Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear your throat and lungs of mucus, dust, or other irritants. However, when you have a cough that produces phlegm, it can be a nuisance and make it difficult to breathe.
Phlegm is a thick, sticky substance that is produced by the mucous membranes in your throat and lungs. It helps to trap irritants and protect your airways. However, when there is too much phlegm, it can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Causes of Cough With Phlegm
There are many different causes of cough with phlegm, including:
- Colds and flu: These viruses cause inflammation and swelling in the throat and lungs, which can lead to increased mucus production.
- Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Pneumonia: This is an infection of the lungs that can cause coughing, fever, and chest pain.
- Asthma: This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Asthma can trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in the nose and throat, which can lead to increased mucus production.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and airways, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, can cause coughing as a side effect.
How to Cure Cough With Phlegm
There are a number of different ways to cure a cough with phlegm, including:
- Over-the-counter cough suppressants: These medications can help to reduce coughing. However, they should not be used for more than a few days, as they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and constipation.
- Prescription cough suppressants: These medications are stronger than over-the-counter cough suppressants and can be used for longer periods of time. However, they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Expectorants: These medications help to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Mucolytics: These medications break down mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Steam therapy: Steam can help to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. You can use a humidifier or take a hot shower to create steam.
- Nasal saline irrigation: Nasal saline irrigation can help to clear mucus from your nose and throat. You can use a neti pot or a nasal spray to irrigate your nose.
- Gargling with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe a cough. You can take a spoonful of honey or add it to hot tea.
- Chicken soup: Chicken soup is a traditional remedy for the common cold and flu. It contains nutrients that can help to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
Prevention
There are a number of things you can do to prevent cough with phlegm, including:
- Wash your hands frequently: This will help to prevent the spread of germs.
- Get vaccinated against the flu: The flu vaccine can help to protect you from getting the flu, which can lead to cough with phlegm.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and airways, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to keep your mucus thin and loose, making it easier to cough up.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
When to See a Doctor
If you have a cough with phlegm that is severe or does not improve after a few days, see a doctor. You may have an underlying medical condition that is causing your cough.
Conclusion
Coughing with phlegm can be a nuisance, but there are a number of things you can do to cure it. By following the tips in this article, you can get rid of your cough and get back to feeling your best.
Additional Resources
Tables
Over-the-Counter Cough Suppressants | Prescription Cough Suppressants | Expectorants | Mucolytics |
---|---|---|---|
Dextromethorphan | Codeine | Guaifenesin | Acetylcysteine |
Phenylephrine | Hydrocodone | Bromhexine | Ambroxol |
Pseudoephedrine | Morphine | Carbocisteine | Erdosteine |
Natural Remedies for Cough With Phlegm | Benefits | How to Use |
---|---|---|
Honey | Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties | Take a spoonful of honey or add it to hot tea |
Chicken soup | Contains nutrients that can help to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation | Eat a bowl of chicken soup several times a day |
Steam therapy | Can help to thin and loosen mucus | Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to create steam |
Nasal saline irrigation | Can help to clear mucus from your nose and throat | Use a neti pot or a nasal spray to irrigate your nose |
Causes of Cough With Phlegm | Symptoms | Treatment |
---|---|---|
Colds and flu | Runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever | Over-the-counter cough suppressants, expectorants, mucolytics |
Bronchitis | Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever | Prescription cough suppressants, expectorants, mucolytics, antibiotics |
Pneumonia | Cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath | Antibiotics, hospitalization |
Asthma | Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath | Inhalers, nebulizers, oral medications |
Allergies | Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, cough | Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays |
Tips for Preventing Cough With Phlegm |
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Wash your hands frequently |
Get vaccinated against the flu |
Avoid smoking |
Stay hydrated |
Eat a healthy diet |