Other Substances in Nasal Mucous

• Nasal mucous also contains cells and immunoglobulin. These are gamma globulin proteins that are also found in the blood to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. In a culture of nasal mucous you will also find lysozymes, which are also found in egg whites. Lysozymes are super enzymes that damage bacteria cell walls.
  
  

Barrier of Protection

• Mucous not only attacks invaders with its potent chemicals, its thick composition serves as a natural barrier. Nasal mucous collects dust, allergens and other particles floating in the air before they can do damage within the body. The mucous forms a shell around these materials.
  
  

Consistency

• Nasal mucous ranges in consistency from clear and thin to thick and dense--the latter occurring when we are fighting off colds or other infections. Some people naturally produce more mucous than others, and some foods such as milk can cause more to form.
  
  

Color Changes

• Nasal mucous is usually clear when a person is healthy . When battling an infection, it can become dark green or yellow. Some people have even described their nasal mucous as having a red or blue tinge. Blood in the nasal passages or lungs can cause mucous to be pinkish or red. Yellow mucous is typically a sign of viral infection and green mucous of bacterial.
  
  

Smell

• In most instances nasal mucous will have a light odor or no odor at all. However, when a person is suffering from a cold the mucous may have a slightly musty odor due to the waste that is produced by the bacteria.