How to reduce phlegm in the morning

If you’re suffering from allergies, asthma or another condition that is causing excess mucus production, it’s important to seek medical treatment. However, in cases where phlegm results from a viral infection, such as the common cold, it will usually resolve on its own within seven to 10 days.

In the meantime, there are steps you can take to help clear your airways and get rid of phlegm.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways. Focus on drinking water, and avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine, as these can make your condition worse.

Use a Humidifier

A humidifier will help to keep the air moist, which may reduce irritation in the respiratory tract and lead to less mucus production and coughing. A warm, steamy shower can also help to loosen phlegm if a humidifier is not available.

Use Saline Nasal Spray

Both Dr. Kara and Dr. Nasseri suggest using saline nasal sprays to help relieve congestion and clear the sinuses. This may also help to reduce excess phlegm production in the throat and clear the airways.

Keep Your Head Elevated at Night

Elevating the head of your bed or using extra pillows at night to elevate your head and chest can help to drain phlegm from the sinuses and prevent it from pooling in the back of your throat. This may help to reduce congestion and persistent coughing due to postnasal drip.

Stay Away from Irritants

Dr. Nasseri recommends staying away from irritants such as smoke, dust and pollen that can worsen your condition. Avoiding these triggers may help minimize phlegm production.

Perform Breathing Exercises

Practicing deep, controlled breaths can increase oxygen levels and improve overall lung function. It also promotes proper use of the diaphragm muscles that help you breathe. Airway clearance devices may help control increased phlegm production and ease symptoms as well.

Get Proper Treatment for Your Allergies

If you struggle with allergy-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes and excess mucus production, you may benefit from a personalized treatment plan.

Allergy testing can help to identify the substances that trigger your symptoms so you can avoid them in the future. Medications, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays, can also help to reduce mucus production and provide relief from your symptoms. Consider seeing an allergist for proper treatment.

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Stop Smoking

If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking can worsen respiratory conditions and cause excess phlegm buildup. Nicotine, a chemical present in cigarettes, paralyzes cilia—thin, hairlike cells that help to move debris, such as phlegm, out of the airways—in the lungs. This paralyzation prevents the removal of phlegm. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or other smoking cessation aids.

Even though a regular cold and cough is not harmful, if left untreated, they can develop into more serious issues, such as phlegm. You should not allow phlegm and mucus to accumulate since they frequently indicate an infection. So, how to get rid of phlegm? Well, some simple home remedies work well!

What is phlegm?

Phlegm is caused by any infection in the lower respiratory tract that is trachea and lungs. It is caused due to any lower respiratory tract infection that could be viral, bacterial, fungal.

Risk factors of phlegm:

Diseases like pneumonia, mild infection, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, and bronchitis can cause phlegm. It is also due to airway disease like copd-chronic bronchitis, asthma and copd exacerbation.

HealthShots got in touch with Dr Pritha Nayyar, Consultant, Respiratory specialist Asian hospital, to talk about the best home remedies to treat phlegm.

Dr Nayyar says, “The best way to reduce phlegm is by getting rid of it and completely removing it by correct treatment and knowing etiology. However, it can also be managed and treated at home. To decrease the amount of phlegm, one should do steam, drink lukewarm water, and use expectorants. So that excessive phlegm comes out and you can get rid of accumulation in lungs.”

Try the power of home remdies to treat your cough. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are 7 ways to get rid of phlegm:

1. Honey ginger to reduce cough

Combine a tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice. Take the syrup right away, and make sure you swallow it slowly. Take as needed to relieve a sore throat and a dry cough, up to three times daily. Ginger lessens the swelling that is brought on by a sore throat, while honey aids in calming it and controlling the coughing fits.

2. Drink lots of water

By not staying hydrated you can make it easier for excess phlegm to build up in your airways. In fact, if you’re dehydrated, your mucus will also be, which will make it thicker and more difficult to expel. Drink plenty of water because it helps to thin out any mucus in your throat so it will be simpler to cough up and expel from your airways. Warm water is much better to drink.

3. Gargle with salt water

Gargling with salt water helps to clear your throat and reduce mucus. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt to a warm glass of water. Take a sip of salt water, keep it on your throat with your head tilted back rather than swallowing it, and gargle for a few seconds. Spit out the water afterward, and repeat. Every two to three hours during the day, you can repeat this procedure as necessary. Even the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections may be aided by this home treatment.

Gargle with salt water to get rid of mucus! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Nutritious diet to avoid infection

It is crucial that you pay attention to your diet while dealing with phlegm problems. To get rid of excess phlegm, add more cardamom, onion, pineapple, ginger, garlic, and peppers. Spicy foods and high chili doses function as natural decongestants, which will cause the mucus to thin and start running, making it easier to remove phlegm. In addition, make an effort to eat healthily.

5. Steam with essential oil

Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water to loosen and thin the phlegm. To feel better, you can do it once or twice daily as necessary. Inhaling steam is a method that can help to clear mucus buildup in your respiratory tract, but adding a few drops of medicinal essential oils to the water may make it much more effective. You could even use a humidifier or take a warm shower.

6. Herbal teas

Phlegm is best treated with peppermint tea. It has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antimicrobial, and antioxidant qualities. These properties are proven to clear respiratory airways of mucus or phlegm while boosting your body’s immunity against illness. Always give it a shot for immediate relief.

Stay warm by drinking herbal tea. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Nasal spray

To reduce mucus buildup and restore normal breathing, you can also try nasal spray or drops. Typically, nasal spray contains saltwater, which helps to thin and loosen the mucus. When you have phlegm, ask your doctor how long you should use it for.

Why do I have phlegm every morning?

Postnasal drip: The body produces excess mucus when sinus problems or allergies occur with upper respiratory tract infections. The excess mucus can drain down into the throat, especially when lying down. This is called postnasal drip and is one of the most common causes of morning cough.

Why is my phlegm so thick in the morning?

Respiratory infections like bronchitis can potentially increase phlegm buildup overnight, leading to coughing fits in the morning. Along with cold-like symptoms, respiratory infections can cause: fever. general malaise.