When we are struck with a cold, our noses become a snot machine, producing endless amounts of mucus. We use countless tissues to clean up the chunky, bright yellow boogers and runny mucus, creating mountain ranges of used tissues. But have you ever wondered how much mucus our bodies actually produce during a cold?
Mucus serves various essential roles in our bodies, from lining our intestinal tracts to trapping dust and infectious particles in our respiratory system. Even without a cold, our bodies produce over 1.5 liters of mucus every day. But when we get sick, especially with a cold, mucus production goes into overdrive as it acts as a vital part of our immune response.
However, measuring the exact amount of mucus produced during a cold is a challenging task due to various factors. With at least 160 strains of rhinovirus causing cold symptoms and individual differences in response to infections, studying mucus production requires minimizing these variables. Despite the difficulties in collecting accurate data on mucus volume, some courageous scientists have attempted to measure it.
A study conducted in 1993 by D.A.J. Tyrrell and colleagues infected volunteers with different viruses and collected used tissues to weigh them against non-mucus-filled tissues. Although the study did not report the exact volume of mucus produced, it revealed that a significant percentage of people experienced an increase in mucus weight after infection. Another study in 1990 by Carol Pinnock and colleagues investigated the impact of dairy consumption on mucus production during a cold. The results showed that the average amount of mucus produced daily was between zero and 30.4 grams, debunking the myth that dairy products increase mucus production.
While the amount of mucus produced during a cold may seem low, the congestion and discomfort we feel can make it seem like we are drowning in boogers. Further research is needed to better understand the factors influencing mucus production and why some individuals may produce more mucus than others. Despite the unpleasant nature of mucus, it plays a crucial role in our immune system’s defense against viruses, highlighting the intricate ways our bodies protect us. So the next time you’re battling a cold and surrounded by tissues, remember that your body is fighting off the virus with every booger produced.