The Magnificence of Mucus

by Declan, 9th grade

Mucus, the slimy, disgusting, and hated substance that is known for congesting our airways, has an important role in our bodies, and without it we would be dead. Having a personal experience of unbearable nights struggling to breathe caused by grass allergies, with the slightest unclogged breath being valued like diamonds, I have despised and constantly questioned why this annoying substance even existed.

The mucus is a liquid barrier of water, salt, and protective immune cells produced mostly in our respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) and gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines). During sickness, mucus production rapidly increases to eradicate a virus, which creates an uncomfortable, clogged feeling. It rests in our airways to trap foreign particles like dust, chemicals, and germs with its sticky nature, which our body sneezes or coughs out. Along with lubricating our muscles to function properly, mucus coats the walls of our stomach, preventing the strong stomach acid from digesting and disintegrating our body.

The color of mucus helps us determine the state of our bodies. Mucus can be a clear color, which is healthy; white, which means that the body is congested and can indicate an illness; yellow means the body is currently combating a virus, which means the nasal passage is dry; brown, which warns of the presence of dirt and indicates smoking; and black, which indicates a fungal infection. Frequently receiving heavy mucus can reveal that one has an allergy, lung disease, or asthma. However, mucus can be relieved.

The most effective methods I have used to battle my allergies is to sleep with your head elevated, stand up and walk a few steps, hydrate frequently, and have a humidifier and nasal sprays. All these begin a drainage sensation. Allergy and asthma shots, which I have taken over the years, reduce the severity of mucus build-up more than anything else as the vaccines train the immune system to produce antibodies that prevent these symptoms.

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