How to Get Rid of Phlegm
There are many ways to get rid of phlegm. There are causes, symptoms, and home remedies. The most important step is to understand what causes the problem. This will help you choose the best remedy for your case. You may also wish to reduce the intake of irritants. These irritants cause an allergic reaction and can contribute to the buildup of phlegm.
Symptoms
Phlegm is always present in the body, but it becomes a cause for concern when it is excessively produced. Besides keeping the tissues moist, mucus also helps keep airborne allergens from affecting the lungs. Its composition includes water, salt, carbohydrates, protein, and tissue cells.
Phlegm can be white, yellow, or green. Yellow phlegm is a common symptom of illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and cystic fibrosis. While white phlegm can be the result of a virus, it is also a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux. Brown phlegm is a sign of an old blood infection.
Honey and pepper can help alleviate phlegm and ease coughs. A pinch of pepper mixed with a spoon of honey can help to thin the mucus. Vicks VapoRub can also be helpful, but is not recommended for children under six. It is also important to note that Vicks VapoRub should not be heated as it can cause burns. If these remedies don’t work, a prescription medication may be necessary.
Phlegm is a condensed substance that collects in the lungs and heart. If it builds up in the chest, it can lead to asthmatic breathing, vomiting, and sputum. This condition is also associated with a feeling of suffocation in the chest. It can also cause loss of consciousness and hemiplegia.
In Chinese medicine, a root called gleditsia is used to treat phlegm. It has an effect on the lungs and the liver. In addition, it can control nausea and vomiting caused by heat. It also helps to improve digestion and is included in some medicines.
Females are more likely to develop respiratory symptoms than males. This is because females have smaller airways and a lower threshold for the cough reflex. In addition, the prevalence of phlegm was higher in females than in males. In COPD patients, this condition is also more common.
Causes
Phlegm is a characteristic discharge from the lungs. It is produced by the lungs as a protective barrier against foreign particles and germs. There are several causes of phlegm. These include allergies, viral infections, and fungal infections. Phlegm is green or yellow in color and often indicates a lung condition or infection.
Phlegm has a gel-like consistency. It can cause symptoms such as a constant throat clearing and difficulty breathing normally. It can also lead to soreness, weakness, and fever. Symptoms of respiratory infection can be minimized by removing phlegm from the body, reducing the burden on the immune system.
A complete medical history is the first step in diagnosing the cause of phlegm. A physician will ask about the type of cough, when it began, and other symptoms. A physical examination will correlate with the history and may require blood tests or a sputum examination.
Phlegm may also be a result of acid reflux from the stomach. Acid can travel back into the throat, causing a cough and burning sensations. As with any condition, determining the cause of phlegm can be difficult. Phlegm is a symptom of many illnesses. While it is common to associate it with an upper respiratory infection, it is possible for an otherwise healthy person to experience it prior to a respiratory illness.
Fortunately, there are several natural ways to treat phlegm. Ginger is an excellent decongestant. Drinking ginger tea regularly is effective. It is also beneficial to stay hydrated. Drinking warm water with lemon can also keep infection-causing cells at bay. Another home remedy for phlegm is a ginger tonic. To make the tonic, chop a small onion and mix it with one teaspoon of grated ginger and two spoons of sugar. The sugar acts as a humectant, which means that the mixture will not have a bad taste. Both ginger and onion are rich in compounds that act as natural antibiotics.
Phlegm can also be caused by underlying conditions, such as allergies. These diseases cause the body to produce more mucus and can be extremely difficult to breathe. Reflux of stomach fluids is another common cause of phlegm. This condition is commonly accompanied by heartburn, and is sometimes called silent reflux. Asthma is another inflammatory condition of the respiratory system and can result in increased production of mucus.
Home remedies
One of the simplest home remedies for phlegm is the use of peppermint oil. It has antibacterial, antispasmodic, and expectorant properties, so it can help you relieve your cough and get rid of phlegm. Its vapors can reach the lungs, where they break down phlegm buildup and relax the muscles. Peppermint oil also has antibacterial properties, so it can help prevent infections that can cause excessive phlegm accumulation. Just inhale the vapors of peppermint oil one to two times a day to see results.
Another way to combat phlegm is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water will help thin out the mucus so it is easier to cough and expel. Aim for warm water rather than cold water. It is also important to wash your hands frequently after coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading the illness. You should also stay away from people who have upper respiratory infections.
You can also inhale steam. This can loosen up the mucus and restore your normal breathing. You can also add essential oils to the steam to enhance the effect. Peppermint tea is also an excellent option, as it contains antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gargling with salt water will also help loosen phlegm. It will also remove bacterial and fungal spores from the throat. The solution should be warm enough to not burn the mouth, and should be used up to three times a day.
Drinking apple cider vinegar or taking warm water can also help get rid of phlegm. However, be sure to consult a doctor if your mucus is accompanied by fever or night sweats. These symptoms can be caused by a cold or allergy.
You can also consult your doctor if you can’t find any natural remedies to help with your cough and phlegm. Some medications may help thin the mucus, but they do not solve the problem altogether. You should try over-the-counter medicines or natural remedies before rushing to the doctor’s office.
You can also use a wedge pillow or stack of books at the head of your bed to elevate your head while you sleep. This will help you breathe easier and cough less. If the phlegm lasts for more than two weeks, or becomes red, brown, or black, then you should consult your doctor.
Treatment
Natural treatments for phlegm include hot drinks and soups to help soothe sore throats and clear nasal phlegm. A honey infusion is also effective in alleviating coughing. Some OTC medications may also be helpful, although these should be used carefully. Phlegm is a natural defense mechanism against infection and too much medication may interfere with this process. OTC cough syrups may contain guaifenesin and expectorants, which help thin the mucus. Some people also take ginger, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Phlegm in the throat can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem. While over-the-counter expectorants can help reduce phlegm, they rarely treat the underlying problem. Instead, alternative medicines may be an effective way to treat bronchitis. Several herbal remedies have been used to treat bronchitis for centuries, including elecampane.
Antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections, may increase the production of phlegm. Generally, antibiotics have a cold-damp effect, which weakens the Spleen and makes it difficult for the body to clear the phlegm. They can also aggravate existing phlegm.
If you are seeking a treatment for phlegm, it is important to consult a medical professional as early treatment is critical for the recovery of the patient. Some medical practitioners prescribe over-the-counter medicines, but you should check the ingredients of these medications to see if they have any side effects.
Taking good care of your diet is another important component of effective treatment for phlegm. Poor diet and eating habits can lead to excessive accumulation of mucus, which impedes digestion. If you eat too quickly, you’ll increase the chance of developing phlegm.
Phlegm is a common cause of respiratory problems. Although everyone experiences a little bit of phlegm at a time, it can become a chronic problem. Homeopathic remedies for phlegm are available for relief of this symptom. They include a special diet and other lifestyle changes.
In addition to taking the right diet, it’s important to drink lots of water and non-caffeinated liquids daily. These fluids thin the mucus and help with coughing. You can also try drinking salt water, which is also known to help with phlegm.