Phlegm in Lungs

Phlegm in lungs can be more commonly seen in people who have been suffering from bronchitis, asthma, or with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). For these people, it is very important to clear phlegm from the lungs, as they can cause serious medical problems such as shortness of breath and problems in the airways due to their clogging.

By nature, phlegm can be described as a sticky, stringy and thick mucus which is present in the lungs. If it remains in the lungs, there is a possibility of it getting infected, which can further aggravate the situation. It phlegm is produced by the mucosal cells, which are located at the lining of the respiratory track of the human body.

Phlegm can be caused even by a mild common cold along with the other serious causes. Tuberculosis, pneumonia, and irritation, are some other medical conditions which can cause phlegm to get accumulated in the lungs. Irritation may be the result of the entry of a foreign particle which causes more production of mucus by the cells.

These causes must be dealt with immediately and in a right way because in absence of the right preventive measures, the bronchial tubes in our lungs can face irritation due to the phlegm. This can directly result into the causing of secondary infections, as the bronchial tubes are very delicate in nature.

You might be suggested the effective and right method of controlled coughing to deal with phlegm in lungs. Drinking fluids, and mostly water is important to avoid the situation to get out of control. One thing you should remember is that drinking fluids does not indicate drinking alcohol, as alcohol consumption is not at all recommended.

The cough syrups should not be used in excess as this will result in the phlegm becoming thicker due to the drying out of the lungs and the nasal passages.

Here is the process of clearing the lungs of the phlegm:

• Sit straight on a chair and breathe in a normal way with your head slightly forward.
• By tilting the head back, take a deep breath slowly.
• The breath should be held-on for three-four seconds, when the head is back.
• Lose your phlegm by coughing, once you lean ahead.

• Get used to coughing in short coughs and avoid air inhalation in between the coughs.
• Do not take a deep breath, but breathe slowly after waiting for a few seconds and repeat this procedure for three times.
• Remember that deep breathing causes the phlegm to go back to the lungs instead of removing it.

All smokers are advised to give up the habit, as smoking causes many lung problems. Also, you should not ignore sinus infections or some nose infections. Do not get addicted to cough suppressants. Try to spit the phlegm without swallowing it.

You may be prescribed to take expectorants to keep phlegm away from your respiratory tract. Drinking around ten glasses of water, using OTC saline nasal spray for thinning the phlegm, taking guaifenesin, using oral antihistamine to allergy related phlegm, and decongestant medicines for bacterial or viral attacks, are the ways of dealing with phlegm in lungs.