STUFFY STUFF

Colds, environmental irritants, and allergens can cause daily production of mucus to increase dramatically.  Mucus can become much thinner or develop into a thicker, stickier substance that clogs nasal passages and sinuses, making breathing difficult.  Although mucus may be annoying, this wet, stringy stuff serves several very important functions.  Mucus acts as a protective layer to keep underlying tissues of the nose, sinuses, and lungs moist.  Dry or cracked tissues could allow harmful substances to enter the body.  Mucus contains proteins, antibodies, and antimicrobial enzymes.  The antibodies in mucus help the body identify harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses.  Antimicrobial enzymes kill many of these invaders before they can cause health problems.

P.S.  The human body makes about 1 to 1.5 liters of mucus each day.  The majority of this mucus goes down the throat.

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