Right from the nose to the tiny alveolar sacs in lungs, the respiratory system is lined with a protective membrane called the mucus membrane. The mucus lining secretes mucus, a thin viscid fluid. Its function is to trap foreign particles such as dust, smoke, bacteria and viruses that pass through the respiratory tract while breathing.
The normal color of mucus is white and it is thin viscous fluid. It is expelled out in the form of phlegm or sputum. A change in color and viscosity is an indication of some abnormal changes occurring in the respiratory tract.
Expectorating black mucus can result from trapped dust, smoke or it can be a hint of some serious health condition. If you expel black mucus constantly, you have to get examined by your doctor. There are several home remedies to relieve black mucus from respiratory tract, but more important is to find the cause and treat the underlying condition.
What Causes Black Mucus In Nose?
There are several causes for secretion of black colored mucus from the respiratory tract. Some of them are concerning health problem, while many others are due to environmental pollutants.
- Smoking is one of the major causes for black colored mucus. It is due to the tar in smoke. It causes damage to the mucus lining in the lungs as well as other organs of the respiratory tract. The high amount of aluminum in cigarette smoke also responsible for black tarry sputum.
- Black colored mucus from respiratory tract is common in coal miners. Carbon dust inhaled damages the mucus membrane of lungs. It produces black sputum.
- Inhaled smoke from other industrial chemicals can also have the same effect on mucus lining of the respiratory tract.
- Blocked foreign bodies in the respiratory tract can cause inflammation and infection. If the foreign body remains for a long time, it can damage the mucus lining and produce discolored mucus.
- Certain fungal infections, especially blastomycosis and mucormycosis can cause black colored mucus. Mucormycosis is common in HIV patients and diabetics.
How To Get Rid Of Black Mucus Naturally?
You can get relief from black colored mucus with several home remedies. But the primary aim is to treat the underlying cause.
- If you are a smoker, the first step to prevent secretion of black mucus is to quit smoking. Cigarette smoke has many chemicals. They damage the mucus lining. Once you stop smoking, you will find relief from black mucus.
- Drink plenty of water as it keeps the mucus thin and easy to be expelled while coughing.
- Steam inhalation makes the thick mucus thinner. It becomes easier for the person to expel mucus in sputum.
- Avoid dusty and smoky environmental areas. Shifting away from polluted areas can reduce the secretion of black mucus.
- Coal miners and persons who deal with chemical smoke should wear filter mask. The harmful particles from the air can restricted from entering into the air passage.
- Prevent fungal infection in the lungs. It is possible in people having compromised immune system. Aspergillus fungal infection can occur in immune compromised as well as other patients. If you follow certain steps, you can reduce the risk of fungal lung infection. Clean your hands with water and soap whenever your hands get contaminated with soil. Wear filter mask when you work in areas prone to fungus growth.