What is phlegm?
Phlegm is the specific name for mucus that you cough up from your lungs. Your doctor might call it ‘sputum’. And mucus is a jelly-like liquid found all over the body that protects you from infection.
Phlegm becomes problematic if it interrupts voice production, breathing or swallowing. Too much phlegm may cause a “wet” or “gurgly” voice, or even difficulty swallowing. Increased amount of phlegm may cause one to clear his or her throat out often and repeatedly. Phlegm may also be a reason that individuals wake up at night. Phlegm normally thin in nature; however when it becomes thick it becomes difficult to tolerate. When there is not enough phlegm present that may become problematic as well.
Signs And Symptoms Of Phlegm
The most common signs and symptoms of an excessive phlegm build-up include the following:
✓Coughing up mucus and phlegm
✓A runny nose
✓Nasal congestion
✓A sinus headache
✓A sore and congested throat
✓Shortness of breath
Most cases of phlegm build-up are a result of infections like a cold or flu and can be cured easily. If you have been suffering from phlegm following a disease and wish to get rid of it soon, the following remedies are just for you
How to get rid from phlegm
1.Drink lots of fluids
When you’ve got a cold, it’s essential that you keep drinking lots of fluids. This should also help flush out any excess phlegm that’s built up in your respiratory system.
2. Ginger
Ginger can be used as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. Antiviral and antibacterial properties of ginger can help in easing congestion in the chest by drying out excess mucus and stimulating removal of its buildup. Drinking ginger tea for a few times in a day can help in eliminating excess mucus.
3.Salt Water
While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt. into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away.
3.Nasal saline spray or drops
Nasal sprays or drops can help relieve phlegm buildup inside your nose and restore proper breathing. They contain salt water which helps thin out and loosen the sinus mucus, making it easier to drain out of the nasal cavity.
Moreover, this hydrating solution helps rinse the nasal passages and keeps the mucus from crusting or solidifying.
4.Hot Bath or Shower
The main benefit of taking a hot bath or shower is to inhale the steam that is produced from the warm water. Steam acts as a natural way to help break up and get rid of mucus and phlegm.
Gently breathe in and out as the aerosol particles enter your airways and lungs. The humidity from the steam should work to loosen up the mucus and phlegm so that it can be removed. It also helps reduce sinus pressure, chest congestion, and other nagging symptoms as well.
5.Using Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has been used for many years now to reduce coughs and mucus. They are applied directly into the chest to get out mucus. Eucalyptus oil will loosen phlegm in the chest so that the affected person can flush it out more easily.
Eucalyptus oil is highly recommended for people who have a history of a nagging cough. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser or take a balm containing the ingredient.
0 Comments