Health problems such as the common cold and cough are not harmful. But if not treated properly, it may lead to more serious and troublesome conditions such as phlegm.
Any infection in the lung and trachea that make up the lower respiratory tract may lead to phlegm.
A healthy body needs some mucus, but a lot of it can be caused by illnesses such as the flu, the common cold, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking, or other lung diseases.
Here are some ways to get rid of the mucus (phlegm) in your throat, according to a new report published by the specialized medical website “onlymyhealth”:
1 – Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial because fluids loosen phlegm and prevent your throat from becoming congested. To stay hydrated, you should drink plenty of water and other hot beverages such as tea and soup. The phlegm will become thinner and thinner due to the heat, making it easier to drain. This helps you clear your throat.
2 – Gargle
Gargling with salt water is an effective way to clear your throat and drain phlegm. Start by mixing ½ tablespoon of salt into a cup of lukewarm water. Take a sip of the salt water and gargle for a few seconds while tilting your head back and keeping the water in your throat. Spit out the water following gargling. Repeat this process every three to four hours for best results.
3 – Inhalation of steam
The mucous membranes will remain moist if you inhale the steam. You can add salt or essential oils like eucalyptus and rosemary to the water as well. You can steam at least twice a day, take a warm shower, or use a moisturizer.
4 – mint tea
Menthol can help. An essential oil found in peppermint tea, it has been shown to help reduce phlegm and other cold and cough symptoms. This is due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It helps fight colds and stabilizes the healing process.
5 – ginger
Ginger contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that help dry up excess phlegm and promote the removal of its buildup to relieve chest congestion. You can take ginger tea to relieve the symptoms.
6 – Keep your head up
You should keep your head elevated to prevent phlegm from accumulating in your throat. This aids in the natural drainage of nasal phlegm and mucus down the back of the throat.
Here are some tips that you should follow:
Don’t suppress it. Coughing helps remove secretions from your lungs and throat. Better to spit it out than swallow it.
You should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as these can lead to dehydration and slow down healing. In addition, avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke as it produces more phlegm and mucus.
Avoid eating foods that cause acid reflux or burning in your throat, as they may aggravate your condition.
– Refrain from eating dairy products because they can increase the density of phlegm.
– Stay away from irritants such as chemicals and pollutants because they cause more phlegm.
Do not blow your nose too hard to avoid pain and infection.