Phlegm is a type of mucus produced in the lungs and lower respiratory tract. It is most noticeable when the person is having a severe cold, or some long-term health problem.

Mucus is a protective lining on certain parts of the body, even when a person is well. Mucus keeps these areas from drying out and helps defend against invaders, including viruses and bacteria.

Although a healthy body needs a certain amount of mucus, if it is present in excess, then the situation becomes very uncomfortable and unpleasant, especially because it becomes very difficult to breathe.

Excess mucus can be caused by:

infections, such as the common cold, or flu
allergies
irritation of the nose, throat, or lungs
digestive problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease
smoking
lung diseases, such as pneumonia, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

How to get rid of phlegm and mucus

The following actions can help you eliminate excess mucus and phlegm:

Humidity in the atmosphere

Dry air irritates the nose and throat, causing more mucus to build up as a lubricant. Put a humidifier in the room you will get better sleep, keeping your nose clear and preventing sore throat.

Hydration

The body must remain hydrated to keep the mucus thin. When a person has a cold, drinking extra fluids can reduce mucus and help the intestines to work better. People with seasonal allergies may also find that good hydration helps prevent congestion.

Apply a warm, damp cloth to the face

This can be a soothing remedy for a severe sinus headache from sinuses. Inhaling through a damp cloth is a quick way to increase the moisture in the nose and throat. The heat will help relieve the pain and pressure in the sinuses.

Keep your head elevated

When the accumulation of mucus is particularly annoying, it may help if you put a few extra pillows on during sleep. Otherwise you will have discomfort because mucus can accumulate in the back of the throat.

Don't suppress your cough

Coughing is the body's way of expelling what it doesn't need from the lungs and throat. If you want to cough, don't hold it in! You can, however, get cough syrup at minimal cost.

Get rid of phlegm

When phlegm emerges from the lungs into the throat, the body probably tries to remove it. Spitting it out is healthier than swallowing it. Find a “gentle” and “discreet” way to spit out phlegm.

Use a saline nasal spray

A saline spray can clear mucus and allergens from the nose and sinuses. Look for sterile sprays that contain only sodium chloride.

Gargles with salted water

This can soothe a sore throat and help to remove unnecessary mucus. A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water is good for gargling several times during the day.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus products can reduce cough and mucus. They are usually applied directly to the chest. A few drops of eucalyptus oil can also be added to a humidifier, or when taking a hot bath, to help clear the nose.

Do not smoke

Smoking (active and passive) makes the body produce more phlegm and mucus.

Minimise the use of decongestants

Although they dry up secretions and can relieve runny noses, decongestants can make it more difficult for the body to get rid of phlegm and mucus.

Correct medication

Medicines known as expectorants can help reduce mucus and phlegm, making them easier to expel by coughing or blowing your nose. However, make sure these medications do not also contain expectorants.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies lead to catarrh or congestion, as well as excess mucus and phlegm. Many anti-allergy medications reduce symptoms.

Avoid irritants

Chemicals, perfumes and pollution can irritate the nose, throat and lower airways. This causes the body to produce more mucus.

Reactions to food

Some foods cause reactions that resemble seasonal allergies. They can cause a runny nose and throat irritation, leading to excessive mucus. Write down any food that causes you to experience an increase in phlegm, or mucus.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Both substances lead to dehydration if consumed in excess. When mucus and phlegm are a problem, drink plenty of warm, but non-caffeinated beverages.

Take a hot bath, or shower

Time spent in a steam bath will help to relax and clear mucus in the nose and throat. As long as the hot water stays on the face, the pressure in the nasal sinuses will be relieved.

Gently blow your nose

You may want to blow your nose hard until the thick mucus comes out. However, when you blow your nose too hard, it can damage the sinuses, causing pain, pressure and possibly infection.