Mucous membranes produce Phlegm to protect and support your respiratory system. These membranes are found on the inside of your:
- Sinuses
- Lungs
- Mouth
- Throat
- Nose
Mucus is thin and less apparent when you're healthy. When you're unwell or exposed to many particles, your Phlegm thickens and becomes more pronounced as it traps the foreign particles. Because mucus is sticky, it traps dust, allergies, and viruses. Although Phlegm is a vital part of your respiratory system, you may want to thin it or remove it from your body if it is bothering you.
Continue reading to learn about specific natural cures and over-the-counter drugs and when you should seek medical advice.
- Humidify air: It is possible to keep mucus thin by moisturising the air around you. You may have heard that steam might help with congestion and Phlegm. There isn't much data to back up this theory, and it could even cause burns. You can use a cool-mist humidifier instead of steam. You can leave the humidifier on all day. You have to change the water every day and clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Stay hydrated: Mucus flow can be aided by drinking a lot of hot liquids. Water can assist your mucus in flowing around, making it easier to breathe.
- Anything from juice to clear broths to a chicken soup can be tried as a beverage. Decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, or lemon water are some more healthy drink options.
- Consume food promoting respiratory health: Consume lemon, ginger, and garlic-based dishes and beverages. Anecdotal research suggests that these can assist with colds, coughing, and excess mucus. Spicy foods containing capsaicin, such as cayenne or chilli peppers, can help clear sinuses and move mucus around briefly.
- The following foods and supplements have some scientific evidence that they can help prevent or treat viral respiratory diseases:
- Pomegranate
- Guava te
- Liquorice root
- Echinacea
- Berries
- Oral zinc
- Ginseng
- More research is needed, but for the most part, adding these components to your diet is a risk-free experiment. Before including any new food items in your diet, consult your doctor if you use any prescription medications (some can affect the efficacy).
- Saltwater gargle: Gargling your throat with warm salt water can aid in the removal of Phlegm from the back of your throat. It has the potential to destroy bacteria and ease a sore throat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine a cup of water and 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt. The salt dissolves faster in warm water than in cold water. Drinking water that has been filtered or bottled and does not contain irritating chlorine is also a good option. Lean back slightly and take a drink of the concoction. Allow the liquid to pass through your mouth without swallowing it. Gargle by softly breathing air from your lungs for 30-60 seconds before spitting the water out. Repeat the process as needed.
- Use eucalyptus oil: The use of eucalyptus essential oil may aid in the removal of mucus from your lungs. It works by loosening the mucus and making it easier to cough it up. At the same time, eucalyptus might help to ease a persistent cough. You can use a diffuser to inhale vapour or apply a balm containing this component. Also, before using essential oils on children, consult your doctor.
- Over the counter remedies: You can also take over the counter (OTC) medications. Decongestants act by lowering nasal swelling and expanding your airways. Decongestants, for example, can reduce the amount of mucus produced by your nose. Although this mucus isn't Phlegm, it can cause chest tightness.
- Oral decongestants are available as:
- Liquids or syrups
- Tablets or capsules
- Flavoured powders
- An expectorant is a drug that aids in the expulsion of mucus by thinning and loosening it. You can use guaifenesin (Mucinex), which thins mucus, so it doesn't build up in the back of your throat or your chest. This over-the-counter treatment lasts typically 12 hours, but You should follow the dosage and frequency according to the package directions. For youngsters aged four and up, there are children's versions.
- Eucalyptus oil is found in chest rubs like Vicks VapoRub to help relieve coughs and possibly remove Phlegm. You can use vapour rubs up to three times each day on your chest and neck. Vicks does manufacture a baby-strength version, but it is not recommended for children under the age of six. This product should not be heated because it may cause burns.
- Prescription medicines: Your doctor may prescribe drugs to treat the core cause of your symptoms if you have certain diseases or infections. If you have a persistent lung ailment like cystic fibrosis, you might take drugs to thin your mucus.
- A nebuliser is used to provide hypertonic saline to the patient. It works by raising the salt content of your airways. It comes in various strengths and can be used on children as young as six years old.
- This treatment is only temporary and may induce adverse symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or chest discomfort.
- People with cystic fibrosis frequently take Dornase-Alfa (Pulmozyme), a mucus-thinning drug. You use a nebuliser to inhale it. It is also appropriate for children as young as six years old.
- While using this drug, you may lose your voice or get a rash. Other negative consequences include:
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Runny nose
- Throat discomfort
- Rinse or Saline nasal spray: A saline spray or irrigator can clear mucus and allergies from the nose and sinuses. When rinsing, look for sterile sprays that only contain sodium chloride, and make sure to use sterile or distilled water.
- Track food reactions: Some foods might trigger allergic reactions similar to seasonal allergies. They can cause a running nose and an itching throat, resulting in mucus buildup. Make a list of any foods that cause you to produce more Phlegm or mucus.
- Hot bath or shower: Mucus in the nose and throat can be loosened and cleared by spending time in a steam-filled restroom. Perfusing hot water on the face can also help relieve nasal strain.
Colour of Phlegm and its indication: Let us find out what your Phlegm's colour says about your overall health.
- Green or yellow Phlegm: A green or yellow phlegm is frequently a sign that your body fights sickness. Green or yellow Phlegm can be caused by medical disorders such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and cystic fibrosis. However, you must also check for other symptoms to determine which of them you are dealing with.
- White Phlegm: Viral bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux syndrome, and congestive heart failure are the most prevalent illnesses that cause white Phlegm to appear.
- Brown Phlegm: Brown Phlegm is typically rusty and indicates the presence of ancient blood. Bacterial pneumonia and bacterial bronchitis are the most common causes.
- Red or pink Phlegm: Blood is the most common cause of pink or red Phlegm. Pink or red sputum can be caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and even lung cancer.
- Black Phlegm: Black sputum is often referred to as melanopsin. Sputum black in colour is usually a sign that you have breathed a lot of something black, such as coal dust or eyeliner. Smoking, pneumoconiosis, or fungal infection caused by the black yeast Exophiala dermatitis are the most common causes.
Symptoms
An allergy or infection is frequently the cause of excessive Phlegm. Certain meals, such as milk and other dairy products, chemotherapy, pregnancy, and even candida infections, can cause it. The symptoms of phlegm buildup are frequently different depending on the source. However, some frequent phlegm signs and symptoms linked to excess fluid buildup are included below.
The following are the most prevalent signs and symptoms of an extensive phlegm buildup:
- Coughing up mucus and Phlegm
- A runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- A sinus headache
- A sore and congested throat
- Shortness of breath
The majority of cases of phlegm buildup are caused by diseases such as a cold or flu, and they are easily treatable.
Prevention Tips
- Avoid dairy products, pork, and fried foods, which have all been linked to increased mucus production.
- At least eight glasses of water should go inside your body each day.
- To loosen your mucus, drink hot liquids and eat spicy meals.
- Several times a day, inhale the vapour from hot water.
- Expel Phlegm from your body by blowing your nose frequently.
- Reduce your exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, paint, or chemicals that might trigger an allergic reaction and lead your body to produce more Phlegm.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Mucus is rarely a cause for worry. Coloured mucus from the nose is often thought to signify a bacterial illness. It could, however, indicate that a person's immune system is fighting a virus or that they are just dehydrated.
Because yellow or green nasal mucus does not always indicate a bacterial infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against prescribing antibiotics solely based on this symptom. Antibiotics cannot treat viruses, and their abuse might result in other health issues.
Outside research has proven that the colour of Phlegm in otherwise healthy persons with acute coughs is not a valuable predictor of bacterial infection.
Coughing up coloured phlegm from the lungs, on the other hand, could signal a bacterial infection or another ailment that a doctor should investigate.
Excess or thick Phlegm is usually not a cause for alarm. You may see it in the morning because it has gathered and dried overnight. By the afternoon, it should be flowing more freely. If you're sick, have seasonal allergies, or are dehydrated, you may notice increased Phlegm.
If you're experiencing frequent bouts of unsettling Phlegm, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Several health issues can cause an accumulation of Phlegm, including:
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed early in life.
- Acid reflux
- Allergies
- Chronic bronchitis
- Other lung diseases
See your doctor if your Phlegm has been hurting you for a month or more. If you have any other symptoms, tell your doctor, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
Chest Mucus
You probably have a mucus accumulation in your chest if you have a chronic cough. Even though this isn't a life-threatening ailment, it can significantly impact your quality of life. It might also lead to other issues if left untreated. There are a few things you may do at home to assist clear up your symptoms before going to the doctor.
Continue ahead to learn more about the various treatment choices.
Home Remedies
Home cures are a successful first-line treatment for many people. Consider the following options:
- Drink liquids: Drink plenty of water. It may sound corny, but you've probably heard this advice before because it works.
- Mucus can be thinned using liquids. Warm liquids, in particular, can help get mucus out of your lungs and nose. It can help alleviate congestion and provide some relief from your symptoms.
- You might want to take a sip of:
- Decaffeinated black or green tea
- Chicken soup
- Water
- Warm apple juice
- Use a humidifier: Steam can also aid in the loosening of mucus and the clearing of congestion. Depending on your needs, you may construct your steam room or humidifier at home.
- Humidifiers that provide a cool-mist are also an option. They're frequently used in hotter climates where steam isn't ideal. A humidifier is also available at your local pharmacy.
- You may find that using the humidifier at night and keeping it near your bed is advantageous. It can assist relieve congestion while you sleep, allowing you to have a better night's sleep.
- Keep your bedroom door and window close to prevent the vapour from escaping.
- You can make your humidifier in a couple of ways:
- Transform your shower into a sauna: Allow the water to run until the bathroom begins to steam. To enhance the amount of steam in the shower, step inside it and close the curtain or door.
- To avoid scalding your skin, make sure the showerhead is angled away from you.
- Use a bowl and a towel: Fill a large bowl with hot water and place it in your sink for a more targeted steam. Lean over the bowl once it's filled.
- To aid in trapping steam around your face, place a hand towel over your head.
- There are no compulsory rules on how long you should stay in the steam, so make the best decision.
- Remove yourself from the steam if the heat becomes too much for you or makes you uncomfortable. A glass of cold water might help you rehydrate and calm off.
Natural Remedies
Natural therapies are frequently helpful in mild or infrequent congestion circumstances.
Take a look at these natural alternatives:
- Honey: In a 2007 study, researchers discovered that buckwheat honey might be more efficient at relieving cough than standard medications. The researchers recruited 105 youngsters aged 2 to 18 to participate. They were given buckwheat honey, dextromethorphan, a honey-flavoured cough suppressant, or nothing at all. Parents reported that buckwheat honey provided the most symptom relief for their children. You can find buckwheat honey at most health food and speciality food stores. Take a tablespoon every several hours, just like any other cough medicine. Due to the danger of botulism, you should not give honey to children under one year.
- Essential oils: Certain essential oils may aid in removing mucus from the lungs. Natural decongestants include peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil.
- You can use essential oils in one of two ways:
- Diffuse it: You can get a diffuser from your local drug shop if you want to diffuse the oil into the air. To release the perfume into the air, add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of hot water or a hot bath. Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oil for a more targeted application. For 5–10 minutes, inhale the steam. To help keep the steam trapped, lean over the bowl and cover your head with a hand towel.
- Apply topically: A skin patch test is required first. Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. The carrier oil acts as a diluting agent for the essential oil, lowering the chance of irritation. Twelve drops of carrier oil for every 1 or 2 drops of essential oil is a fair rule of thumb. Then, on the inside of your forearm, apply the diluted oil. It should be okay to apply elsewhere if you don't have any irritation within 24 hours.
Once you've determined that the diluted oil is safe for your skin, you can apply it directly to your chest. Throughout the day, repeat as needed. Never use an essential oil on inflamed, irritated, or damaged skin. You should also keep the essential oils away from your eyes.
Over the counter medicines for a clear chest mucus: If the home or natural therapies aren't working, you might wish to try an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.
- Decongestant: Decongestants can be found in liquid, pill, or nasal spray at your local pharmacy. Some of the most frequent over-the-counter alternatives are as follows:
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- Oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex)
Follow the package's instructions. A decongestant might increase your heart rate, making it more difficult to fall asleep. It might be best to take it during the day.
- Vapour rub: Although they are administered topically rather than eaten, decongestive chemicals are likewise found in vapour rubs.
- Researchers looked at children given vapour rub treatment, petrolatum ointment, or no medicine in a 2010 study. When it came to coughing and congestion alleviation, vapour rub came out on top.
- The ointment did not affect symptom relief compared to no treatment at all. As a result, it's thought that a vapour rub with camphor and menthol provides maximum symptom relief.
- Vapour rubs are available at any pharmacy. The following are examples of OTC chest massages that contain camphor and menthol:
- Mentholatum Vaporizing Rub
- J. R. Watkins Natural Menthol Camphor Ointment
- Vicks VapoRub
It is generally enough to apply it to your chest every night until the symptoms disappear. Make sure you follow the package's instructions.
Prescription medicines for chest mucus: If over-the-counter remedies don't work, you should consult a doctor. It is critical to figure out what's causing your mucous and cough. As a result, the doctor may prescribe prescription-strength medicine.
- Prescription decongestant: You might contact your doctor for a prescription decongestant if the mucus lasts longer than three to four days or if your condition worsens quickly.
It's just a more robust version of over-the-counter decongestants. Your doctor will prescribe you the dosage.
- Prescription nasal spray: Nasal decongestant sprays might help open up your nasal canal if you have congestion in your nose.
Consult your physician to determine how long you should use them. You may become plugged up again if you use nasal sprays for more than three days.
Visit the Doctor
Consult with your doctor if your symptoms persist. It is crucial if you have a fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
You should visit a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- The consistency of mucus changes from a runny to a thicker consistency.
- Congestion becomes worse and lasts for more than three or four days.
- If your mucus is green or yellow, it could mean you have an infection.
Mucus and accompanying congestion will usually resolve in 7 to 9 days.
Having some phlegm isn't always a bad thing. It's vital to note that the body produces mucus at all times. When you notice a lot of mucus, it is because you're unwell. Things should return to normal once you've regained your health. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- The amount of Phlegm has increased considerably.
- You're worried about how much Phlegm you've got.
- You're concerned about other symptoms.
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