Remedies and Medication That Work

Phlegm is thick mucus produced in the upper airways and lungs. Although it prevents harmful substances from entering the airways, excess mucus can be uncomfortable. Home care methods and treatments can help relieve mucus buildup. The body produces mucus in response to an irritant or foreign substance that triggers an inflammatory or immune response. These can be environmental allergens or infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. It can also occur due to respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The thick texture of the phlegm helps it trap foreign or harmful substances and cough up the substance with the phlegm. Therefore, removing mucus can be beneficial.

This article will discuss different ways to get rid of phlegm including home remedies and clinical treatments. We also answer some common questions about slime and how to get rid of it.

Breathing dry air or air with very low humidity can irritate or dry out your airways. This can get worse or lead to an increase in mucus.

Using a humidifier can help keep the airways and mucus moisturized, allowing the mucus to move more easily along the airways, making it easier for you to cough it up.

If you use a humidifier, be sure to keep it clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Use the instructions that came with your device or contact the manufacturer to learn how to safely clean and use the humidifier.

Steam inhalation is a common cure for a variety of ailments. While more evidence is needed to confirm the effects of vapor inhalation on other conditions, it may help moisturize the airways and relieve mild congestion.

However, a 2017 review suggests the evidence is conflicting on how effective steam inhalation is at improving symptoms and overall well-being. While the researchers observed some improvements, they also noted a lack of improvement in other areas.

In addition, inhalation of vapor may pose a risk of burns or scalding.

Follow the steps below to vape safely:

• Boil water and let it cool for a few minutes before use.
• Breathe in and out normally, allowing the vapor to enter your airways.
• Inhale the steam for up to 15 minutes once or twice a day.
• Top up with more hot water when it cools down and stops producing steam.
• Be careful not to touch hot surfaces or containers, or knock over the water container.
• If you have heart failure, do not breathe vapor.

While staying hydrated is an essential part of overall health, it can also be beneficial when you suffer from mucus buildup.

This is because drinking plenty of fluids can help thin or loosen mucus and make it easier to remove from the body.

Read more about how much water you should drink.

Gargling with salt water can relieve pain and irritation.

Additionally, a 2019 controlled study found that the use of salt water sprays may also reduce mucus secretion and lead to a reduction in the use of medical decongestants and mucus medication. In addition, gargling with salt water and rinsing your nose with saline can shorten the duration of a mild viral illness.

Many natural and pharmaceutical remedies use eucalyptus products to relieve respiratory problems. Over-the-counter (OTC) steam rubs and inhaled decongestants often contain eucalyptus oil or its main ingredient, eucalyptol or cineole.

A 2020 review reported that eucalyptol has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and bronchodilator properties that may help protect against and control inflammatory airway disease. A 2015 study examining the effects of cineole in human cells also observed a reduction in mucus production.

Consult a pharmacist for advice on which products containing eucalyptus might be safe and effective for you.

Smoking and secondhand smoke can cause the body to produce more phlegm and phlegm.

If you smoke or are regularly exposed to smoke, avoiding these triggers can help loosen mucus production.

Quitting smoking can restore mucus function in the airways within about 1 to 12 months.

If home remedies don’t relieve your phlegm symptoms, medication can help. OTC congestion medications are available without a prescription, although it is advisable to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before attempting any new medication.

Medication options include:

• expectorants: These are cough suppressants, but they can also be effective in thinning and clearing mucus from the airways. Options include guaifenesin (Mucinex) and dextromethorphan (Robitussin).
• Decongestants: Decongestants reduce congestion and come in forms such as nasal sprays, liquids, tablets, or steam ointments. OTC products may contain oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
• mucolytics: These are mucus-thinning drugs that you inhale. They may include hypertonic saline (Nebusal), mannitol (Bronchitol), and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme).

Depending on the underlying cause of your condition, additional or more intensive treatment options may be needed. Doctors can try to fix or improve the underlying condition and focus on relieving side effects, such as mucus build-up.

If your condition or symptoms don’t improve with OTC medications or your current treatment plan, see your doctor.

Excess mucus is occasionally not a cause for concern, especially when it’s related to mild, temporary causes like dry air, mild infections, or seasonal allergies.

However, it is advisable to contact your doctor if you have symptoms of mucus build-up that last a month or more or do not improve with self-treatment or OTC treatments.

Also, seek your doctor’s advice if you have an underlying condition affecting your respiratory system and your treatment is not effective in managing your symptoms.

Tell your doctor about your medical history and any other symptoms you are having, such as:

The airways can increase mucus production for many different reasons. This can include benign, mild, or transient causes, as well as more serious clinical conditions.

The outlook for your symptoms and other health effects depends on the underlying cause. While some cases require minimal or temporary treatment, others with chronic respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis may require regular care. However, home remedies and medical treatments can alleviate many cases of mucus overproduction.

Thomas Johnson, PA-C reviewed the following FAQs.

There are several natural or non-pharmaceutical ways to get rid of mucus.

These options may include using a dehumidifier, staying hydrated, and gargling with salt water.

Mucus in the throat occurs in response to an inflammatory trigger or irritant. These can include causes such as allergens, infections such as the common cold, and chronic respiratory diseases.

The body produces mucus to protect and lubricate the airways, trap potential irritants, and fight inflammation.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Some foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are:

• Chia seeds
• walnuts
• linseed
• fatty fish such as salmon, herring and sardines

Learn more about how to reduce inflammation with an anti-inflammatory diet.

Medications and home remedies, such as gargling with salt water or using a humidifier, can help get rid of mucus.

Some people report feeling like there is a build up of mucus in their upper airways when they lie down, such as when they lie down. B. in the throat. Changing your position to what is most comfortable for you, e.g. B. in a slightly elevated position, can help with this feeling.

Sitting upright can also help you take medications like hypertonic saline more effectively.

Phlegm is a type of thick mucus that the airways secrete in response to irritation. It can help capture and remove irritating particles and substances such as pathogens and allergens. However, a buildup of mucus can be uncomfortable.

Many home remedies and medications can help clear phlegm. At-home options include inhaling steam or eucalyptus products, saltwater gargles, and humidifiers. Medications can include both OTC and prescription options that help thin or remove mucus.

If you notice persistent symptoms of mucus build-up despite initial self-treatment, contact your doctor.