How is mucus removed from the body

For that reason, Dr. Boucher does not recommend taking a cough suppressant medication. If your mucus is dry and you are having trouble coughing it up, you can do things like take a steamy shower or use a humidifier to wet and loosen the mucus. When you do cough up phlegm another word for mucus from your chest, Dr. When you are blowing your nose or coughing, pay attention to your mucus.

Boucher puts it. If you get dehydrated or the body has been introduced to something harmful, it turns yellow and gets thicker. You also might experience a runny nose or phlegm in your chest and throat, which is a symptom of increased mucus production.

This situation is most likely the result of a common cold. Mucus not only traps infectious agents, but it also picks up cells produced by your body. Inflammatory cells created by the body in response to a sickness or irritation get absorbed by mucus, giving it that green hue. Keep tabs on any other symptoms you might have in conjunction with discolored mucus.

The most concerning color to watch out for in mucus is red. View Electromed's Notice of Privacy here. If you are a California resident and you want to submit a request or inquiry to us regarding your California rights, you or your authorized agent can contact us at info electromed.

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Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Not smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. Smoking and secondhand smoke cause the body to produce more phlegm and mucus.

Minimizing the use of decongestants. While they dry secretions and can alleviate a runny nose, decongestants may make it harder to get rid of phlegm and mucus. Taking the right medicine.

Medications known as expectorants can help to thin mucus and phlegm, making them easier to cough or blow out. However, check to make sure that these medications do not also contain decongestants. Keeping allergies in check. Seasonal allergies can lead to a runny or stuffy nose, as well as excess mucus and phlegm. Avoiding irritants. Chemicals, fragrances, and pollution can irritate the nose, throat, and lower airways. This causes the body to produce more mucus. 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.