What Is The Cause Of Excess Phlegm

Understanding phlegm

The protective mucus fluid produced in the lungs and lower respiratory tract is critical to the proper functioning of the body. Mucus, which moistens the surrounding area, keeps the organs from drying out. The mucus in the phlegm structure acts as a filter, protecting the respiratory tract from bacteria. Some diseases can increase mucus fluid. 

Phlegm is a substance that forms in the throat and lungs and is coughed up. Phlegm production may increase as a result of diseases such as respiratory tract infection, flu, and sinusitis. Allergic reactions are another cause of increased phlegm production. There are also methods for non-serious cases that can be used at home.

Phlegm is the type of mucus that protects the lungs and lower respiratory tract. The colour of phlegm under normal conditions is light and clear. Phlegm keeps the lungs and airways moist and provides protection against bacteria and foreign substances. Excess phlegm produced by the lungs may accumulate in your nasal passages and cause discomfort. When phlegm is produced in excess, it is excreted from the body with coughing. The mucus in the sinus and nasal discharge is expelled from the body with phlegm. Phlegm can be treated with simple home remedies. When phlegm production is excessive, it is expelled from the body through coughing. Phlegm is the removal of mucus from the sinuses and nasal area offrom the body. Simple home treatments can be used to treat phlegm.

Types of phlegm

Some diseases are indicated by the colour and type of phlegm. This depends on the colour and consistency of the phlegm.

White Phlegm

White phlegm may be encountered with coughing if the sinuses are blocked with an upper respiratory infection. In the case of swelling of the tissues in the nose, it is understood that the mucus is not able to move through the nasal passages as it should. At the same time, white phlegm that comes with a cough may indicate sinus congestion caused by a respiratory infection.

Yellow-Green Phlegm 

Viral or bacterial infections can cause thick and dark phlegm. Coughing phlegm in the lungs occurs in the sinuses or lower respiratory tract. As a result of white blood cells fighting against infection, yellow-green phlegm can be formed.

Pink-Red Phlegm

It could be a sign of fluid in the lungs. The phlegm of patients with pulmonary oedema is pink in colour and foamy. Red phlegm causes cough and chest infection. It is mostly seen in elderly people who smoke. Patients with colds and bronchitis may develop bloody mucus from inflammation or nasal irritation.

Brown Phlegm

Brown phlegm may occur in individuals who smoke excessively. Air pollution, smoke inhalation and dried blood in the nose are other factors that cause brown phlegm.

Black Phlegm

Exposure to excessive air pollution and breathing smoke can produce black phlegm. Phlegm that comes in dark colours can be a sign of a serious condition, such as lung disease.

Differences between mucus and phlegm

The main difference between mucus and phlegm is that mucus acts as the regular protective layer of the airways whereas phlegm is produced during inflammation and diseases of the respiratory tract. 

What is the cause of excess phlegm

Common causes include respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and sinusitis, as well as increased phlegm production and cough. Another cause of excess phlegm production is allergic reactions. Even spicy foods can cause an increase in mucus production in the nasal passages.

In addition, excessive phlegm is among the symptoms of various types of cancer such as lung cancer. Do not neglect to see your doctor in case of excessive phlegm.

Risk of having excess phlegm

There are dangerous situations in which excess phlegm can form. Especially, the formation of bloody phlegm is important as it can indicate a dangerous situation. Bloody phlegm can occur due to problems such as inflammation of the lungs, the common cold, or even cancer. 

Apart from this, blood may be mixed with phlegm due to irritation that may occur in the throat due to frequent coughing. In such cases, it is necessary to pay attention to the colour of blood in the phlegm and to consult a specialist doctor.

How to prevent It

If phlegm, which is a protective response of the body, persists for a long time and bothers the person, help from a specialist should be sought. Especially the phlegm is not transparent and light in colour; if it is brown or even close to black, the health centre should be consulted without delay.

As with all other diseases, phlegm treatment is planned considering the source that caused the problem. At this stage, the phlegm is taken as a sample to examine its content and it is investigated whether there are harmful bacteria in the mucus. If bacteria are present, antibiotic treatment is preferred first. In ordinary cases, mucus-dissolving drugs, popularly known as "phlegm removers", are used to provide easy breathing.

Treatment and medication

Steam has a softening effect on the mucous membrane. Making use of the steam of boiling water will soften the phlegm and facilitate its removal from the body. For this, it will be enough to lean over the steam and breathe the steam for a few minutes. This will be an answer to the question of how to remove phlegm.

We know that herbal teas are very beneficial. The answer to the question of how to remove phlegm is also hidden in herbal teas. Since the mixture of linden, honey and lemon will soften the chest and throat, it relaxes the respiratory tract, phlegm is expelled and nasal congestion is relieved.

Another useful food is ginger. Ginger is very good for cough, cold, and phlegm. Since it has both therapeutic and protective properties, it is possible to be protected from diseases with its consumption. Ginger can be mixed with water in grated form and consumed as a detox drink, or it can be added to hot herbal teas, or it can be drunk together with honey and ginger in a warm brew.

The health of the lungs should be taken care of during this period, so the person should protect himself/herself from the cold. The answer to the question of how to expel phlegm begins with paying attention to oneself, especially in cold seasons. It is necessary to be protected from the cold as much as possible in order to prevent it from descending into the lungs, as flu or cold can turn into pneumonia.

Consuming plenty of water for phlegm will thin the phlegm, making it easier to remove and dispose of phlegm.

Taking a shower is relaxing and at the same time, it softens the phlegm due to exposure to steam and facilitates the removal of phlegm from the body.

The air must be humidified so that the phlegm can be easily removed from the body. Humidification of the air makes breathing easier.

Since ginger can kill bacteria and viruses that cause phlegm in the respiratory tract, it is recommended to drink a teaspoon of ginger mixed in a glass of milk before going to bed at night. Ginger helps to remove phlegm.

Teas of thyme, fennel and liquorice root are both expectorant, curative for colds, and cough suppressants.

We know the effects of smoking on the respiratory tract. While the biggest cause of phlegm formation is smoking, not smoking plays an important role in the treatment of phlegm.

Gargling with salt water is throat-cleansing and soothing. The mixture obtained by adding 1 teaspoon of Himalayan or rock salt to 1 glass of warm water can be used for gargling. When this recipe is applied, phlegm is removed from the body more easily and phlegm is removed.

When to contact a doctor

Phlegm varieties differ in themselves in many ways. The consistency and colour of the phlegm inform the underlying disease. Features such as continuous phlegm, coughing, or foamy phlegm can carry the symptoms of different diseases. Prolonged phlegm persistence and extremely bad smell are usually seen in the case of bronchiectasis. If there is abscess formation in the lungs and the condition is febrile, this may also cause the production of phlegm. Even a small amount of phlegm can be seen in respiratory tract problems caused by viruses. In some cases, it is not visible at all.

The Rust colour and dark consistency of phlegm may indicate pneumonia. If the phlegm is green and yellowish, accompanied by a foul odour and dark consistency, this may be a sign of lung disease. This is most often caused by bacteria. If this type of phlegm is caused by tuberculosis, then systemic symptoms such as fever and night sweats may also be seen. If the phlegm is bright red and foamy, it may be due to a malignant lung disease. In such a case, great attention should be paid to the symptoms.

If the phlegm is pink and frothy, this indicates fluid collection in the lungs. The presence of streaked blood on the phlegm may be caused by pneumococcal bacteria and staphylococcal bacteria. This is due to diseases caused by bacteria in the lungs. Finally, if the klebsiella bacterium has caused disease in the lungs, dark brown and foul-smelling phlegm may occur.

If excessive phlegm is dark or bloody, contact your doctor immediately.

Summary

Phlegm is the type of mucus that protects the lungs and lower respiratory tract. The colour of phlegm under normal conditions is light and clear. However, some diseases are indicated by the colour and type of phlegm. This depends on the colour and consistency of the phlegm.

Common causes include respiratory infections such as colds, flu, and sinusitis, as well as increased phlegm production and cough. Another cause of excess phlegm production is allergic reactions. Even spicy foods can cause an increase in mucus production in the nasal passages.

In addition, excessive phlegm is among the symptoms of various types of cancer such as lung cancer. Do not neglect to see your doctor in case of excessive phlegm.

Especially the phlegm is not transparent and light in colour; if it is brown or even close to black, the health centre should be consulted without delay.