucus, Phlegm, Colds: Nose Blowing & Your Health

This podcast delves into the marvels of mucus and phlegm, highlighting their crucial role as a natural defense mechanism within your immune system against viruses, bacteria, allergens, and other inhaled irritants. It explains how excess mucus is produced during colds or infections, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, and cough.

The overview emphasizes the impact of nose blowing on these symptoms, noting that forceful nose-blowing can increase pressure in nasal cavities, potentially pushing mucus into sinuses or ears, causing irritation, inflammation, swelling, and an increased risk of secondary bacterial infections or nosebleeds. It provides guidance on gentle nose-blowing techniques and other symptom management tips, such as maintaining hydration, using saline nasal sprays or humidifiers, and considering over-the-counter medications like expectorants, decongestants, or antihistamines to thin mucus and ease drainage. Additionally, it covers the significance of various mucus colors (e.g., clear, white, yellow, green, red, brown, black) as potential indicators of infection or other issues.