Best way to remove phlegm from lungs

Are phlegm and mucus the same thing?

You will usually find phlegm in the back of the throat or in the lungs. It is produced by the lower airways. Mucus on the other hand will normally be found in the mucous membranes inside the nose. It acts like a filter protecting your lungs as you inhale. To clear it you simply blow your nose. Phlegm in throat however is thicker and more viscous. You usually only notice it when you cough it up. An excess of this secretion can be a symptom of a respiratory problem such as bronchitis.

How phlegm is formed

Our body produces mucus and phlegm to keep us healthy. It is a protective, slippery substance that your throat, sinuses and lungs produce. This substance then helps to protect tissues in your body and trap any irritants and bacteria. However, if bacteria or a virus manages to get past your body’s natural defence system, then more phlegm is formed. In most people, this excessive production of mucus and phlegm will clear without further problems. However, there are some conditions where the bronchi become filled with mucus, leaving the lungs more vulnerable to infection. Such conditions include bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. In both instances, your body is needing to rid itself of this substance, usually by coughing.

In a naturally occurring amount, mucus offers protection by acting as a natural filter for bacteria. Your lungs are highly vulnerable to bacteria and infection. This is because the lungs are an internal organ and the oxygen you breathe in goes directly into your lungs. Read more about how to Improve Your Lung Health.  

How phlegm is removed from lungs

Although unpleasant, you can safely swallow mucus. This is because your body can safely reabsorb it. Phlegm however must be expelled from the body. Advice from healthcare professionals is to cough it up. This is because it will contain virus and dead bacteria. As you cough it up you are helping your body to get rid of the infection. There are now also devices that promote a productive cough, such as the Shaker mucus clearance devices by POWERbreathe. 

Can phlegm make you cough?

Secretions will be more of a problem at night. This is simply because of gravity. These secretions will feel heavy in your chest. This can bring on coughing. You can allieviate this by elevating your sleeping position. Simply prop yourself up more with a pillow. Coughing is actually your body’s natural way of expelling the phlegm. This will help you to get better.

When to see a doctor

The NHS recommend you see a doctor urgently if you cough up blood. They also recommend seeing your GP if:

  • your cough is lasting for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough)
  • your cough becomes worse quickly 
  • you have a pain in your chest
  • you experience weight loss for no reason
  • your neck at the side feels swollen and painful (swollen glands)
  • breathing becomes more difficult
  • your immune system is weak because of diabetes or chemotherapy for example

Break up phlegm with drugs – or drug-free

Expectorants can be prescribed to help increase bronchial secretion. They are intended to help make it easier to cough it up. But expectorants are medicines. Shaker by POWERbreathe however is an effective drug-free alternative.

Natural remedies for phlegm

A natural, home remedy for getting rid of phlegm in the throat or lungs is to use The Shaker by POWERbreathe. This hand-held, drug-free device literally ‘shakes’ the phlegm in your chest to make it more mobile. The shaking breaks the secretions down and makes it easier for you to cough it up.

How to get rid of phlegm in your lungs naturally

Inside the Shaker device is a weighted ball. As you breathe out through the device, the ball rises and then falls again under its own weight. This happens quickly and feels like vibrations. This vibration and gentle resistance dislodges and thins phlegm. You’re then more able to expel it by coughing.

Even though a regular cold and cough is not harmful, if left untreated, they can develop into more serious issues, such as phlegm. You should not allow phlegm and mucus to accumulate since they frequently indicate an infection. So, how to get rid of phlegm? Well, some simple home remedies work well!

What is phlegm?

Phlegm is caused by any infection in the lower respiratory tract that is trachea and lungs. It is caused due to any lower respiratory tract infection that could be viral, bacterial, fungal.

Risk factors of phlegm:

Diseases like pneumonia, mild infection, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, and bronchitis can cause phlegm. It is also due to airway disease like copd-chronic bronchitis, asthma and copd exacerbation.

HealthShots got in touch with Dr Pritha Nayyar, Consultant, Respiratory specialist Asian hospital, to talk about the best home remedies to treat phlegm.

Dr Nayyar says, “The best way to reduce phlegm is by getting rid of it and completely removing it by correct treatment and knowing etiology. However, it can also be managed and treated at home. To decrease the amount of phlegm, one should do steam, drink lukewarm water, and use expectorants. So that excessive phlegm comes out and you can get rid of accumulation in lungs.”

Try the power of home remdies to treat your cough. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are 7 ways to get rid of phlegm:

1. Honey ginger to reduce cough

Combine a tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice. Take the syrup right away, and make sure you swallow it slowly. Take as needed to relieve a sore throat and a dry cough, up to three times daily. Ginger lessens the swelling that is brought on by a sore throat, while honey aids in calming it and controlling the coughing fits.

2. Drink lots of water

By not staying hydrated you can make it easier for excess phlegm to build up in your airways. In fact, if you’re dehydrated, your mucus will also be, which will make it thicker and more difficult to expel. Drink plenty of water because it helps to thin out any mucus in your throat so it will be simpler to cough up and expel from your airways. Warm water is much better to drink.

3. Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water helps to clear your throat and reduce mucus. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt to a warm glass of water. Take a sip of salt water, keep it on your throat with your head tilted back rather than swallowing it, and gargle for a few seconds. Spit out the water afterward, and repeat. Every two to three hours during the day, you can repeat this procedure as necessary. Even the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections may be aided by this home treatment.

Gargle with salt water to get rid of mucus! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Nutritious diet to avoid infection

It is crucial that you pay attention to your diet while dealing with phlegm problems. To get rid of excess phlegm, add more cardamom, onion, pineapple, ginger, garlic, and peppers. Spicy foods and high chili doses function as natural decongestants, which will cause the mucus to thin and start running, making it easier to remove phlegm. In addition, make an effort to eat healthily.

5. Steam with essential oil

Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water to loosen and thin the phlegm. To feel better, you can do it once or twice daily as necessary. Inhaling steam is a method that can help to clear mucus buildup in your respiratory tract, but adding a few drops of medicinal essential oils to the water may make it much more effective. You could even use a humidifier or take a warm shower.

6. Herbal teas

Phlegm is best treated with peppermint tea. It has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antimicrobial, and antioxidant qualities. These properties are proven to clear respiratory airways of mucus or phlegm while boosting your body’s immunity against illness. Always give it a shot for immediate relief.

Stay warm by drinking herbal tea. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Nasal spray

To reduce mucus buildup and restore normal breathing, you can also try nasal spray or drops. Typically, nasal spray contains saltwater, which helps to thin and loosen the mucus. When you have phlegm, ask your doctor how long you should use it for.

What dissolves mucus in lungs?

Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) can thin and loosen mucus so it will clear out of your throat and chest. Prescription medications. Mucolytics, such as hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) are mucus thinners that you inhale through a nebulizer.

What helps remove mucus from lungs naturally?

Keeping the air moist..
Drinking plenty of fluids..
Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the face..
Keeping the head elevated..
Not suppressing a cough..
Using a saline nasal spray or rinse..
Gargling with salt water..