What Causes Phlegm?

If you're wondering how to get rid of phlegm in your chest and throat, you can try drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, and gargling warm salt water. Phlegm, or sputum, is a slimy, slippery substance found in your throat and lungs. It helps keep your respiratory system healthy: Phlegm helps trap bacteria and other harmful particles so they do not enter your body.  

Phlegm is usually clear or white. A higher-than-normal amount of phlegm can build up in your nose, throat, and lungs when you are sick. This build-up may cause coughing and discomfort. Bloody, brown, white, yellow, or green phlegm may be a sign of an underlying condition or infection.

What Does Phlegm Look Like?

The color of your phlegm can tell you a lot about your health. Phlegm is an indicator that can differentiate between a minor illness and something more serious. It's essential to clarify that phlegm is not the same as saliva or spit.

Normal phlegm is typically clear. Excess clear phlegm may indicate lung disease or other health issues.

Here's a breakdown of coughed-up phlegm colors and what they may indicate:

• Bloody or red: This may indicate an infection or something more serious, such as pulmonary embolism or lung cancer. It's important to contact a healthcare provider right away if you have blood in your phlegm. 
• Brown: This is common in people who smoke and have bacterial pneumonia. It may also be caused by intense chronic inflammation often seen in lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. Brown phlegm may also be old blood.
• Gray: Gray phlegm can be normal and indicate no underlying cause. It's often seen in people who smoke and people who work in industrial areas like coal mines.
• Pink: This could be a sign of pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in the lungs) or heart failure.
• White: This is likely normal but can indicate allergies, asthma, or a viral infection. Talk to a healthcare provider if you also have a chronic cough, itching, sneezing, or wheezing.
• Yellow or green: This may be a sign of a bacterial infection. People with cystic fibrosis can also produce yellowish-green mucus. The only way to know the cause is to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis.
  

Causes

You typically do not notice phlegm until your body starts to produce too much of it due to an infection. Your airway glands create thicker and stickier mucus to help fight off harmful germs.

Allergies are another cause of excess phlegm. Allergens cause your immune system to overreact and produce histamine, which increases phlegm production.

Many substances can cause an increase in phlegm, such as:

• Allergens, such as dust, pollen, and animal dander
• Bacteria, which can cause illnesses like a sinus infection, bacterial pneumonia, or strep throat
• Being outside in the cold or eating spicy food (can temporarily cause increased watery nasal leakage)
• Chronic respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or COPD
• Other lung-related diseases, such as cystic fibrosis
• Viruses, such as ones that cause a cold, the flu, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Phlegm overproduction is usually temporary. Levels return to normal once your body fights off an infection and inflammation returns to normal.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Excess phlegm is often a normal occurrence that comes with a healthy immune response. You will notice more phlegm when you have an infection, such as the common cold or flu, or seasonal allergies.

If you have excess phlegm more commonly, you may want to see a healthcare provider. They can determine the underlying cause and suggest ways to manage symptoms. For example, a provider may advise that you avoid triggers, increase your water intake, or take medications. 

Call a healthcare provider if you have:

• A persistent cough—wet or dry—that lasts more than three or four weeks
• Chest pain
• Wheezing

Call 911 if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Trouble swallowing
  

How To Get Rid of Phlegm

Phlegm is an essential part of your immune system, but having too much can create uncomfortable symptoms. You may have coughing, difficulty breathing, and even chest pain. There are several easy and natural ways to get rid of phlegm quickly. 

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and herbal tea, helps reduce the viscosity (thickness) of phlegm. This makes it easier to cough up or blow out. Warm fluids like broth or hot lemon water can loosen thick phlegm.

Use a Humidifier or Vaporizer

Humidifiers are machines that turn water into a vapor that can sit in the air, creating higher humidity in the space. They can also keep your nose and throat moist, reducing mucus and phlegm production.

The extra moisture also makes it easier for your body to break down and clear excess phlegm. You may also breathe steam from a hot shower or humidifier to help clear your airways.

Gargle With Warm Salt Water 

Gargling helps loosen and thin out the phlegm, allowing you to clear it away more easily. Adding a small amount of salt to warm water can break down excess phlegm.

Take an Expectorant

Expectorants are medications that thin and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough it up. Depending on the severity of symptoms, expectorants are sold both over the counter and by prescription.

Expectorants typically contain guaifenesin as their active ingredient. It acts on the mucus-producing glands in your throat and chest to reduce phlegm production. A common brand name that contains guaifenesin is Mucinex.

Use a Saline Nasal Spray or Wash

Saline nasal washes, also known as nasal irrigation or nasal lavage, are a natural remedy to clear phlegm from your nasal passages. The saltwater solution draws out excess mucus and allergens that can cause nasal congestion, irritation, and inflammation.

It's very important to use a sterile saline nasal solution and not tap water. Tap water can contain bacteria and other germs that can be dangerous if you inhale them.

Prevention

You can take steps to prevent allergies and infections that cause excess phlegm:

• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Disinfect surfaces and objects that people regularly touch, such as countertops and doorknobs
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Stay indoors and keep the windows up during pollen season if you have allergies
• Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable

A Quick Review

Phlegm is a normal part of your body's immune defense. An infection, seasonal allergies, or other underlying conditions may cause excess phlegm. 

There are effective remedies to reduce phlegm at home. Drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, gargle with warm salt water, and try an expectorant. Contact a healthcare provider if excess phlegm persists for more than three to four weeks or if chest pain or wheezing occurs.