What is phlegm caused from

The body needs to stay hydrated to keep mucus thin. When a person is sick with a cold, drinking extra fluids can thin the mucus and help the sinuses to drain. People with seasonal allergies may also find that staying hydrated helps to avoid congestion.

Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the face. This can be a soothing remedy for a pounding sinus headache. Inhaling through a damp cloth is a quick way to return moisture to the nose and throat. The heat will help to relieve pain and pressure. Keeping the head elevated. When the buildup of mucus is particularly bothersome, it may help to sleep propped up on a few pillows or in a reclining chair. Lying flat can increase discomfort, because it may feel as though mucus is collecting at the back of the throat.

Not suppressing a cough. It may be tempting to use suppressants when experiencing a nagging, phlegm-filled cough. Use cough syrups sparingly, if at all. Discreetly getting rid of phlegm. When phlegm rises from the lungs into the throat, the body is likely trying to remove it.

Spitting it out is healthier than swallowing it. Using a saline nasal spray or rinse. A saline spray or irrigator can clear out mucus and allergens from the nose and sinuses.

Look for sterile sprays that contain only sodium chloride, and be sure to use sterile or distilled water when irrigating. Gargling with salt water. This can soothe an irritated throat and may help to clear away residual mucus.

One teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water can be gargled several times per day. Using eucalyptus. Eucalyptus products have used to subdue coughs and reduce mucus for years. They are usually applied directly to the chest. A few drops of eucalyptus oil can also be added to a diffuser or a warm bath to help clear the nose. Not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.

Smoking and secondhand smoke cause the body to produce more phlegm and mucus. Minimizing the use of decongestants.

While they dry secretions and can alleviate a runny nose, decongestants may make it harder to get rid of phlegm and mucus. Taking the right medicine.

Medications known as expectorants can help to thin mucus and phlegm, making them easier to cough or blow out. However, check to make sure that these medications do not also contain decongestants.

Same thing with cigarette smoking — sometimes we see patients who are smoking two to three packs a day who have a productive cough. Really dark brown, tenacious phlegm is seen in patients who have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, which is a chronic lung disease. The phlegm is brown because of blood and the intense chronic inflammation that comes with the chronic disease state.

The bacteria camp out inside the lungs and cause very gradual changes in the consistency and appearance of phlegm. If you have chronic lung disease, you may be used to seeing brown phlegm.

In those situations we call an acute exacerbation of your underlying cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, you may require antibiotics. If you have really resistant bacteria growing in your lungs, you may need to have IV antibiotics or an aggressive regimen to keep things under control.

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Get tips from Ohio State experts right to your inbox. Email address. First name. Last name. Date of birth. First, consider that mucus has a purpose. This fluid is naturally made by your body every day, says laryngologist Paul C. Mucus has an important role in the body.

It lines many of your tissues. Its slippery consistency helps protect and moisturize, and it also traps potential irritants. Bryson says. According to Dr. Hydrate more. Drink more water. Also, consider your medications or any dehydrating beverages you regularly drink, such as coffee, alcohol and some teas.

Use a humidifier.