How to get rid of phlegm and mucus in chest & throat (instant result)

Using eucalyptus essential oil can cause mucus to escape from your chest. It works by helping to loosen mucus so that you can cough it up more easily. At the same time, if you have a stubborn cough, eucalyptus can relieve it. You can either inhale steam using a diffuser or use a balm containing this ingredient.
When you’re ready, buy the essential oil here. And remember: talk to your doctor before using essential oils on children.

6. Take over-the-counter remedies

There are also over the counter (OTC) medications that you can use. Decongestants, for example, can reduce mucus q

three times a day

tion, postnasal flow and pressure in the sinus cavities.

Cystic Fibrosis: This is a chronic lung disease where mucus builds up in the lungs. This disease often affects children and young adults. It can cause a variety of colors of phlegm ranging from yellow to green to brown.

What does brown phlegm mean?
You can also consider this color “rusty” in appearance. The color brown often means old blood. You can see this color after your phlegm appears red or pink.

Brown phlegm is usually caused by:

Bacterial pneumonia: This form of pneumonia can produce greenish-brown or rusty colored phlegm.

Bacterial bronchitis: This condition can produce a rusty-brown sputum as it progresses. Chronic bronchitis can also be a possibility. You may be at greater risk of developing chronic bronchitis if you smoke or if you are often exposed to fumes and other irritants.

Pneumoconiosis: Inhaling various dusts, such as coal, asbestos and silicosis, can cause this incurable lung disease. This can cause brown sputum.

Lung abscess: This is a pus-filled cavity inside your lungs. It is usually surrounded by infected and inflamed tissue. Along with the cough, night sweats, and loss of appetite, you will experience a cough that will cause brown or blood-streaked sputum to appear. This phlegm also smells foul.

What does white phlegm mean?
You may experience white phlegm along with several health issues.

White phlegm is usually caused by:

Viral bronchitis: This condition can start with white phlegm. If it progresses to a bacterial infection, it can lead to yellow and green phlegm.

GERD: This chronic disease affects your digestive system. This can make you cough up thick, white sputum.

COPD: This condition causes narrowing of the airways and excess mucus production in your lungs. The combination makes it difficult for your body to get oxygen. With this condition, you may experience white sputum.

Congestive heart failure: This happens when your heart is not pumping blood efficiently to the rest of your body. Fluids collect in different areas leading to edema. The fluid collects in the lungs and can cause an increase in white sputum. You may also feel short of breath.

You should see a doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing.

What does black phlegm mean?
Black sputum is also called melanoptysis. Seeing black phlegm may mean that you inhaled a lot of something black, such as charcoal dust. It can also mean that you have a fungal infection that needs medical attention.

Black phlegm is usually caused by:

Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, crack, or other drugs can cause black sputum.

Pneumoconiosis: One type in particular, black lung disease, can cause black sputum. It mainly affects coal workers or anyone else who is frequently exposed to coal dust. Black sputum may also be accompanied by shortness of breath.

Fungal infection: A black yeast called Exophiala dermatitidis causes this infection. This is a rare condition that can cause black phlegm. It more often affects people with cystic fibrosis.

What does clear phlegm mean?
Your body produces clear mucus and phlegm on a daily basis. It is mainly filled with water, proteins, antibodies and

7. Prescription drugs

If you have certain conditions or infections, your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat the root cause of your symptoms. There are specific medications that can thin your mucus if you have a chronic lung disease like cystic fibrosis.

Hypertonic saline is an inhaled treatment using a nebulizer. It works by increasing the amount of salt in your airways. It is available in different strengths and can be used on people 6 years of age and older.

This treatment only provides temporary relief and may cause side effects, such as a cough, sore throat, or chest tightness.

Dornase-Alfa (Pulmozyme) is a blood thinner often used by people with cystic fibrosis. You inhale it through a nebulizer. It is also suitable for people from 6 years old.

You may lose your voice or develop a rash while taking this medicine. Other side effects include:

sore throat
fever
dizziness
runny nose
When to see your doctor
Excess or thick phlegm every now and then is usually not a cause for concern. You may notice it in the morning as it builds up and dries up overnight. It should sink more by the afternoon. You may notice more phlegm if you are sick, have seasonal allergies, or are dehydrated.

If uncomfortable phlegm becomes a regular occurrence, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor.