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  1. Phlegm protects your airways and lungs. Most of the time, coughing up a little bit of phlegm is normal and healthy. But if your phlegm changes in colour, thickness, or amount this could be a sign you’re unwell. What causes phlegm? Coughing up phlegm doesn’t always mean you have a lung condition. There are other common causes including: colds.

    • Overview
    • What causes the overproduction of mucus in your throat?
    • What can you do about an overproduction of mucus in your throat?
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Takeaway

    When you breathe, allergens, viruses, dust, and other debris stick to your nasal mucus, which then passes out of your system. Sometimes, your body can make too much throat mucus, requiring frequent clearing.

    Mucus protects your respiratory system with lubrication and filtration. It’s produced by mucous membranes that run from your nose to your lungs.

    There are a number of health conditions that can trigger excess mucus production, such as:

    •acid reflux

    •allergies

    •asthma

    •infections, such as the common cold

    •lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

    Over-the-counter and prescription medications

    Your doctor may recommend medication such as: •Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), can thin and loosen mucus so it will clear out of your throat and chest. •Prescription medications: Mucolytics, such as hypertonic saline (Nebusal) and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme), are mucus thinners that you inhale through a nebulizer. If your excess mucus is triggered by a bacterial infection, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics.

    Self-care steps

    Your doctor may also suggest some self-care steps you can take to help reduce mucus, such as: •Gargle with warm salt water: This home remedy can help clear mucus from the back of your throat and may help kill germs. •Humidify the air: Moisture in the air can help keep your mucus thin. •Stay hydrated: Drinking enough liquids, especially water, can help loosen congestion and help your mucus flow. Warm liquids can be effective but avoid caffeinated beverages. •Elevate your head: Lying flat can make it feel like the mucus is collecting in the back of your throat. •Avoid decongestants: Although decongestants dry secretions, they may make it more difficult to reduce mucus. •Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution: These can irritate mucous membranes, signaling the body to produce more mucus. •If you smoke, try to stop. Quitting smoking is helpful, especially with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. •Try certain foods: Garlic, radishes, and high fiber fruit like apples may help reduce mucus. However, avoid high fat or dairy foods, as that can worsen phlegm.

    Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

    •Excess mucus has been present for more than 4 weeks. •Your mucus is getting thicker. •Your mucus is increasing in volume or changing color. •You have a fever. •You have chest pain. •You’re experiencing shortness of breath. •You’re coughing up blood. •You’re wheezing. Was this helpful?

    What’s the difference between mucus and phlegm?

    Mucus is produced by the lower airways in response to inflammation. When it’s excess mucus that’s coughed up — it’s referred to as phlegm.

    What’s the difference between mucus and mucous?

    The answer is not medical: Mucus is a noun, and mucous is an adjective. For example, mucous membranes secrete mucus.

    Should I be worried about phlegm in my throat?

    Having phlegm or mucus doesn’t necessarily mean you have something serious. However, you could have something that needs to be medically treated, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor.

    Your body is always producing mucus. Overproduction of mucus in your throat is often the result of a minor illness that should be allowed to run its course.

    Sometimes, however, excess mucus can be a sign of a more serious condition. See your healthcare provider if the:

    •overproduction of mucus is persistent and recurring

    •amount of mucus you’re producing increases dramatically

    •excess mucus is accompanied by other concerning symptoms

    Read this article in Spanish.

    • Scott Frothingham
  2. Phlegm (pronounced FLEM) is the secretions found in the throat including saliva, nasal secretions and sometimes acid secretions from the stomach. Phlegm becomes problematic if it interrupts voice production, breathing or swallowing. Too much phlegm may cause a “wet” or “gurgly” voice, or even difficulty swallowing.

  3. May 19, 2022 · What are mucus and phlegm? Mucus has an important role in your body. It’s made by cells in your mouth, throat, nose and sinuses. Its slippery consistency helps protect and moisturize, and traps potential irritants. Phlegm is made of mucus membranes, but it’s produced and used by your respiratory system to combat inflammation.

  4. Sep 20, 2024 · Overview. Mucus is usually thin and clear. Certain colors might mean you have an infection, but it can’t diagnose specific illnesses. What is mucus? Mucus is a slippery fluid that lines your respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts.

  5. Jan 20, 2023 · Coughing up phlegm is a symptom of infections like the flu and common cold. Phlegm is a specific type of mucus that originates in your lungs and throat. It’s slightly thicker than the mucus that’s produced in your nose and sinuses. Another name for phlegm is sputum.

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  7. Fleem is a character from Smallfoot. He is voiced by Ely Henry. Not much is known about Fleem’s early life, except that he didn’t have a good relationships with his mother.

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