Phlegm forms when there is a buildup of mucus in the nose, throat or bronchi, caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane. This mucus mass is the immune system's response to an infection. There are various causes for phlegm, but it is generally possible to treat yourself at home. For example, you could fight it by doing nasal washes or washing. However, if you do not notice any improvement, it is necessary to go to the doctor because the phlegm could be caused by a more serious condition; in this case it is important to diagnose it, treat it and prevent the problem from recurring.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Sip hot or cold water
Dehydration can aggravate the phlegm problem, so you should drink regularly throughout the day. Water can help dilute the mucus in the throat, relieving symptoms. Drink it cold if you feel the need to soothe your throat because it is sore.
- Sipping water can help relieve some symptoms, such as itching, which you might otherwise try to suppress by clearing your throat. You need to know that when you clear your throat the phlegm situation can get worse, so it is much better to drink some water when you feel an annoying itch.
- Have a bottle of cold water on hand. That way you can take a few sips whenever you're tempted to clear your throat.
- Keep a bottle of water handy even while you are at school or work. Also remember to drink with meals.
Step 2. Use a saline solution formulated for nose health
You can find various nasal cleansing products in any pharmacy. If you prefer, you can also make the saline solution at home; in this case, add half a teaspoon of salt to half a liter of water, bring it to a boil and then use it as soon as it cools.
- Usually these are spray products, the bottle of which is equipped with a dispensing spout to be positioned at the mouth of the nostrils to facilitate the entry of the saline solution into the nasal cavity. A few sprays are usually enough for each nostril to be repeated several times a day, as needed. Remember to always clean the dispenser after use.
- After spraying the saline solution, inhale through your mouth. The liquid should come out of the opposite nostril. You can blow your nose to get rid of any residue.
- This method is not always effective. If your symptoms worsen after using a decongestant spray, consult your doctor for other possible solutions.
Step 3. Do the tools
Bring some water to a boil and then inhale the hot steam to loosen the mucus in your throat. It may be useful to add a few crystals of menthol or a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Be careful not to bring your face too close to boiling water to avoid burning yourself.
This method is not suitable for children because they could be severely burned
Step 4. Try the Ayurvedic practice of oil-pulling with coconut oil
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian remedy that serves to keep the oral cavity healthy and get rid of phlegm. Put a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and run it carefully between your teeth, on the gums, under the tongue and in general in all parts of the oral cavity for about 10-15 minutes. When finished, spit the oil into the sink. The method must be repeated once a day.
Step 5. Gargle with salt water
Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 250ml of water, then use it to gargle for a few seconds. Spit the salt water into the sink when you're done. This practice is helpful in relieving the symptoms of phlegm.
Step 6. Adjust your diet to eliminate foods that promote inflammation
Some foods can make the situation worse, but eliminating consumption can improve it. Consult your doctor about switching to an anti-inflammatory diet that can help you fight phlegm, as many diseases are the result of inflammation.
Foods that cause inflammation include gluten, dairy and sugar. You could then start by eliminating these
Part 2 of 3: Ask the Doctor for Help
Step 1. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter medication
There are a number of products that can relieve phlegm. Decongestants, antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can be used to eliminate phlegm if the situation does not improve by using home remedies.
- Do not use over-the-counter medications without first asking your pharmacist for advice, especially if you have any medical condition or are already taking medications. Some medications are not suitable for everyone.
- You can try using a guaifenesin drug to loosen the mucus. In this case, remember to drink plenty of water during the entire administration period.
Step 2. Go to the doctor to better assess the situation
Generally the problem of phlegm goes away on its own without needing to intervene, but if it lasts a long time it is not easy to live with its symptoms. If there is a lot of phlegm and the situation does not improve with any treatment, make an appointment with your doctor. The cause may be a disease that has not yet been diagnosed to you and needs to be treated.
Step 3. Rule out and treat any conditions that may have caused the phlegm
This is the case, for example, with allergies or nasal polyps. If your doctor suspects that you have any of these disorders, he or she will be able to refer you to a specialist for a thorough examination.
- You may need to do allergy tests to rule out the possibility that you have any allergies;
- The type of treatment depends on the cause of the phlegm. For example, nasal polyps can be treated with steroid nasal sprays.
Step 4. Ask your doctor for information about self-help techniques
Sometimes the cause of chronic phlegm may not be clear. If your doctor can't pinpoint the problem, they may recommend specific self-help techniques. These methods will be in accordance with your health condition. Consider the different possibilities and ask the doctor any questions you think are necessary. You will need to strictly follow his directions to get rid of phlegm.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing a Relapse
Step 1. Avoid the elements that trigger symptoms
Phlegm, especially when the cause is an allergy, can form for environmental reasons. Try to minimize exposure to those elements that tend to trigger the problem.
- If you know you are sensitive to certain allergens, such as pollen, minimize exposure to these elements throughout the day.
- Smoky places tend to trigger phlegm, so avoid smoking areas.
Step 2. Avoid environments where there are systems for cooling and heating the air
Both also act as dehumidifiers, and dry air can cause phlegm to build up or return again after you are healed. Try to avoid artificially air-conditioned environments.
If you work in an air-conditioned office, ask to be able to sit away from the cold or hot air diffusers to prevent phlegm
Step 3. Use a humidifier in your home
Dry air can promote the formation of phlegm. Purchase a humidifier to increase the level of humidity in the air in your apartment. This is a good way to avoid getting sick again.
