20 effective ways to get rid of phlegm and mucus - Medical News Today
20 effective ways to get rid of phlegm and mucus - Medical News Today 20 effective ways to get rid of phlegm and mucus - Medical News Today Posted: 14 Feb 2020 05:58 AM PST Phlegm is a type of mucus produced in the lungs and lower respiratory tract. It is most noticeable when a person is acutely sick or has a longstanding health condition. Mucus forms a protective lining in certain parts of the body, even when a person is well. Mucus keeps these areas from drying out and helps to defend against invaders, including viruses and bacteria. Though a healthy body requires some mucus, too much can be uncomfortable. Excess may be caused by: infections, such as the common cold or flu allergies irritation of the nose, throat, or lungs digestive conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease smoking tobacco products lung diseases, such as pneumonia , lung cancer , cystic fibrosis , or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease