Is It Healthier To Spit Out Or Swallow Your Mucus When You’re Sick?
When battling a cold or flu, one common dilemma many people face is whether to spit out or swallow the mucus that accumulates in the throat. The question arises: Is swallowing mucus when you’re sick good or bad for your health?
What Is Mucus Exactly?
Mucus is a crucial component of the body’s defense system. It’s produced by the respiratory system and it helps trap and eliminate foreign particles, bacteria, and viruses. When you’re sick, mucus production increases as the body works to expel the yucky invaders. You may find yourself dealing with an excess of mucus. So, what do you do with it? Spit or Swallow?
There are pros and cons to swallowing your mucus when you have a cold.
The Pros of Swallowing Mucus
Contrary to popular belief, swallowing mucus is generally considered safe and may even have some benefits. Medical experts suggest that swallowing mucus isn’t harmful because the digestive system is equipped to handle it. In fact, some argue that by swallowing mucus, you’re essentially ingesting the pathogens trapped within it, which may stimulate the immune system to produce a more robust response.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explains that swallowing mucus is “simply your body’s way of getting rid of what it doesn’t want.” In this view, allowing the body to manage the disposal of mucus is a natural and efficient process.
The Cons of Swallowing Mucus
While swallowing mucus is generally considered safe, some argue that spitting it out might be preferable. Dr. Rachel Vreeman, a pediatrician at Indiana University School of Medicine, suggests that if the mucus is discolored (yellow or green), it may contain a higher concentration of bacteria, and spitting it out could be a better option to avoid ingesting potentially harmful microorganisms.
Seriously. If it’s discolored (brown, green, dark yellow) don’t swallow your mucus.
What Should You Do?
The decision to spit or swallow mucus when sick depends on personal preference and the individual’s health condition. Generally, swallowing mucus is not harmful and may even offer some immune system benefits. However, if the mucus appears discolored, spitting it out might be a safer option. As always, it’s essential to listen to your body and consult with healthcare professionals if you have concerns about your symptoms.
5 Surprising Symptoms People Ignore Most When They're Sick
Cold sweats or Chills
Chills and cold sweats can be uncomfortable. Chills feel like a sudden wave of cold running through your body, making you shiver. Cold sweats, on the other hand, are when you start sweating but your skin feels cold and damp instead of warm. Some people may not immediately associate these symptoms with something serious. They might attribute them to temporary factors such as being in a cold environment or wearing too many layers of clothing. People may underestimate the significance of cold sweats or chills, especially if they are not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms. They may assume it’s just a passing discomfort that doesn’t require medical attention.
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Fever
When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). Fevers can vary in severity and may range from mild to high-grade, depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes, people ignore a fever for a few reasons. They might think it’s just a common cold or flu and believe it’ll go away on its own. It’s important to remember that a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection or an underlying health condition.
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Body Aches
When you experience body aches, you may feel soreness, tenderness, or a general sense of discomfort in your muscles, joints, or other areas. People may dismiss body aches because they may think it’s just a normal part of everyday life and not something to be concerned about. Some may believe their body aches are due to factors like physical exertion, tiredness, or overexertion during exercise. Also, if someone has experienced them before and they have resolved on their own.
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Green Mucus
Some people may believe that the color of mucus is not a reliable indicator of an illness. While green mucus can be associated with certain infections or respiratory conditions, it’s not always a definite sign of a serious problem. People may assume that it’s normal and will resolve on its own.
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Serious Cough
This kind of cough can disrupt your daily life, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted. People ignore serious coughs for a few reasons. Some think it’ll go away on its own or believe it’s just a minor issue like a cold or allergies. Others worry about the cost or hassle of going to the doctor. There’s also the fear of getting a serious diagnosis that can make people hesitant to seek help.
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