How to get rid of Phlegm?

By phlegm is understood the thickened form of mucus, when it becomes properly visible. But unlike mucus that causes nasal congestion, phlegm comes directly out of your lungs. Your mucous membrane produces phlegm in order to fight off a possible onslaught of infections. Sometimes inhaling allergens or pollutants and catching a cold, flu or sinusitis could cause an increase in phlegm.

Reading the various signs of phlegm  

Ordinary phlegm is generally greenish yellow in color and this color comes from the presence of dead WBC. Various colors of phlegm indicate various infections your body immunity is trying to resist. For example, brown or gray phlegm is the pointer that your body is getting rid of nicotine, dust and tar build ups, which come from smoking.

Similarly, if you observe a reddish tint in the phlegm you coughed up, it could be because of the presence of blood streaks. This type of phlegm could be a symptom for serious ailments like TB, bronchial infection and also lung cancer.

How to prevent excessive phlegm?

Phlegm often results from lung and bronchial infections. Hence, you must immediately give up smoking if you have to get rid of that mass of brownish phlegm. Try to reduce staying out in a dusty or smoky zone for long hours.

In order to reduce the quantities of phlegm, stop the habit of swallowing the coughed up phlegm. The chemical composition of your phlegm constitutes of glycoproteins and immunoglobulins, which fight infection and are expelled once the task is completed. Hence, if you swallow it, it will go back to the system and increase your trouble.  

Common cures to phlegm

Taking decongestants, expectorants and nasal drops help loosen the phlegm and expel it through coughs. However, you must not take cold suppressants as this will only create more problems. Throat congestion could be cleared by chewing a anti-congestion lozenge.