

Have you ever wondered about that gooey stuff in your throat? It’s called phlegm and your respiratory system makes it to keep your respiratory tract lubed. Phlegm might seem icky, and its colour and texture can tell a lot about your health. So, paying attention to its different forms can clue you in on what’s going on inside. Therefore, this article will help you understand different types of phlegm so that you stay on top of your health.
Types of Phlegm
There are different types of phlegm, and knowing what they suggest is crucial for assessing potential underlying conditions.
1. Clear or White Phlegm
If your phlegm is clear or white, then it’s totally normal and means your respiratory system is working well. Now, if you are dealing with much of the clear or white stuff, don’t stress. It could just mean your body’s ramping up mucus production due to allergies or pesky irritants in the air. Your respiratory system is just being extra cautious.
2. Green Phlegm
Green phlegm is a sign of an active infection in your respiratory system. Your white blood cells release enzymes that make your phlegm green. Now, green phlegm cough isn’t just random. It often occurs in conditions like bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia, when your body’s battling an infection. Notably, neutrophils, a type of white blood cells, go into action and turn your phlegm green. How to treat it? While it’s a sign of infection, addressing the root cause is key. You can manage the symptoms and support your body’s healing process with some home remedies.
3. Yellow Phlegm
Yellow phlegm occurs when there is an infection or inflammation in your respiratory system. It could be from cold, flu, or even pneumonia. The yellow tint comes from dead white blood cells, especially those neutrophils in your phlegm. It’s your body’s way of saying there is something wrong. Home remedies can help you tackle the symptoms of yellow phlegm cough and give your immune system a hand in healing.
There are other phlegm colours to watch out for. Brown or rusty phlegm might hint at old blood, which could signal a more serious respiratory issue. Grey phlegm is linked to smoking or inhaling nasty pollutants. And, if you see red or pink (bloody) phlegm, then it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional. It could point to things like tuberculosis, lung cancer, or a pulmonary embolism.
Home Remedies for Cough with Phlegm
Cough with phlegm can be a real annoyance but you don’t need to worry as some home remedies can help you. These remedies help thin out that stubborn phlegm and calm down your airways. Home remedies for cough with phlegm are:
1. Steam Inhalation
A simple trick to tackle that phlegm-filled cough is steam inhalation. All you need is a bowl of hot water and a few drops of essential oil like eucalyptus or peppermint. Just put your head over the bowl, cover it with a towel, and breathe in the steam for about 10-15 minutes. It helps loosen up that stubborn mucus and soothes your respiratory tract. However, watch out for that hot water steam and do not burn yourself.
2. Hydration
Staying hydrated is the best way to tackle your phlegmy cough. So, drink up water, herbal tea, and warm broths or soups. They’ll help thin out that mucus, making it easier to eliminate. But steer clear of caffeine and sugary drinks. They dehydrate your body. So, sip smart and keep the fluids coming.
3. Warm Saltwater Gargle
Are you feeling that annoying phlegm in your throat? Gargle with warm salt water. Just mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Take a sip, tilt your head back, and gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do this a few times a day. It will soothe your throat and help eliminate that phlegm.
4. Honey
Honey is nature’s sweet remedy for coughing. If your throat is feeling scratchy, then grab a tablespoon of honey and mix it with warm water or herbal tea. Sip on this a few times daily and watch it work its magic. Also, honey is not suitable for little ones under one year old due to botulism risk.
5. Ginger
Ginger is an excellent remedy against inflammation and helps remove phlegm. Make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water for 10-15 minutes. You can also add a splash of honey and a squeeze of lemon for extra benefits. Sip on this several times a day and let the ginger work its wonders.
6. Turmeric
Are you feeling under the weather? Use turmeric for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm milk or water and have it before bedtime. If you want to boost its effectiveness? Add a pinch of black pepper; it helps your body absorb turmeric’s compound, curcumin.
7. Elevation
Have trouble sleeping at night due to phlegm cough? Just grab an extra pillow to elevate the head end of your bed. It might help reduce the coughing and make that phlegm drain out more quickly.
While these home remedies can relieve, they might not tackle the root cause. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or make you seriously uncomfortable, then call your healthcare provider. He/she will figure out what’s going on and help you get back to feeling normal.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
It’s important to know when to call in professionals for that cough and phlegm situation. Here are some signs:
- Severe or Persistent Symptoms: If your cough is going severe, especially if you’re dealing with high fever, chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood, then that’s a red flag. Visit a healthcare expert.
- Chronic Conditions: If you’re already managing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), then don’t wait. Reach out to your healthcare provider. Cough with phlegm can mess with these conditions and you might need adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Lingering Cough: If that cough just won’t quit after a few weeks, then it’s time for a checkup. Something might be lingering and a doctor can help figure it out.
- Suspicious Additional Symptoms: Feeling unusually tired, losing weight without trying, and experiencing night sweats or a hoarse voice are the symptoms one shouldn’t ignore. They might point to a more severe issue that needs expert attention.
- Contagious Concerns: If you suspect your cough might be part of a contagious illness, like flu or whooping cough, then see a doctor. He/she can pinpoint the cause and guide you on the proper treatment and precautions to protect you and others.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, knowing the phlegm basics is like taking care of your respiratory health. If your phlegm is clear or white, then you don’t need to worry. But, when it turns green or yellow, it means your body is dealing with an ongoing infection. Thankfully, there are some home remedies like steam inhalation, and taking honey and ginger to help ease the coughing and phlegm discomfort. If your symptoms get severe, persist for a while, or come with additional concerning signs, then seek help from a healthcare provider. They can give you the right guidance, proper diagnosis, and necessary treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phlegm
Q2. What do the different colours of phlegm mean?
Different colours of phlegm can indicate the presence of infection, inflammation, or other respiratory conditions.
Q3. What is an abnormal phlegm?
Abnormal phlegm refers to phlegm that deviates from the usual clear or white colour and may indicate an underlying respiratory issue.
Q4. What is phlegm an indicator of?
Phlegm is an indicator of respiratory health and can suggest the presence of infections, allergies, inflammation, or other respiratory conditions.
Q5. Is green phlegm bacterial or viral?
Green phlegm can be associated with both bacterial and viral respiratory infections.