Snot and earwax are easy to overlook or dismiss. But these natural body products are far from useless—they’re actually essential for your health. Let’s break down the surprising roles they play and why you should pay attention to them.
Why Is My Snot Important?
You probably don’t think about snot until it’s causing congestion or running out of your nose after a spicy meal at Hat Yai. While it may not always be fun to deal with, snot keeps your airways safe. By keeping your nasal passages hydrated, it prevents irritation and dryness. It also acts as a barrier, trapping bacteria and dust before they can enter your body.
The color and consistency of snot can offer valuable clues about your health. For example, white snot may indicate congestion, while green or yellow snot could be a sign of an infection. Most of the time, mucus flows down your throat unnoticed, but persistent congestion or facial pressure might warrant a visit to a specialist.
Why Is My Earwax Important?
Earwax, or cerumen, plays a similar role to snot. It traps dust, dirt and bacteria, keeping them from reaching deeper parts of your ear. It also forms a waterproof barrier that protects the delicate skin in your ear canal from water damage.
Just like snot, the color of earwax can reveal potential issues. Healthy earwax ranges from off-white to yellow or brown, while green may indicate an infection. Black wax could suggest a blockage, and brownish-red might signal a ruptured eardrum.
Despite the common belief, most earwax doesn’t need to be removed manually. Your body has a self-cleaning system that naturally moves old wax out of the ear. However, if you have muffled hearing or discomfort, you may have an earwax blockage. In cases of blockage, call your ENT provider for a professional cleaning. They can clear the blockage without causing damage to the eardrum.
Taking Care of Your ENT Health?
Taking care of these often-overlooked bodily functions is essential to overall health. If you notice persistent symptoms or unusual changes, contact Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy to speak to one of our specialists about your symptoms.