Before knowing how to treat green mucus, you should understand how it is formed. Mucus is nothing but enzymes and non-organic salts that protect our body from virus and bacteria. It is normal to have salivary gland secretion and mucus for safeguarding the body. But green mucus is an indication of infection caused by bacteria. The mucus changes its color to form greenish or yellow-green mucus. But you have to consult your doctor if you have green mucus accompanied by nasal congestion, sinus, and high fever for more than 3 days and bloody discharge in the mucus or cough.
Presence of green mucus can be indicative of cold, flu, sinusitis, nasal polyps, dryness and allergic reaction. It clearly shows that your body is attacked by virus or bacteria. It has to be dealt with seriously but unlike many people believe, you should not take antibiotics for getting rid of green mucus.
What Causes Green Mucus ?
Sinusitis, rhinitis, infection in the nasal membranes or any infection caused to the membrane lining of trachea or bronchioles may cause green mucus. The infection can be due to viruses or bacteria or any other microorganism. Actually, secretion of green mucus helps your body to moisten the airways and nose thus preventing the lining and tissues to dry out. It also helps in trapping the foreign particles like bacteria and viruses inside. Given that, green mucus is literally protecting your lungs and respiratory organs from invasion of bacteria and viruses.
How it Changes Color ?
Normally, healthy mucus is colorless or whitish grey in color. There will be always circulation of mucus from the nasal cavities to the sinus and vice-versa, thus facilitating free circulation. When the mucus is blocked in the midway for some reason, it will give room for the growth of bacteria or viruses causing infection. This infection changes the color of plain mucus to green or greenish yellow mucus. You can also feel bad odor coming through the nose or mouth while spitting out mucus.