Why Your Nose Runs
Fitness Tip
When an organism invades, the body has an inflammatory response. It starts producing more mucus (containing antibodies) for a thicker layer of protection. That is why your head, throat and chest become congested. Phlegm is just a mass of mucus mixed with dead white blood cells.
Clear or slightly yellow phlegm usually means the invaders have not penetrated deeply. But green or brown phlegm means more dead white cells, indicating that the organisms may have caused more damage. See a doctor under these circumstances.
This is why some doctors do not want you to take a fever reducer unless your temperature is high, say over 101 degrees.
Next week: Next week: Your Body's Best Defenders
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