Although they have a purpose, too many are uncomfortable.
Phlegm and excessive mucus are perhaps not the best topics for conversation, unless you’re 14 and competing to spit the farthest. Yet, if you have excessive amounts, it may make you desperate for relief.
First of all, remember that mucus has a role. Your body naturally produces this fluid on a daily basis, according to laryngologist Paul C. Bryson, MD.
While the precise amount your body produces is unknown, the majority of scientists believe it to be around one liter each day, he adds. (That is a 2-liter soda bottle’s half!)
Dr. Bryson provides some advice on how to get rid of extra mucus and phlegm.
What are phlegm and mucus?
Your body uses mucus for a variety of purposes. Your mouth, throat, nose, and sinuses produce it. Its slick texture traps potential allergens and aids in moisturizing and protecting.
Your respiratory system produces and uses phlegm, which is a mucus membrane, to fight inflammation.
What leads to excessive mucus production?
Your body may produce excessive amounts of mucus if you:
- Have a cold.
- Have irritated sinuses (sinusitis).
- Have allergies.
- Are exposed to smoke or pollution.
Environmental allergies and food allergies both can result in excessive mucus or phlegm, but the latter is more difficult to identify from this symptom alone, according to Dr. Bryson.
Your mucus tends to be thin and may go unnoticed if you’re healthy. Nevertheless, while you’re sick, your mucus might thicken and become crusty.
Phlegm is another sign of pneumonia or bronchitis that you might not notice until you cough it up.
Whether it is yellow or green, your mucus and phlegm may also be causing you concern. Yet, colour alone does not always indicate an infection.
How to get rid of too much phlegm and mucus
Try the following if your mucus and phlegm issues are persistent. If your mucus and phlegm issue develops into a post-nasal drip, these treatments can also help.
Drink more water
Increase your water intake. Take into account your medications and any routinely used dehydrating liquids, such as coffee, alcohol, and some teas.
Dr. Bryson suggests following the general guideline of drinking enough water to turn your urine pale.
Use a humidifier
This may aid in reducing mucus and phlegm production while also hydrating your nasal and throat passages.
Use a cool-mist humidifier, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions on a regular basis.
The heating and cooling system’s filters should be checked
To keep dust and other potentially irritating elements out of the air, make sure the filters are clean and functioning properly.
Utilize a saline nasal spray.
This aids in rinsing and hydrating sinus and nasal tissue. Use a sodium chloride-containing sterile spray.
Gargle with salt water
By removing mucus, salt water (one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water) helps soothe an itchy throat.
Utilize eucalyptus
The aroma of eucalyptus can help loosen mucus in your chest, whether it’s in the form of a balm or essential oil in a diffuser.
Use over-the-counter drugs
Decongestants, whether taken orally or applied topically, can help your nose feel less swollen. Mucus can also be thinned by expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex®).
If you’re worried about allergies, keep in mind that the testing is simple and easy, advises Dr. Bryson. You could also try over-the-counter allergy treatments to see if they can help.
If you’re unsure, talk to your general care physician or an otolaryngologist about your issue. They can dive deeper into your specific symptoms and medical history to identify remedies.
Is a buildup of phlegm an indicator of a serious illness?
If the amount of mucus your body produces causes you discomfort, you could be concerned that it indicates a more serious issue.
Mucus is usually not a symptom to be concerned about if it is your sole symptom, according to Dr. Bryson.
Worrisome symptoms include mucus together with fevers, chills, and night sweats, especially if you also experience weight loss, nasal obstruction, or irregular nosebleeds for longer than two weeks, the doctor advises.
