Phlegm is a fluid that is produced in the respiratory tract and protects the body from infections. However, sometimes the amount or consistency of phlegm can change and cause a bothersome condition called phlegmy cough. Phlegmy cough is usually a symptom of various health problems, such as respiratory infections, allergies, smoking, asthma, COPD, etc. Phlegmy cough can cause complaints such as phlegm feeling in the throat, coughing, swallowing difficulty, bad breath, etc. To get rid of phlegmy cough, you can use medications or sprays prescribed by your doctor. However, these products may have side effects or cause addiction when used for a long time. Therefore, looking for natural ways to answer the question of what is good for phlegmy cough may be healthier and more economical.
What are the causes of phlegmy cough?
Phlegmy cough can have many causes. Some of them are:
- Viral infections: Viruses such as colds, flu, coronavirus can infect the respiratory tract and increase phlegm production and cause phlegmy cough.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis or pneumonia can cause phlegm to thicken and change color. This worsens phlegmy cough.
- Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, dust, animal fur, mold can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger phlegm production.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke dries and sensitizes the respiratory tract. This increases phlegm production and causes phlegmy cough.
- Asthma: During an asthma attack, mucus accumulation in the airways may increase and cause phlegmy cough.
- COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause air flow obstruction and increased phlegm production. This causes phlegmy cough.
How to Get Rid of Phlegmy Cough Naturally?
There are some natural methods that you can apply at home to get rid of phlegmy cough. These are:
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water is one of the best methods for phlegmy cough. Salt water thins phlegm, kills germs and soothes the throat. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir well. Gargle with this water several times a day.
- Steam bath: Taking a steam bath also moisturizes the respiratory tract and helps thin phlegm. Put water in a pot and boil it. Add ingredients such as salt, mint oil, lavender oil or powdered ginger. Hold a towel over your head and inhale the steam. You can do this twice a day.
- Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties that are good for phlegmy cough. Ginger expels phlegm and soothes the throat. You can consume ginger raw, brew it as tea or mix it with honey and eat it. For ginger tea, grate or chop a piece of fresh ginger. Add it to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add some honey and lemon to it and drink.
- Garlic: Garlic is known as a powerful antibiotic and antiseptic. Garlic kills the infection that causes phlegmy cough and strengthens the immune system. You can eat garlic raw, boil it in water and drink it or add it to your dishes. For garlic water, peel and crush a few cloves of garlic. Put them in a glass of water and boil them. After cooling down, strain and drink twice a day.
- Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizer. Honey softens phlegm, soothes the throat and prevents infection. You can add honey to your tea, mix it with ginger or garlic and eat it or take it by spoon.
- Mint: Mint contains a compound called menthol. Menthol thins phlegm, makes breathing easier and reduces throat pain. You can drink mint tea, rub mint oil on your nose and smell it or boil mint leaves and inhale the steam.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are good for phlegmy cough. Turmeric expels phlegm, cleanses infection and supports the immune system. You can mix turmeric with milk and drink it, add it to your dishes or sniff it in powder form.
How to Prevent Phlegmy Cough?
You can take the following measures to prevent phlegmy cough:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, tea, herbal teas, fruit juices and other liquids keep your body moist and help thin phlegm.
- Use a humidifier: Dry air can increase phlegmy cough. You can humidify the air in your home or office by using a humidifier or steam machine.
- Avoid allergens: Stay away from allergens that cause phlegmy cough as much as possible. To protect yourself from allergens such as pollen, dust, animal fur, mold, clean your home frequently, use an air filter, stay indoors, wear a mask, use allergy medications.
- Do not smoke and stay away from smoking environments: Cigarette smoke worsens phlegmy cough. Quit or reduce smoking. Avoid being in smoking environments.
- Stay away from spicy foods: Spicy foods can increase phlegmy cough. Avoid or reduce eating spicy foods.
- Pay attention to phlegm hygiene: To prevent phlegmy cough, pay attention to phlegm hygiene. To get rid of the mucus accumulated in the phlegm, drink plenty of water, gargle with salt water, use nasal spray or use nasal washing devices.
How to Get Rid of Phlegmy Cough Naturally
Phlegmy cough is a health problem that many people experience and find uncomfortable. Phlegmy cough usually occurs as a symptom of health problems such as colds, allergies, smoking, asthma, COPD, etc. Phlegmy cough causes complaints such as phlegm feeling in the throat, coughing, swallowing difficulty, bad breath, etc. To get rid of phlegmy cough, you can use medications or sprays prescribed by your doctor. However, these products may have side effects or cause addiction when used for a long time. Therefore, looking for natural ways to answer the question of what is good for phlegmy cough may be healthier and more economical.
There are natural ways to get rid of phlegmy cough such as salt water, ginger, garlic, honey, mint, turmeric. You can brew these natural ingredients as tea, mix them with honey and eat them, squeeze them on your nose or smell them. These methods clean the phlegm in the respiratory tract, eliminate infection and make breathing easier.
To prevent phlegmy cough, you need to drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, avoid allergens, quit smoking and stay away from smoking environments, stay away from spicy foods and pay attention to phlegm hygiene. Don’t let phlegmy cough lower your quality of life. You can get rid of phlegmy cough by trying natural methods. However, if phlegmy cough is severe, long-lasting or accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.