Accidentally or not, but in the cold seasons, more and more of my patients complain of problems with the respiratory tract, namely that they feel very uncomfortable because of the mucus in the throat and the sensations it creates.
The accumulation of mucus in the throat is a very unpleasant condition, especially in cases where it accumulates constantly, and there is always a feeling that something is bothering the throat.
Mucus in the airways tends to develop between seasons when the risk of colds and respiratory infections increases. At this time, the immune system weakens, therefore, optimal conditions are created for the development of pathogenic microflora in the throat, nose, bronchi and lungs.
But at the same time, heartburn, asthma, allergic reactions, fungal infections, unhealthy diet, staying in dusty or gas-polluted rooms, smoking and alcohol abuse etc. also contribute to the formation of mucus. To get rid of it, you need to accurately understand its cause, that is, contact a specialist. Depending on the cause of the problem, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
It's also a good idea to know some effective methods of getting rid of mucus from your throat at home:
Coughing up or expectorating
Find a secluded place, such as a bathroom, and try to clear the mucus from your throat by coughing or expectorating. This is the easiest way to remove mucus. However, you should not make excessive efforts.
Gargling
Use sea or salt water for gargle. To prepare the solution, you will need to dilute half or one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and add some baking soda. Gargle several times a day.
The following solutions are also used to rinse the throat:
- chamomile infusion, which is prepared as follows: take 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers, pour them with 1 glass of boiling water and let it brew for at least half an hour, then filter, cool to room temperature and rinse out the mucus;
- decoction of calendula, which is prepared in almost the same way, but you can take half a teaspoon of dried flowers, pour boiling water over them and infuse, strain and use for rinsing in the same way;
- turmeric gargle: mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a glass of water; add a little salt; stir well and gargle three to four times a day.
Drinking more liquid
The liquid stimulates the secretion and makes it less thick, so sputum is better evacuated from the respiratory tract. Try the following time-tested mucus relievers:
- Water: listen to your body and drink as much water as you need to quench your thirst;
- Ginger tea: grate a piece of ginger (3 cm will be enough); pour boiling water; insist ten to fifteen minutes. Ginger tea should be drunk two to three times a day, honey or lemon can be added to improve the taste.
- Warm tea with lemon and honey: it should be one of your main assets. The lemon's acid first breaks down mucus, and then honey envelops the throat with a pleasant protective layer.
Inhalations
To carry them out, you need to stock up on an inhaler, but if it is not possible to purchase it, a regular container in the form of a basin or saucepan will do. To allow warm currents of air to pass through your sinuses and throat, loosening some of the mucus that has settled there, try this: wrap a towel over your head and inhale steam from warm water. For a better effect, buy mineral water instead of plain water and inhale its vapors for at least 15 minutes.
As a decoction for inhalation, you can use dried chamomile, calendula, mint, linden. But before carrying out the procedure, remember if you are allergic to any medicinal plants.
You can also breathe in the steam of the baking soda. It reacts with mucus, breaking chemical bonds between molecules, which makes the secretion more fluid. Prepare a saturated solution of soda, boil it, remove from the stove and inhale the steam, covering your head with a towel. After a few minutes, if done correctly, mucus will start to drain.
– Singing
Yes, you got it right. Sing! In the process of singing, the throat vibrates and the phlegm liquefies. Therefore, hum your favorite song for one or two minutes every day, and a positive result will not keep you waiting. But if singing makes you uncomfortable, choose any of the above options.
In addition to the above, be sure to ventilate the room well, do wet cleaning, and use a humidifier.
These methods are really effective if you have a mucus problem.