Phlegm sounds a little disgusting, doesn’t it? However, this slimy material is an excellent defense for your body, storing enough to fill a half-liter bottle of Coke each day.
There are a number of efficient methods to lessen mucus and enhance respiratory health if you’re seeking treatment from an excessive buildup of phlegm.
One kind of mucus that the respiratory system produces is phlegm. It is thicker and more sticky than the normal mucus in your nose and is made especially to hold onto allergens, dust, and bacteria.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, your respiratory system uses it to fight inflammation because it is naturally created by the body.
Laryngologist Paul C. Bryson says, “The precise amount your body produces isn’t known, but most experts think it’s about one liter a day.” That’s enough to fill half a two-liter bottle of Coke.
Additionally, phlegm functions in silence when you’re healthy.
But when you’re sick, it grows, thickens, and becomes more noticeable. Imagine your body launching into overdrive to defend and repair itself.
Fortunately, there are strategies to ease breathing and lessen phlegm accumulation!
Drink plenty of water.
One of the easiest yet most efficient methods to thin out mucus is to stay hydrated. It is easier to remove phlegm when you drink a lot of fluids, including water, herbal teas, or clear broths.
According to Dr. Bryson, “a good rule of thumb is to drink enough water to make your urine pale.”
Why staying hydrated is effective
Mucus is thinned by water, which makes thick phlegm less sticky and simpler to remove from the chest and neck.
Aids in circulation: Maintaining adequate hydrated promotes a healthy respiratory system and enhances general body functions.
Steam treatment
A natural method of clearing obstinate mucus and opening airways is to inhale steam. By hydrating parched nasal passages, steam facilitates the easier passage of mucus.
How to Apply Steam Therapy
Fill a basin with boiling water.
For extra advantages, add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil.
For ten minutes, cover your head with a cloth and take deep breaths.
Pro tip: If you don’t have the time for a dedicated steam session, a hot shower can also produce comparable results.
Use salt water to gargle.
Gargles with saltwater are a tried-and-true method of relieving sore throats and aiding in the breakdown of mucus.
To carry out this
In a glass of warm water, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt. Then, gargle for 30 seconds, making sure the water reaches the back of your throat.
Repeat multiple times throughout the day after spitting up the solution.
Over-the-counter treatments
Those seeking immediate relief may find decongestants and expectorants useful. These medications are intended to reduce nasal congestion and thin mucus.
Decongestants, whether oral or nasal, aid in the reduction of enlarged nasal tissues.
Guaifenesin is one expectorant that breaks down thick mucus.
Before using any drugs, always get medical advice, especially if you have underlying medical issues.
Herbal cures
For millennia, people have utilized herbs like marshmallow root, eucalyptus, and thyme to cure respiratory conditions. These herbs can help remove mucus and calm irritated airways.
Ideas for preparation
Chest mucous can be loosened with eucalyptus balm or essential oil diffused.
Bring water to a boil, drain, and savor dried or fresh thyme.
Lozenges made from licorice root ease inflammation and soothe the throat.
A humidifier
Use a cool mist humidifier to add some moisture to the air.
By keeping your throat and nasal passages moistened, moisture can help lower the production of mucus and phlegm. As directed by the manufacturer, make sure the machine is cleaned on a regular basis.
Eliminate irritants
Simple yet efficient methods for controlling phlegm and cleaning nasal passages are nasal irrigation devices, such as a neti pot filled with saltwater. Saline solutions are well known for quickly relieving congestion by flushing out mucus, allergies, and irritants.
If dehydration or dry air have caused phlegm to become thick and sticky, irrigation is very beneficial.
Clear up
Allergens such as dust and pet dander can make mucus production worse. The key to reducing phlegm accumulation is maintaining a clean and allergy-free environment.
Checklist for cleaning
Verify the cleanliness and functionality of the filters on the heating and cooling systems.
Regularly vacuum upholstery and carpets.
Reduce airborne irritants by using an air purifier.
Every week, wash your bed linens in hot water.
Knowing about phlegm makes you respect your body’s innate defenses, even though it may not be a topic for a civil dinner discussion. This sticky substance serves as your respiratory system’s reliable partner, collecting irritants and indicating health problems.