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Yellow Mucus: Causes and Cure

It's awful!
When is all this yellow yucky stuff going to stop?

Have you ever felt like that? Have you taken medicine for yellow mucus and after a short time returned to square one? Often the underlying causes are allergy and certain foods, which in turn cause sinus problems and the yucky stuff. One more question: How serious are you about wanting to eliminate this embarrassing annoyance? If you are I can tell you some of the things I did that gave me the relief I wanted.

Yellow mucus secretion can be a symptom of:

• Sinus infection
• Cold or flu
• Allergy reaction
• Air dryness
• Bronchitis
• Nasal polyps
• Candida albicans occasionally

Typically persistent yellow mucus is a sign that our body is being attacked by either a bacteria or a virus. Action is required to deal with it. The hues may vary somewhat, but essentially there are five different mucus colors: clear, green, brown, white and yellow, but clear color is the most common one. A recurring condition with the presence of yellow mucus can also signify that there may be some other underlying problem in the respiratory system that needs to be looked at. Sometimes, however, a light yellow, thick and sticky mucus is produced just because the air is very dry; and the nasal membrane is not succeeding in producing compensating moisture. Providing additional moisture in the air by a cool or hot steam humidifier can be an excellent idea. I keep those nasal and sinus membranes moist to help avoid infection. A thick yellow mucus can indicate the presence of a "cold" and that one needs to drink more water. On the other hand, green mucus can often have pretty much the same basic meaning as yellow. On the other hand green snot, as nasal green mucus is sometimes called, can be a sign of: a common cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infection.

The sinuses, mucus and their purpose
We can think of the sinus cavities as rooms lying off and connecting to a central "hallway"--the nose cavity. Their main function is the production of mucus to clean and moisten the air we breathe in. Mucus and air must constantly be passing, unobstructed, from the sinuses to the nose cavities. At the end of each sinus there is a small opening for the mucus and air to go through. This movement of air and mucus keeps the sinuses healthy. The sinus and nasal membranes--produce between 1 to 2 pints (1 quart) of mucus daily. This amount is normal and necessary; to keep those cavities healthy. Mucus traps and washes away foreign particles such as house dust and bacteria. Otherwise they would invade our breathing organs--bronchi, lungs, etc--and cause other health problems such as: chronic irritation of the sinuses, infection, sinusitis, etc. Phlegm, on the other hand, is produced only by the lungs, and is a sign of a problem. It is not present in the nose cavity. Phlegm helps the immune system cope when it is overloaded. Sometimes excessive mucus produced by the nasal cavities, instead of draining out the nostril openings, goes directly to the posterior part of the nasal cavities and into the back of the throat, to become post-nasal drip. This latter terminology also applies to excessive sinus mucus which also goes down the back of the throat.

Nasal Cavity and Upper Respiratory Tract
a - vertebrae, b - esophagus, c - trachea
d - cricoid cartilage, e - laryngopharynx, f -
pharynx, g - nasopharynx, k - tongue,
l - hard palate, o - superior turbinate,
p - middle turbinate, q - inferior turbinate

Where mucus is produced
Mucus is produced in:

• The membranes lining the nasal cavity
• The membrane lining the sinus cavities
• The membranes lining the
  • bronchioles
  • bronchi
  • trachea

Signs of a bacterial infection accompanied by yellow mucus
Not all these symptoms of a sinus infection need to be present.

• Aching all over the body
• Fatigue, malaise
• Low temperature fever
• Excessive nasal or sinus drainage
• Tightness or pain in the forehead above and below the eyes
• Bad breath
• Persistent headache
• Nasal congestion
• Coughing up yellow mucus
• Sinus pressure
• Runny, light yellow or clear mucus
• Phlegm
• Bad breath

Causes of sinus infection and yellow mucus

• Whenever mucus or air cannot flow through the sinus and nasal cavities, mucus will create sinus pressure, stagnate and infect those cavities
• Sometimes yellow mucus is produced by a bacterial infection that has originated with a "cold" lasting more than a week or so. First the nose and sinuses produce a clear mucus, which is intended to wash away the germs or bacteria. A few days later the immune system comes into play and the mucus changes from clear to a white or yellow color. Then it can change to a green color
• Cigarrette smoking can exacerbate a sinus infection and yellow mucus
• When the yellow mucus is accompanied by bad taste or odor it is a sign that the bacterial infection has taken over. In these cases there is often intense pain and sinus pressure in the forehead and facial areas--which, by the way, is preventable. A situation like this requires seeing a physician who will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Otherwise the infection would drag on for weeks before the body's immune system is able to take care of it.
• Irritation of the nasal and sinus cavities caused by allergies to things such as house dust, pollens, etc., can also be the cause of yellow mucus
• Dry air can cause yellow mucus when the cavities membranes try to re-hydrate themselves
• Mucus and phlegm producing foods can cause excessive drainage , pressure or other sinus problems which can lead to sinus infection

Getting to know sinus pressure symptoms may help prevent many a sinus infection when acted upon.

Sinusitis and yellow mucus
Another common cause of yellow mucus is sinusitis which is, technically, an inflammation of the sinus lining. The membranes swell and obstruct the openings of the sinus passages impeding the flow of mucus and air and eventually an infection develops from the stagnated mucus. These are the most common causes of sinusitis:

• Smoking
• Allergies
• Changes in air pressure
• Changes in temperature
• Polyps
• Nasal spray decongestants

Rhinitis and yellow mucus
There is a very common and persistent kind of irritation and inflammation of the nasal cavity called rhinitis or hay fever. I have rhinitis, but most of the time I don't even notice it. It is swelling of the nasal membranes and can lead to nasal cavity infection and yellow mucus. It is characterized for its "runny nose" symptom. And it is caused by viruses or other irritants. Research has shown that it can produce ear and sleep disorders and affect brain activity. The underlying cause of rhinitis is, in many cases, allergens; while its proximate cause is high production of histamine. If it becomes apparent that rhinitis is, indeed, being caused by allergens, an allergy specialist can be consulted to determine which specific allergen(s) is (are) causing the problem. Desensitizing therapy can then be administered effectively.

How I got rid of yellow mucus
Natural remedies, supplemented with OTC medications, can bring relief to the stress of a sinus infection. This is what I would do:

1. Steam inhalations solutions can be beneficial to quickly relieve congestion and pressure in the nasal and sinus cavities--if yellow mucus begins to accumulate. I would:
   • watch the steam temperature so it won't paralyze the cilia
     • it should not be above the prescribed temperature
     • start with a 5 minute procedure
   • use some medicinal herbs or OTC medication with the steam
     • a few drops of eucalyptus oil
       • eucalyptus oil is desinfectant
       • it can help open nasal and sinus passaged
     • dry thyme leaves
2. If I were a smoker I would quit
3. Antioxidants can boost the immune system and help fight the infection connected with yellow mucus. Antioxidants I use are:
   • some berries and larger fruits
   • some vegetables
     • fresh, or
     • concentrates of their active ingredients
   • I would start this antioxidant protocol within 24--48 hours from the begining of the symptoms leading to yellow mucus
4. I prevent sinus pressure from starting or building up to avoid sinus infection
   • by being aware possible environmental sinus irritants
     • outdoors, e.g., pollens, smog, contaminants
     • indoors, e.g., house dust, pets dander
   • by avoiding mucus causing foods
5. Acupressure for the sinuses--sometimes called "sinus pressure points"--can be a safe, proven, effective and natural way to help your sinuses through restoration of full nerve flow, especially sinus pressure. This is thoroughly discussed and illustrated in Three Steps to Sinus Relief, click here. So I actually do acupressure every day
6. Herbals EB and G have strong antiviral properties. They can be used at the very outset--when clear or light yellow mucus first appears. So I take them
7. I drink lots of plain, room temperature water throughout the day. This thins the mucus for easier flow and helps to prevent infection
   • ionized water has antioxidant proerties
   • it detoxifies the body
   • is excellent for general health
8. I take some over-the-counter drug remedies, but they deal primarily with symptoms. So I:
   • Keep in mind that these remedies do have undesirable side effects
   • Consult my pharmacist as to what may be best for my particular situation
   • Be sure that what I choose harmonizes with other medications I am taking
   • Read labels.
     • some OTC remedies can make you drowsy
     • to ascertain possible conflict with othere medications
     • for contraindications
   • Do not create a dependency on these medications
9. I avoid eating mucus and phlegm producing foods--this is explained in detail in the publication being offered
10. Unless my doctor very specifically indicates them I avoid using the nasal sprays that follow:
    • naphazoline
    • xylometazoline
    • phenilephrine
    • oxymetazoline
11. Any OTC remedy that can harm the cilia I would not use--the cilia are hairlike organelles in the nasal and sinus cavity membranes; beating at 16 times per second they move mucus to the right places
12. I avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system
13. I take a very warm bath to stimulate perspiration can help detoxify the body and boost the immune system
14. Checking for misalignments that can exert pressure on the spinal cord and impede full nerve energy flow is something I do periodically
15. Once my yellow mucus has cleared up I keep my sinus, nasal cavities and upper respiratory passages cleared at all times
    • using acupressure
      • to be effective I must find the precise right spot
      • I do each each one for about 4 minutes
      • I concentrate on the benefits I desire
      • the exact spot is usually more sensitive than surrounding area
      • do not do immediately after eating a meal
    • inhalation therapy as needed
    • drinking plenty of water
    • using OTC remedies lastly
16. Nasal irrigation--sinus rinse--can keep the nasal cavity clear, can help sinus pressure, and suplement the above therapeutic steps

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For a limited time, receive a free copy of Three Steps to Sinus & Mucus Relief with your order

Sinus infection
Whenever a bacterial infection has set in with a high production of yellow or green mucus, as excessive drainage it is good common sense to go see a physician. He (she) will, likely, prescribe an antibiotic, for example, Keflex, Bactrim DS. At that stage natural remedies will probably not be as effective as a regular antibiotic. Natural remedies, on the other hand, can be very effective if the infection is tackled at the onset.

Nasal Cavity and Upper Respiratory Tract
a - vertebrae, b - esophagus, c - trachea
d - cricoid cartilage, e - laryngopharynx, f -
pharynx, g - nasopharynx, k - tongue,
l - hard palate, o - superior turbinate,
p - middle turbinate, q - inferior turbinate

Surgery
There could be a desire to try to speed up a solution to chronic and excessive yellow mucus through surgery. A surgical procedure called: opening of the meatal complex can be performed; but this should be the last thing after all other options are considered. Before seriously looking into surgery the following can be considered:

• Eliminating certain foods and allergy reactions which cause or exacerbate sinus problems and yellow mucus
• Stopping the smoking habit, if one is involved. This is a must
• Ascertaining for sure whether the tiny openings of the sinuses are permanently obstructed and surgery is the only option
• Securing a second and even a third medical opinion

Chronic yellow mucus--a cure approach
Know the symptoms of an oncoming sinus infection. For example, sinus drainage, watery light yellow or clear mucus--can allow for early treatment and "nip the infection in the bud." By giving the immune system that beneficial early boost it can stem an infection. Natural remedies, at that early stage, often yield very rewarding results. There are specific botanicals, two in particular, let's call them "botanicals A and B." These have proven, in actual practice, to be a formidable immune system booster against sinus infection which often leads to yellow mucus, viruses, "colds,'' and even the "flu." Everyone I know who has tried it has become a believer. Botanicals "A" and "B" are explained in detail in Three Steps to Sinus and Mucus Relief. There are four other considerations to take into account to defeat chronic yellow mucus:

• Foods we eat - this is much overlooked and more important than most of us realize
• Allergies- to pollens, household or work place chemicals, house dust, animal dander
• Misalignment of a bone in the neck area - this impides full nerve flow and is also explained in detail in the publication offered at the end of the page
• Continuing low grade infection - this can be caused by one or a combination of any of the previous three items
  

Permanent healing possible by:

• Nipping infections in the bud
• Boosting the immune system early
• Changing some food and drink items
• Keeping the sinuses clear through acupressure
• Bringing sinus pressure relief soon whenever mucus builds up
• Fasting

Tips on sinus health and yellow mucus

• Dark yellow mucus is always an indication that one needs to do something about it
• Mucus and air must pass freely between the nasal and sinus cavities as you breathe
• Keep the sinus passages clear at all times the right way--through natural procedures
• The use of sinus pressure points (acupressure) can help keep the sinuses clear avoiding sinus pressure
• We don't notice it, but the nasal and sinus membranes are constantly producing mucus
• Keep the nasal cavity and upper respiratory tract clear--drink plenty of water
• What is referred to as "sinus drainage" can be the normal amount of mucus
• Certain foods can be beneficial to the sinuses as they can help prevent, fight infections
• Other foods can lead to eventual yellow mucus production and other sinus problems

Yellow Mucus Solution Summary

This is what I found out was the four key elements in my cure:
1. Eliminated some foods - I cut back significantly or eliminated completely mucus, phlegm, histamine producing foods

2. Kept sinuses clear always - I kept sinuses and passages clear--used acupressure techniques, natural remedies. Checked for allergies

3. Allowed full nerve energy flow - I remove a common--mostly unknown--impediment for full nerve energy flow--for sinus self healing and well being

4. Smoking - I don't smoke, but if I did I would not hesitate to quit right away

5. Relieved sinus pressure - to prevent sinus infection and other sinus issues

This four-pronged approach led to my healing 2 years ago and are fully explained in Three Steps to Sinus and Mucus Relief: