Why does the body secrete mucus?

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Mucus is a bodily secretion that anyone has. They ensure function and a lot of activities in the body. In fact, they are likened to a protective layer and keep warm to keep vital organs from drying out. So why does the body secrete mucus?

1. What is mucus?

According to experts, mucus is extremely important for our body. If our body is likened to an engine, mucus is likened to oil and lubricant. Without mucus, the engine would not be able to run smoothly.
So why does the body secrete mucus? How much mucus is secreted is considered normal, how much is too much.....and many other related questions. We will learn together through the following article:
Mucus is a normal, slippery fluid secreted by many tissues lining the body. Mucus is essential for functions and functions in the body, it is considered as a protective and warm layer to help keep vital organs from drying out. Besides, mucus also acts as a trap for irritants such as dust, smoke or bacteria. Mucus contains antibodies and enzymes that kill bacteria to help fight infection.
Our body produces a lot of mucus - about 1-1.5 liters per day. We usually don't notice the appearance of mucus unless the amount of mucus secreted has increased or the quality of the mucus has changed, which can happen with various diseases and conditions.
Mucus-producing tissues include the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and digestive tract. Mucus acts as a protective blanket over these surfaces, preventing the underlying tissue from drying out. Therefore, you must keep these organs warm, or they will dry out and crack, making you feel extremely uncomfortable. In addition, mucus also acts as a protective sheet, they are sticky and thick, things like bacteria and dirt will stick there.

2. Why does the body secrete mucus?

A runny or stuffy nose will make you extremely uncomfortable, but that extra mucus will keep your body healthy. "Mucus is an important substance that the body produces to protect against viral and bacterial attack," says Philip Chen, MD, otolaryngologist at UT Health San Antonio.
Accordingly, mucus also has special proteins and antibodies against germs. In fact, your body makes a lot of this sticky slime, even when you're not sick. Mucus is present in the mouth, nose and sinuses to help prevent parts of the body from drying out.
Every day our body produces 1-1.5 liters of mucus per day. Most of them are swallowed and we don't even know it exists. But when you're not feeling well, it's easier to notice mucus. However, you may also notice your mucus from time to time, usually not because you're producing more, but because its consistency has changed.
Normally, the mucus changes its nature, it becomes thicker. Some people just naturally have thicker and stickier mucus than others. In case of a cold, allergies or contact with something irritating causes the body's production of mucus to become excessive.
For example, during an allergic reaction to an irritant, such as a pollen or ragweed allergy, the cells in your body release a substance called histamine that causes sneezing, itchy and stuffy nose. The tissue of the mucous membrane begins to leak fluid and the nasal discharge begins to flow.
Drinking milk can also cause some people to produce more mucus. According to experts, it is due to purulent rhinitis, a reflex response that is triggered when eating. Purulent rhinitis is also the cause of your runny nose when eating hot peppers. The protein in milk causes a similar reaction in some people. Although you may feel more mucus coming out, the mucus secretion caused by a cold won't get worse when you drink a glass of milk.

3. Why does the mucus change color?

If you've ever observed mucus in a tissue after blowing your nose, you may have noticed that your mucus isn't always clear. It can be yellow, green, or a little red or brown. So what do the colors of the mucus mean?
You may have heard that yellow or green mucus is a clear sign that you have an infection, but in reality this is not the case, the yellow or green color of the mucus is not caused by bacteria. caused by bacteria.
When you have a cold, your immune system sends white blood cells called neutrophils to that area. These cells contain an enzyme that is green, and in large quantities they can turn mucus the same color. You may notice completely clear mucus during ear and sinus infections. If you have an infection, you'll also have other symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, fever, and a lot of mucus in your sinuses.
Mucus has many colors also related to the concentration of mucus. According to experts, thick mucus is usually green in color.
Mucus can also be bloody red or brown, especially if your nose is dry or irritated from rubbing, blowing, or picking too much. Most of the blood comes from the area just inside the nostrils, where most of the blood vessels in the nose are located. A small amount of blood in the mucus is not a cause for concern, but if you see the appearance of large amounts of blood, call your doctor right away for specific advice.
Accordingly, the mucus may turn other colors such as:
White: The mucus in the nose may be thicker and white in color. It could be a sign that your body is producing white blood cells to fight infection. Green or yellow: When the mucus turns this color it is usually a sign that you have an infection like a cold or the flu. The blue color comes from a protein released by inflammatory cells. It's a toxic substance that kills germs that try to get in. Red or pink: If you are sick and cough a lot, you may notice the mucus is red or pink. This could be due to broken blood vessels in the nose or throat. In some cases, it can also be a sign of cancer. Your doctor may run tests to find the cause. Brown or Black: Dark mucus can signal an infection. This condition often occurs with smokers or those around them who breathe in smoke or coal dust at their workplace. This type of mucus is also present in people with chronic lung disease. The color comes from a mix of blood and inflammation in the lungs. White, green, or yellow mucus may clear up on its own, but if you have a sore throat, fever, or chills, contact your doctor right away. Tell your doctor if your mucus has turned a different color or is very thick.

4. How to remove mucus?

People with chronic sinus problems who frequently blow their noses can use over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. Decongestants cause the blood vessels in the lining of your nose to narrow, reducing blood flow to this area, so you'll have less congestion and less mucus.
Decongestants are great when you feel short of breath due to a cold, but they are not good for thick mucus in general. According to experts, this is because decongestants dry out the nose and make the mucus thicken. So if you use more decongestants and fall into a vicious cycle of mucus production. Decongestants can also cause some side effects, including dizziness, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Antihistamines block or limit the action of histamine, which is triggered by an allergic reaction causing tissue in the nose to swell and produce more, thinner mucus (runny nose). Drowsiness is a major side effect of older antihistamines. Besides, the drug can also cause dry mouth, dizziness and headache.
You can also thin the mucus with guaifenesin, a medicine called an expectorant. Mucus is easier to get out of the body as it becomes thinner. Possible side effects when you use guaifenesin are dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Besides you can apply other alternatives to remove mucus by rinsing the nose.
All nasal irrigation methods work on the same basic principle as follows: You put a solution of physiological saline (salt water) up one nostril to loosen all the accumulated mucus in the nasal cavity, then that exits the other nostril. It is similar to cleaning food stuck on dishes in a dishwasher.
According to the CDC, if you are rinsing your nose, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make a rinsing solution. It is also important to rinse the nasal irrigation device thoroughly after each use and allow it to air dry.
Rinsing your nose is a good thing, but you shouldn't overdo it. Rinsing the sinuses will help get rid of bad, nasty bacteria and other organisms that can cause infections. However, one study has shown that frequent nasal irrigation increases the risk of infection, as it also washes away some of the protective substances that help prevent disease. Therefore, you should use a nasal wash or other nasal irrigation device when absolutely necessary, stop when you feel better.
SEE ALSO: Tips to help thin phlegm for children

5. The difference between mucus and phlegm

Sputum is the term used to refer to mucus secreted by the respiratory system, especially when excess mucus is produced and coughed up. During an infection, mucus contains the virus or bacteria that cause the infection as well as the body's immune system's infection-fighting cells (white blood cells).
Sputum itself is not dangerous, but when present in large quantities, it can obstruct the airways. Sputum is often expelled during coughing, and this is often accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.
Mucus is an important secretion of the body, they are essential for human functions and activities.

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References: medicinenet.com, symptoms.webmd.comm, webmd.com