The doctor tells you how to get rid of those uncomfortable discomforts.
A phlegm in your throat is like a booger in your eye: you have no idea how it got there, but removing it is disgusting.
We are going to keep the mucus dissertation in the eye for another day, but in the case of phlegm , in fact it has a purpose: the sticky substance, mostly made of water, salt and antibodies, is designed to help you capture and eliminate bacteria and other undesirable microorganisms in your nose and throat, says Dr. Brett Comer, a professor in the division of rhinology, nasal surgery and allergies at the University of Kentucky Medical College.
Even when you feel well, your body naturally produces a quart of phlegm a day. Dr. Comer says that without it, germs and irritants in the air would easily enter the lungs through your airways.
But, when you are sick or suffering from an allergy, your body increases its production of phlegm in an effort to expel the evil bug that knows it’s there, explains Dr. Comer.
So, here goes the big question: Do you swallow or spit phlegm?
So, even if it tastes disgusting, “there’s nothing wrong with swallowing it,” Dr. Comer replies. In fact, that’s probably what your body expects you to do, that’s why phlegm naturally goes to the back of your throat.
If you decide to swallow it, the acids in your stomach and digestive system will simply eradicate phlegm and anything harmful it contains, says Dr. Comer.
The alternative, of course, is to get phlegm out of your system.
Do it the right way: close your mouth and suck air through your nose, advises Doctor Comer. Your goal is to use your nose to pull excess phlegm to your throat, where the muscles of the throat and your tongue can hold it.
? Just make sure you’re not chewing anything when you do the procedure, or you can suck pieces of food into your airways ,? warns Dr. Comer. ? This error may require surgery ?.
Place your U-shaped tongue while you propel the air and saliva forward using the muscles in the back of your throat. When you have phlegm in your mouth, spit it out in the bathroom sink.
Since the phlegm is out, check it out. Color can give you important clues about your health.
IF IT IS GREEN OR YELLOW, you will most likely have an infection . This color is due to an enzyme produced by your white blood cells that are fighting the infection.
If the abundant phlegm persists for more than a week, it may indicate that the viral infection has advanced, becoming a bacterial infection, says Dr. Erin K. O? Brien, a rheologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Go to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
IF IT IS TRANSPARENT, you may have allergies. Allergies cause your mucous membranes to produce histamines, which cause your cells to produce more phlegm . Taking an antihistamine will help you with excess fluid production.
IF IT’S RED (OR WITH BLOOD), it is due to dryness. Increase your sources of moisture: use a saline nasal spray or use a humidifier in your room.
But, if you see blood very often (especially if you are a smoker or drink a lot) it can be a sign of a more serious problem, including cancer, says Dr. Comer. Go to your doctor.