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Excess phlegm can build up in the throat and chest for a number of reasons, leading to bothersome symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or difficulty breathing. 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).
Luckily, there are several ways to get rid of phlegm. Read on to learn more about what phlegm is, what causes it to develop and how to ease the discomfort it can cause.
Phlegm—sometimes called sputum—is a thick, sticky substance that is produced by the body to help keep the airways and respiratory tract clear of irritants, according to Shawn Nasseri, M.D., a board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist in Beverly Hills, California. While phlegm serves an important purpose in protecting your lungs from damage, it can sometimes accumulate in excess amounts, leading to a sore throat, persistent cough and other unpleasant symptoms.
“Phlegm can be caused by respiratory infections (such as a cold, flu or sinusitis), allergies or an irritation in the nose, throat or lungs,” says Dr. Nasseri. “You don’t need to have a lung disease, such as lung cancer or cystic fibrosis, but they can cause phlegm as well.”
Oftentimes, phlegm has a green or yellow color, indicating that it may contain bacteria or other debris. “Phlegm turns yellow with increased white blood cells, which signal that the body is trying to fight an infection like bronchitis or pneumonia,” says Mahmud Kara, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of KaraMD, a line of supplements focused on digestive support, heart health and reducing inflammation.
To get rid of excess phlegm and restore normal breathing function, it’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause of your condition.
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Phlegm and mucus are very similar and are often confused with one another. Phlegm, however, is a thicker substance that’s produced by the body in response to irritation or infection, while mucus is a thinner fluid that helps to keep the respiratory tract lubricated, says Dr. Nasseri. “Phlegm is formed more in the lower respiratory tract and lungs,” he adds.
Mucus, meanwhile, forms in the mucous membranes lining the airways and respiratory tract. This substance helps to trap dust, dirt and other foreign particles before they can enter the lungs. Mucus also keeps the airways moist, which helps prevent them from drying out and becoming irritated.
There is no single cause of phlegm. Rather, the substance is produced in response to a number of different underlying conditions.
Common causes of phlegm include:
If you’re suffering from allergies, asthma or another condition that is causing excess mucus production, it’s important to seek medical treatment. However, in cases where phlegm results from a viral infection, such as the common cold, it will usually resolve on its own within seven to 10 days.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to help clear your airways and get rid of phlegm.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways. Focus on drinking water, and avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine, as these can make your condition worse.
A humidifier will help to keep the air moist, which may reduce irritation in the respiratory tract and lead to less mucus production and coughing. A warm, steamy shower can also help to loosen phlegm if a humidifier is not available.
Both Dr. Kara and Dr. Nasseri suggest using saline nasal sprays to help relieve congestion and clear the sinuses. This may also help to reduce excess phlegm production in the throat and clear the airways.
Elevating the head of your bed or using extra pillows at night to elevate your head and chest can help to drain phlegm from the sinuses and prevent it from pooling in the back of your throat. This may help to reduce congestion and persistent coughing due to postnasal drip.
Dr. Nasseri recommends staying away from irritants such as smoke, dust and pollen that can worsen your condition. Avoiding these triggers may help minimize phlegm production.
Practicing deep, controlled breaths can increase oxygen levels and improve overall lung function. It also promotes proper use of the diaphragm muscles that help you breathe. Airway clearance devices may help control increased phlegm production and ease symptoms as well.
If you struggle with allergy-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes and excess mucus production, you may benefit from a personalized treatment plan.
Allergy testing can help to identify the substances that trigger your symptoms so you can avoid them in the future. Medications, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays, can also help to reduce mucus production and provide relief from your symptoms. Consider seeing an allergist for proper treatment.
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking can worsen respiratory conditions and cause excess phlegm buildup. Nicotine, a chemical present in cigarettes, paralyzes cilia—thin, hairlike cells that help to move debris, such as phlegm, out of the airways—in the lungs. This paralyzation prevents the removal of phlegm. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or other smoking cessation aids.
If you’re struggling to breathe or if your mucus is thick and green or yellow, you may have an infection that requires medical treatment. These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as pneumonia.
If you’re coughing up blood or your phlegm contains red streaks, call your health care provider right away. Phlegm of this color may indicate a more serious condition, such as a lung infection. However, blood-colored phlegm could also result from excessive coughing. In either case, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Excess mucus production can also be a sign of an allergy or asthma. If you think you may have either of these conditions, it’s important to see a health care professional for proper care. They may request an allergy test or lung function tests to rule out these conditions.
“You should always consult a medical professional when you start to feel sick or different from how you feel on a normal basis, or before adding anything new to your health regimen,” says Dr. Kara. A quick visit with your care team can save you a lot of time and worry down the road.
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Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and professional writer who regularly writes about complex medical topics, as well as travel and the great outdoors. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University School of Medicine and has contributed to many major publications including Insider and Verywell. As a passionate advocate for science-based content, she loves writing captivating material that supports scientific research and education. In her spare time, you can often find her exploring nature with her husband and three children.