How to get rid of mucus in throat
When it is cold, and flu season, mucus often builds up in the throat and lungs. If this happens to you, it is not a pleasant feeling. If you would like to know how to get rid of mucus in your throat, keep reading.
There are some tips here on how to get rid of the mucus in your throat. This will make the cold and flu seasons not so annoying, and you will be able to breathe again and not worry about coughing so much.
What is mucus?
Mucus, or phlegm, as doctors call it, is a thick, sticky substance that hangs in the back of your throat when you are sick. In all actuality, mucus is always in your body. It is not only when you are sick.
Mucous membranes are what make your phlegm. Mucus exists to help protect and support your respiratory system. These membranes include your mouth, nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs.
Mucus is sticky for a reason. It traps dust, allergens, bacteria, and viruses. When you are not sick, your mucus is very thin, and you have no idea it is even there.
However, when you are sick or exposed to many particles, the mucus gets thicker, and you notice it. There are other causes of mucus in your throat.
What causes mucus to be in your throat?
Every time you breathe in dust, debris, viruses, bacteria, or particles, they stick to your mucus. Many things can cause mucus to be produced in your throat.
If you suffer from acid reflux, you will produce mucus. Suffering from seasonal allergies can cause mucus to produce.
If you have a cold or any lung disease, you can get more mucus production in your body.
Other causes for mucus to produce are a dry indoor environment, dehydration, not drinking water, drinking teas or alcohol, medications, and smoking.
If you feel that your throat is filled with mucus all the time and you need some relief, we have some tips that can ease your throat of mucus.
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How to get rid of mucus in the throat – Simple Methods
Mucus in the throat is something no one wants. If you need some help with removing mucus in your throat, try these tips. They should bring you some sweet relief.
- Keep the air moist. If you have dry air, your nose and throat will be irritated. This causes mucus to form as a lubricant. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help clear your nose and throat.
- Stay Hydrated. Your body needs to be hydrated, especially when you are sick. It keeps your mucus thin. If you suffer from cold or allergies, make sure you are drinking fluids.
- Try applying a warm, wet washcloth to your face. If you want a soothing remedy for a sinus headache, inhaling through the cloth is a quick fix. Heat relieves throat and nose mucus as well.
- Keep your head up. The mucus build-up is annoying, but if you sleep with your head propped up and in a reclining chair, you will feel some relief.
- Suppress your cough. Coughing is the best way to get rid of mucus in your throat and cough.
- Use a nasal spray or rinse. A saline spray or irrigator can help clear out mucus from your throat and nose.
- Try gargling with salt water. Want to remove excess mucus? Gargle with saltwater. One teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water several times each day can do wonders.
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What is the fastest way to get mucus out of your lungs?
Mucus buildup in your lungs is not fun. When you experience mucus in your lungs, you want some relief and fast. Here are some tips on how you can naturally get mucus out of your lungs.
- Staying hydrated: If you have a lot of mucus in your lungs, one good way to help ease the mucus is by staying hydrated.
- Drinking water is always helpful, but drinking warm beverages such as broths, tea, and warm water are also great ways to rid yourself of mucus. The fluids will thin out, and you will get some relief.
- Take a Bath or Hot Shower: A great tip for mucus relief is to take a bath or a hot shower. Inhaling the steam from the bath or shower works wonders. Try filling a bowl with hot water and breathe in the steam and moisture with a towel. Cover the bowl and your face with a towel. This will loosen up the mucus and clear it from your nose. It reduces sinus pressure and helps with throat and chest congestion.
- Practice Huff Coughing: Take a breath that is deeper than usual. Then use your stomach muscles to make three fast exhalations with your airway open. This will help loosen and move mucus up to larger airways.
What can I drink to cleanse my lungs?
The best things to drink to clear mucus from your lungs are warm water, warm broths, or warm teas. There are several specialty teas available that are made for head colds and allergies.
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Summary
Let’s face it, mucus is not fun, and it is annoying when you suffer from mucus in the throat, lungs, and nasal passages. Mucus keeps us from getting sicker, but sometimes you need relief.
These tips can aid you in getting the mucus out of your throat or lungs. Most of these are natural and work immediately. Some of these will thin out your mucus and cause you to feel brand new.
Some of the tips will gradually help thin your mucus and get rid of any excess you have. When you use these tips, you can tell if it’s working immediately.
You may have to seek medical treatment if you are experiencing other side effects other than mucus. That is up to your discretion, and if you feel that you are very sick, please make an appointment with your doctor.
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