Brown Mucus

In a healthy individual that is not suffering with any ailments, nasal mucus is clear and slimy in nature. It is only when nasal mucus begins to change color that one should be wary as the color of one’s nasal mucus can often be an indicator of what type of infection or condition the body is trying to overcome.

Brown nasal mucus can occur for a variety of reasons. These include:

• Frequently being exposed to and breathing in of dirt and dust;
• Cigarette smoke often mixes with nasal mucus which can result in brown colored nasal mucus;
• Any damage to the delicate nasal linings can result in bleeding. This blood begins to dry and mixes with nasal mucus resulting in a brown ting or streak to nasal mucus. Blood streaked nasal mucus can also be a sign of an excessively irritated throat;
• Certain foods such as chocolate, other snacks, garlic and red wine may cause brown nasal mucus.

Other variations of brown colored nasal mucus include:

• Orange-red-brown nasal mucus – This is an indication that there is damage to the nasal linings or alternatively damage to a blood vessel in the nasal passages which has resulted in bleeding;
• Reddish-pink to brown nasal mucus is often experienced by asthmatics;
• Coughing up of red or brown phlegm can be a sign of bronchitis;
• Individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol often have inflamed and engorged throats and bronchi, thus coughing up blood stained or reddish-brown mucus;
• Blackish-gray nasal mucus can be a result of living in highly polluted areas as the nasal passages are forced to filter large amounts of pollution, soot, ash and smoke.

Although these items can cause discoloration of nasal mucus from clear to brown, your nasal mucus may take on several other colors as a result of various other conditions. Other mucus colors include clear, white, yellow, and green.

For further assistance or help in diagnosing your sinus condition please visit the Sinus Diagnostic Tool.