Phlegm is a by-product of mucus membranes present in your body, specifically in your nose, mouth, lungs, sinuses, and mouth. It is a sticky substance that is not as concerning as people might think. It is a requirement for a healthy body as it is your body’s defense mechanism to ward off infections and bacteria. Commonly found in the lower respiratory tract, phlegm is more noticeable when a person is sick. Although it’s a vital part of your system, it can make you feel uncomfortable when it’s in excess.
Easy ways to get rid of phlegm!
Excessive phlegm or mucus can indicate an infection and may need a checkup from the Best Pulmonologist in Lahore. Those who suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other respiratory diseases may need to clear mucus often to manage their illness. Given below are a few easy methods that you may find helpful in this regard:
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Controlled Coughing
Controlled coughing is a therapeutic method that aids in clearing mucus from the lungs. Its types are deep coughing or huff coughing.
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Deep Coughing
In deep coughing, you need to sit on a chair with your feet on the ground and inhale deeply while putting your hands around the stomach. Purse your lips and cough forcefully while keeping your stomach muscles firm.
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Huff Coughing
Breathe slowly and deeply to open up your lungs. Rapidly exhale thrice, making a “ha” sound every time while keeping your stomach muscles tense. Keep repeating till you feel the mucus disintegrating and then cough deeply to free your lungs from mucus.
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Use respiratory health-friendly ingredients!
More phlegm coming out of your nose or mouth means it is getting out of your lungs. Some ingredients have anecdotal properties that help clear mucus and act as a home treatment for respiratory infections. They help in breaking down the mucus. These include ginger, lemon, guava tea, cayenne peppers, etc.
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Saltwater gargles
Saltwater works wonders for your throat when it is itchy. It also helps clear any phlegm stuck at the back of your throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and gargle to get rid of excessive phlegm.
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Moisturize the air
Moisture in your surrounding air keeps the mucus thin. Dry air can irritate your throat and leads to the creation of mucus to lubricate the scratchy throat. Use a cold mist humidifier as it can thin mucus and keep the throat and nose clear.
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Drink warm liquids and stay hydrated
Warm fluids help in breaking down thick mucus. Moreover, drinking enough water is essential as it keeps the mucus flowing instead of getting stuck in your throat. Tea, soups, or herbal teas are some viable options.
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Take Over-the-counter medications
The correct medication can help loosen mucus. Expectorants are available over-the-counter, and they thin the mucus, making it easier to cough the residual mucus out. If you’re taking any other medication or have an underlying condition, consult the Best Pulmonologist in Karachi. They will let you know if certain expectorants are safe for you to consume.
Do I need to see a doctor?
Visiting a doctor just because of more mucus is not necessary. Having more mucus does not signify that you have a disease, but it can be a problem if a cough or sore throat accompanies it. Moreover, if none of the tips given above help in clearing your mucus, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe you a decongestant or nasal spray that is not available over-the-counter. Additionally, if you’re coughing up phlegm a lot, it may indicate an infection that needs a checkup from the doctor.