How do i loosen phlegm

Keeping track of food reactions. Some foods can cause reactions that mimic seasonal allergies. They may cause the nose to run and the throat to itch, leading to excess mucus. Make a record of any foods that trigger an increase in phlegm or mucus. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Both substances lead to dehydration if consumed in excess.

When mucus and phlegm are an issue, drink plenty of warm, non-caffeinated beverages. Taking a hot bath or shower. Time spent in a steam-filled bathroom will help to loosen and clear mucus in the nose and throat.

Allowing hot water to pulse on the face can also bring relief from sinus pressure. Blowing the nose gently. It may be tempting to keep blowing until thick mucus comes out. However, doing so too forcefully may hurt the sinuses, leading to pain, pressure, and possibly infection. Eating plenty of fruit.

One study found that a diet rich in fiber from fruit, and possibly soy, may lead to fewer respiratory problems linked to phlegm. Avoiding foods that cause acid reflux. Acid reflux can lead to an increase in phlegm and mucus. People prone to heartburn should avoid trigger foods and ask a doctor about proper management. Many believe that colored mucus coming from the nose indicates a bacterial infection.

However, it may instead show that the immune system is fighting a virus, or that a person is merely dehydrated. Because yellow or green mucus from the nose does not necessarily signal a bacterial infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC warn that a person does not need antibiotics based on this symptom alone. Antibiotics cannot treat viruses, and overuse may cause other health problems. Outside research has confirmed that the color of phlegm is not a good indicator of bacterial infection in otherwise healthy adults who have acute coughs.

However, coughing colored phlegm from the lungs can indicate a bacterial infection or other illness, and may need to be evaluated by a doctor. Occasionally, excess phlegm and mucus can indicate a more serious condition.

See a doctor if the problem is severe, persistent, or does not improve with rest and home remedies. Read the article in Spanish. Postnasal drip is extra mucus felt dripping down the back of the nose and throat. It may be caused by allergies, dry air, or an infection. Learn more. Having a stuffy nose can be uncomfortable, but home and over-the-counter remedies can often relieve it.

Get some tips on managing nasal congestion…. Sputum is a type of thick mucus that is produced by the lungs when they are diseased or damaged. If a person is using an essential oil for the first time, they should test for skin irritation. Apply a small amount of oil to a 1-inch patch of skin on the inner arm.

If no reaction occurs after 24 hours, the oil can be used more liberally. If an excess of mucus in the chest is disrupting sleep, it may help to elevate the head using extra pillows. Elevation promotes mucus drainage and reduces coughing and discomfort.

NAC is a supplement that can be used to thin the mucus in the airways and reduce the frequency and severity of a cough. After analyzing 13 studies , researchers found that people with chronic bronchitis can benefit from taking milligrams mg of NAC daily if no airway obstruction is present. Those with an airway obstruction may need to take up to 1, mg daily. N-acetylcysteine products are available for purchase online. Home remedies often relieve mucus in the chest, but they may not work for everyone.

Over-the-counter OTC or prescription treatments are sometimes required. Vapor rubs have been found to provide significant relief from coughs and congestion.

They are available for purchase over the counter or online. Decongestants can reduce mucus in the chest. Decongestants are available as a liquid, tablet, or nasal spray. They can be purchased over the counter or online. They may interfere with sleep if taken later in the day. When there is also congestion in the nose, a nasal decongestant spray may be recommended.

These should not be used for more than 3 days at a time, as they cause rebound symptoms. A person should see a doctor if they have had excess mucus in the chest for more than 3 days. Having excess mucus in the chest is usually a sign of an infection or another underlying condition. Symptoms tend to resolve within a week, and home remedies should ease symptoms for most people.

Read the article in Spanish. Mucus serves an important function, but should it be in the stool? This symptom can sometimes signal a bacterial infection, fissure, or obstruction….

Some mucus in the urine is not a cause for concern, but excessive or usual mucus may indicate an underlying condition. There are also over-the-counter OTC medicines you can use.

Decongestants , for example, can cut down the mucus that flows from your nose. Decongestants work by reducing swelling in your nose and opening up your airways. You can find oral decongestants in the form of:. There are also many decongestant nasal sprays on the market.

This type of medication is called an expectorant , which means it helps you to expel mucus by thinning and loosening it. This OTC treatment usually lasts for 12 hours, but follow the package instructions for how often to take it. Chest rubs, like Vicks VapoRub , contain eucalyptus oil to ease coughs and potentially get rid of mucus. You can rub it onto your chest and neck up to three times each day. Younger children should not use Vicks in its full strength, but the company does make a baby-strength version.

You should not heat this product because you could get burned. If you have certain conditions or infections, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the root cause of your symptoms.

There are specific medications that can thin your mucus if you have a chronic lung condition like cystic fibrosis. It works by increasing the amount of salt in your air passages. It comes in different strengths and can be used on people ages 6 and older. This treatment only provides temporary relief and may cause some side effects, like cough, sore throat , or chest tightness. Dornase-Alfa Pulmozyme is a mucus-thinning medication often used by people with cystic fibrosis.

You inhale it through a nebulizer. Excess or thick phlegm from time to time is usually not a reason for concern. It should be flowing more by afternoon. Learn more: Is it allergies or a cold? If uncomfortable phlegm becomes a regular occurrence, you might want to make an appointment with your doctor. There are several health conditions that may cause a buildup of phlegm, including:.

Contact your doctor if your phlegm has been bothering you for a month or longer. Let your doctor know if you have other symptoms, like:. Contact your doctor if:. Read this article in Spanish. Acute sinusitis is a short-term infection or inflammation of the membranes that line your sinuses. Here are your treatment options and how to prevent….