What causes excessive phlegm?

Conditions that can contribute to excess mucus include allergies, asthma, and bronchitis. Smoking and conditions like COPD and cystic fibrosis can also cause this symptom. Your doctor may order a sputum test to find the cause of your excess mucus.

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What does excessive phlegm indicate?

Coughing up phlegm is a normal symptom of colds and other health conditions. But coughing up phlegm without feeling sick could indicate a more serious underlying issue like heart or lung disease.

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When should I be worried about too much phlegm?

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in your nose and sinuses and phlegm in your throat. It usually clears up by itself but see a GP if it lasts longer than a few weeks.

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How do I stop excessive mucus production?

How to get rid of excess mucus and phlegm
  1. Hydrate more. Drink more water. ...
  2. Use a humidifier. ...
  3. Check filters on heating and cooling systems. ...
  4. Use a nasal saline spray. ...
  5. Gargle with salt water. ...
  6. Use eucalyptus. ...
  7. Use over-the-counter medication.

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Why won't the mucus in my throat go away?

Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.

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Causes of Constant Phlegmy Throat or Throat Mucus

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What foods make phlegm worse?

What Foods Can Increase Mucus?
  • Coffee/Tea. Many of us enjoy a morning cup of joe, or an afternoon tea, but because these two beverages cause dehydration [5], our bodies react to this change by producing thick mucus.
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Carbonated Beverages. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Celery. ...
  • Broth-based soups.

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Why do I have so much phlegm but not sick?

Reasons for coughing up phlegm without feeling ill. It is not unusual to cough up phlegm with a common cold. However, it can also be a sign of a different, sometimes serious, underlying condition such as stomach acid reflux, lung disease, or heart disease.

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Is it normal to have some phlegm everyday?

Your body naturally makes mucus every day, and its presence isn't necessarily a sign of anything unhealthy. Mucus, also known as phlegm when it's produced by your respiratory system, lines the tissues of your body (such as your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs), and it helps protect you from infection.

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Is constant phlegm a problem?

While there are many potential causes, excess phlegm could result from a temporary respiratory infection—or be a sign of a more serious health problem like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Why do I feel like I have mucus stuck in my throat all the time?

Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.

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Should you spit out phlegm?

When you do cough up phlegm (another word for mucus) from your chest, Dr. Boucher says it really doesn't matter if you spit it out or swallow it.

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Why is my phlegm getting worse?

An infection can make mucus thicker and stickier. Infections also lead to inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the nose and the rest of your airway. This can cause certain airway glands to make more mucus. That mucus can get thick with bacteria and cells that arrive to fight the infection.

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What should I eat for breakfast if I have phlegm?

Warm and Spicy. Heat helps to thin and expel mucus. Warm vegetable based soups made with immune boosting bone broth (recipe here) is a must. Using warming herbs and spices in your meals like cumin, ginger, cayenne, chilli, turmeric, oregano, thyme, sage and cinnamon is a great idea.

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Is banana good for mucus?

Overview. Bananas can help relieve an upset stomach by stimulating the production of mucus from the stomach lining.

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What's the difference between mucus and phlegm?

Mucus and phlegm are similar, yet different: Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses. Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.

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How do you cough up phlegm stuck in your chest?

Hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds. Then—as you let that breath out [coughing]— cough 2 or 3 times. Push on your belly with your arms as you cough. [coughing] Breathe in slowly and gently through your nose, and repeat the coughing if you need to.

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What's the best antihistamine for post nasal drip?

Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.

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Does Zyrtec dry up mucus?

Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.

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Does Zyrtec get rid of post nasal drip?

Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine (older antihistamines tend to thicken post-nasal secretions).

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Does telfast help with post nasal drip?

I took him to the dr 4 weeks ago and she prescribed Telfast (5ml 2 a day) and Monte Air tablets. According to her the post nasal drip is due to allergies. The medication worked for about 3 weeks and now the post nasal drip is back in all its glory.

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