While a typical cough or cold isn’t hazardous, if not treated it can turn into more serious problems like phlegm. It is important to not let mucus or phlegm build up because they often indicate an infection. How can you remove mucus and phlegm? Simple home remedies can be used!

What is Phlegm?

Phlegm is the result of an infection that affects the respiratory tract of lower, which includes the lungs and trachea. It can be caused by any infection of the lower respiratory tract which could be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral.

The risk factors for phlegm are:

The diseases like pneumonia, mild infections tuberculosis, lung cancer and bronchiectasis and bronchitis can trigger the formation of phlegm. It can also be caused by asthmatic conditions like COPD-chronic bronchitis as well as asthma, or COPD exacerbation.

HealthShots reached out to Dr Pritha Nayyar, Consultant Specialist in Respiratory Medicine at Asian Hospital, to speak about the most effective treatments for phlegm at home.

Dr Nayyar says “The most effective method to reduce the amount of phlegm is to get rid of it completely. it with proper treatment and understanding of the aetiology. But, it is also able to be treated and managed at home. To reduce the amount of Phlegm it is recommended to steam drink lukewarm or hot water and make use of expectorants. To ensure that excess phlegm gets out and can be eliminated. rid of the accumulation in your lung tissue.”

Here are 7 methods to eliminate the smell of phlegm.

1. Honey ginger helps reduce cough

Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with one spoon of ginger juice that is fresh. Drink the syrup immediately and ensure you take it slowly and steadily. Use it as often as needed to alleviate a sore throat or a dry cough as often as three times a day. Ginger reduces swelling caused by a sore throat while honey helps in calming it down and reducing coughing attacks.

2. Take plenty of fluids

In case you’re not drinking enough, you’ll be able to make it easier for the build-up of excess phlegm inside your airways. If you’re dehydrated your mucus is also dehydrated and denser, making it harder to eliminate. Drink plenty of fluids as it helps thin out the mucus that is in your throat, making it much easier to cough it out and expel out of your airways. Warm water is more beneficial to drink.

3. Make sure to rinse with salt water

Gargling with salt water can help to soothe your throat and lessen mucus. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt in ice-cold glasses of water. Take one sip of salt water and place it in your throat while your head is bent back instead of swallowing it, and then gargle for about a couple of minutes. Then, you can flush the water out and repeat. Each time you have 2 to 3 hours throughout the day, do this process as needed. The prevention of infections in the upper respiratory tract can be helped by this simple treatment.

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

4. A healthy diet that is nutrient-rich to prevent infection

It is essential to take note of your diet when you are fighting phlegm-related issues. To eliminate excessive phlegm, you should add more cardamom and onion and pineapple, ginger, garlic and chilli peppers. Hot and spicy foods as well as high doses of chilli work as natural decongestants. They cause mucus to become thinner and run and make it easier to get rid of Phlegm. Also, try to eat healthily.

5. Steam with oil essential

Take a breath of steam in a cup filled with hot water to loosen and reduce the phlegm. If you want to feel better you can try it at least once or twice a day when you need to. Steam inhalation is a method which can assist in helping remove the buildup of mucus in your respiratory tract. However, adding the smallest amount of essential oils to the steam can increase its effectiveness. You can also utilize a humidifier, or take an icy shower.

6. Herbal teas

Phlegm is best treated using peppermint tea. It’s an anti-inflammatory expectorant, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These properties have been shown to rid respiratory passages of phlegm and mucus, and boost your body’s immune system against disease. Make sure to take it to feel immediate relief.

Stay warm by drinking herbal tea. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Nasal spray

To lessen the buildup of mucus and restore normal breathing it is also possible to use drops or nasal sprays. The majority of nasal sprays contain saltwater that helps reduce and loosen the mucus. If you’re experiencing phlegm symptoms consult your physician about how to make use of it.

Other suggestions to remember to manage Phlegm:

• Do not smoke or use secondhand smoke
• The coughing helps to remove the excess Phlegm
• Limit caffeine
• Be sure to regularly blow your nose.
• Don’t drink alcohol.
• Get a hot shower to get some relief
• Keep your head up
• Apply a saline nasal spray or rinse
• Beware of dairy products
• Do breathing exercises regularly.
• Be aware of your allergies and receive the proper treatment