What do you know about Mucus and Phlegm. Often it is used interchangeably but do you know they are different?
Ever wanted to get rid of the plenty mucus you have?
A runny or stuffed-up nose is a pain, but that extra mucus helps your body stay healthy.
“Mucus is an important substance the body produces to protect itself from viruses and bacteria,”
Here is all you need to know about mucus and how manage it.
In this article you find 1. What is Mucus 2. What is Phlegm 2. Difference between mucus and phlegm 3. Causes of Excessive Mucus 4. What the various mucus colors means 5. How to get rid of Mucus
What is Mucus?
Mucus is a protective substance that’s excreted from multiple areas of the body, such as the mouth, sinuses, throat, lungs, stomach, and intestines. It is essential for body function and acts as a protective and moisturizing layer to keep critical organs from drying out. Mucus also acts as a trap for irritants like dust, smoke, or bacteria. It contains antibodies and bacteria-killing enzymes to help fight off infections. It’s produced by mucous membranes that run from your nose to your lungs. Your mucus may also become thicker or stickier when you're sick, meaning it won't simply slide down your throat. Instead, it may build up in your lungs and throat, causing congestion and in severe cases leading to difficulty breathing or swallowing.
What is Phlegm Phlegm is the term that is used to refer to mucus produced by the respiratory system, particularly when excess mucus is produced and coughed up. During an infection, the mucus contains the viruses or bacteria responsible for the infection as well as infection-fighting cells of the body's immune system (white blood cells). Phlegm itself is not dangerous, but when present in large amounts, it can clog the airways. Phlegm is usually expelled by coughing, and this is typically accompanied by symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.
What is the difference between mucus and Phlegm?
Mucus is a protective substance that’s excreted from multiple areas of the body that acts as a lubricant and filter for the areas in which they are produced while Phlegm is the term that is used to refer to mucus produced by the respiratory system, particularly when excess mucus is produced and coughed up.
Causes of Excessive mucus
1. A dry indoor environment 2. Low consumption of water 3. High consumption of fluids that can lead to fluid loss, such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, greasy foods, spicy foods and alcohol 4.smoking 5. Respiratory infections like colds, the flu, and sinusitis 6. Allergies
Color of Mucus Mucus is usually clear.
White Mucus The mucus in your nose may get thicker and look white. It can be a sign that your body is pumping out white blood cells to fight an infection.
Green or yellow.
This shade is usually a sign that you may have an infection like a cold or the flu. “The green color comes from a protein released from your inflammatory cells,”
Red or Pink.
If you’re sick and coughing a lot, you may notice blood-tinged mucus. This can come from broken blood vessels in your nose or throat.
A little bit of blood in your mucus is nothing to worry about. But if you experience excessive bleeding, talk to your doctor.
How to get rid of Mucus
1. Stay hydrated Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones such as juice to clear broths to chicken soup decaffeinated tea and warm fruit juice or lemon water with ginger can help your mucus flow.
2. Gargle salt water Gargling warm salt water can help clear phlegm that’s hanging on the back of your throat. It may even kill germs and soothe your sore throat.
3. Eating plenty of fruit.
Studies found that a diet rich in fiber from fruit, and possibly soy, may lead to fewer respiratory problems linked to Phlegm.
4. 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 and avoid them
5.Elevate your head.
Lying flat can make it feel like the mucus is collecting in the back of your throat.
6. Use Eucalyptus oil
Using eucalyptus essential oil may get the mucus out of your chest. It works by helping to loosen the mucus so you can cough it out more easily. At the same time, if you have a nagging cough, the eucalyptus can relieve it. You can either inhale vapor by using a diffuser or use a balm that contains this ingredient.
7.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.
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