The winter season is widely regarded as one that produces some of the coldest months of the year.
This is due to several reasons, most notably, the drop in the atmospheric temperature which in various parts of the country could go below zero degrees Celsius, and this could lead to rain and snow its certain areas. As a result, colds and flu are ultimately not far away and with this comes the usual runny nose, sore throats and the build-up of phlegm.
How phlegm is formed
“Mucus is produced in the nose or by lower airways in response to inflammation. It’s made by the mucus membranes that run from the nose to the lungs. Its only purpose is to protect your respiratory system by lubricating and filtering it. Excess mucus coughed up is referred to as phlegm,” explains health and wellness publication, Healthline.
Meanwhile, the medical website Medical News Today further highlights that phlegm is often triggered by colds and flu which irritate the throat and cause over production of mucus.
Additionally, other factors contribute to the build-up of phlegm as well, Medical News Today states that these are usually conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
This ultimately results in difficulty breathing and increases your risk of infection, explains the American Lung Association.
However, there are natural, that you can safely get rid of phlegm on your chest to make your breathing easier.
These are some solutions as described by Healthline:
Over-the-counter medicine – Over-the-counter medicines are the perfect solution since their purpose is to target the exact thing you might be struggling with.
Stay hydrated and warm – Drinking enough water helps with mucus flow. This is because water helps loosen digestion which causes mucus to move. The best things to consume would be juice, clear broth or something warm like soup or tea. Further, warm showers are also known to do the trick.
Humidify the air – Healthline explains that moisturising the air is a good way to keep phlegm thin. “Steam is widely believed to clear phlegm and congestion, but there isn’t much scientific support for this idea,” states the publication.
Meanwhile, it adds that cool mist is a good alternative. However, it is important to change the water of your humidifier.
Also see: How to avoid colds and flu in summer
