Introduction

What do you mean by mucus from the lungs?

• The mucus in our respiratory system also has other names. Snot which is sticky goo and pours from our nose during a cold. Mucus also called Phlegm, clogs our lungs and causes cough. But mucus is much greater than a runny nose¹
• It is an extracellular gel containing the most important components as water and mucins (heavily glycosylated proteins)² 
• Our body produces too much mucus, though we don't know the exact amount. This mucus has an important role in keeping us healthy¹
• The function of mucus from the lungs is to trap inhaled toxins and then transfer to out of the lungs by coughing and ciliary beating. It also acts as a barrier to protect the lungs from injury
• Excess mucus causes pathogenesis, leading to airway diseases and abnormal lung function²
• Excess mucus production increases  the chances of infection and makes breathing difficult³

Causes of excess mucus in lungs

Possible causes of the production of excess mucus in the lungs are below. These are from different health conditions from mild to severe.

• Allergies: Some people have seasonal allergies to substances like pollen and dust mites. They cannot tolerate these substances and cause accumulation of mucus in their lungs. Their symptoms include chest tightness, coughing and congestion. Drinking too much water and staying hydrated relief them from congestion
• Infections: Cold. flu and bacterial pneumonia cause infection in our lungs and produce excess mucus
• GERD (chronic acid reflux) When acid comes from the stomach through a tube connecting the throat and mouth to the stomach, it irritates the throat and produces mucus and lung congestion
• Lung diseases, such as COPD, a group of many lung diseases that produce thick and sticky mucus in the lungs. The main cause of COPD is smoking^4,5 

Some other causes due to lifestyle changes and environmental conditions include

• Smoking: According to scientific research, smoking causes excess production of mucus in the lungs and cough
• Drinking beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol
• Dehydration
• Spending time in a dry environment⁵

Natural methods to remove mucus from lungs

Hydration

If we have a cold, extra fluids help thin the mucus and empty the sinus. Also, individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies may benefit from drinking a significant amount to avoid congestion. You can also drink warm water, apple juice, chicken soup, decaffeinated black tea or green tea.

Steam Inhalation

Steam helps to humidify the air, making it easier to breathe and relaxing bronchial mucus. Whatever the cause cool air or cold, breathing warm water vapour can be so much comfort and relief to people with difficulty in respiration.

• Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus products have been used for years to stop coughing and mucus. Apply directly to the chest. A few drops of eucalyptus oil are added to a diffuser or a warm bath to clear the nose
• Breathe in through a wet towel: Breathing in through a damp cloth can assist the nasal passages and throat to become re-moistened. Using heat will also provide some relief from the pain and pressure
• Hot shower: Take a hot bath or shower. Steam in the bathroom will loosen and clear mucus in the nose and throat. And hot water on the face will help relieve sinus pressure

Elevate the head

For those who have large amounts of mucus that are causing problems, sleeping on a few pillows to keep the head above heart level or using a recliner might be helpful. 

Laying flat may contribute to difficulty in breathing due to phlegm accumulating at the back of your throat.

Spit it out

When phlegm accumulates in the lungs, your body tries to get rid of excess mucus by splitting.

Nasal spray

Saline sprays may help to clear mucus and allergens from the nose and sinuses. Sterile sprays with sodium chloride only, sterile or distilled water for irrigation is used.

No smoking

Stop smoking. Smoking and passive smoking make the body produce more phlegm and mucus.

Blow the nose

You might want to blow until thick mucus comes out. Blowing the sinuses too much may cause pain, pressure and even infection.

Food allergies

Some foods can cause allergic reactions that look like seasonal allergies. With the weather change, you might get a runny nose and itchy throat and it leads to excess mucus. Keep a record of foods that make you produce more phlegm or mucus.

Avoid caffeine

Avoid alcohol and caffeine and try to use water and low fat foods. Both can cause dehydration if taken in excess. When you have trouble clearing your throat or nose, drink plenty of warm non-caffeinated fluids.⁶

Foods that Help Clear Mucus

• Herbal remedies:
  • Lemon juice and honey
  • Orange, pineapple and watercress juice 
  • Ginger syrup with cinnamon
  • Peppermint tea
  • Thyme and honey infusion
  • Onion and garlic syrup
  • Eucalyptus vapor inhalation 
  • Licorice tea 
  • Echinacea tea
  • Butcher's-broom tea
  • Guaco and mallow tea⁷

Eat lots of fruits: One study shows that a diet high in fibre from fruits and oy may reduce respiratory problems related to phlegm. Avoid trigger foods: Avoid foods that can trigger. Triggers can cause phlegm and mucus. If you are prone to heartburn, avoid trigger foods and see a doctor for proper management.⁶

Lifestyle changes to Prevent excess mucus:

Avoiding irritants

• Smoking cessation and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Reducing exposure to pollutants and allergens

Exercise regularly

• Regular exercise makes our lungs stronger as our lungs work hard to supply sufficient oxygen to muscles.to make us physically active
• Practice deep breathing. This exercise not only makes lungs strong enough to perform better function but also manages stressful situations

Maintain good hygiene

• Washing our hands regularly also helps to avoid infections
• When we are infected, wearing a mask and maintaining distance from other individuals also help avoid infection risk⁸

When to seek medical help?

• When natural remedies may not be enough to reduce mucus in the lungs, a doctor consultation is necessary to treat excess mucus in the lungs
• Phlegm that's pink, red or brown may indicate blood. That can really sound bad, and in all probability, it could be that the person has some ominous medical condition that needs to be taken care of right away
• However, sometimes bloody mucus is simply due to a chest cold that has caused excessive coughing. There are times when the force of the coughing can cause small blood vessels in the lungs or airways to break and bleed slightly. For example, in severe heart failure pink-tinged frothy sputum can be the first ominous sign of fluid buildup in the lungs from a heart failure exacerbation
• As black mucus may be a sign of a fungal infection. This kind of infection usually need immediate medical attention, especially if a person has a compromised immune system, which can result from something like cancer treatments or a chronic illness like HIV, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis⁹

Summary

Removal of excess mucus from the lungs is necessary to improve breathing and capacity. Normally our body produces some mucus on a daily basis to make us healthy. A muscus in our lungs is necessary to protect them from cushioning and collapse. But production of excess mucus in our lungs occurs due to many conditions like due to allergy, infections (caused by colds, flu, bacterial pneumonia etc), certain lung diseases like COPD, asthma, bronchitis etc, GERD, certain lifestyle changes( smoking, dry air). To overcome excess production of mucus in our lungs naturally, it’s necessary to drink a lot of water, and consume hot drinks as they cause mucus to become thin. Use some herbal remedies that will decrease inflammation and increase breathing capacity like ginger, turmeric, peppermint tea etc. Some antioxidant foods like leafy green, berries and citrus fruits also help to decrease inflammation and repair lungs. Lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking, avoiding dry air and pollutants, personal hygiene, breathing exercises, and even light walking and stretching can improve lung function and breathing by decreasing excess mucus from the lungs.