This Cold And Flu Season Know All About Mucous And Phlegm; Know Ways To Treat Blocked Nose And Lungs - Times Now

Many people think seasonal allergies are caused due to mucous problems, which the doctors think is wrong

New Delhi: Along with the monsoon, comes a big respite from the scorching summer and heat. However, the rainy season has its own set of woes causing viral and bacterial ailments and other infectious diseases.

However, there are many misconceptions around these diseases like cough, cold, sore throat, and respiratory illnesses which spread like wildfire. According to health experts, there are many misconceptions about what mucous and phlegm are.

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Many people think seasonal allergies are caused due to mucous problems, which the doctors think is wrong.

What is mucous?

According to Harvard Health, mucous is a gelatin-like, sticky substance that helps lubricate the nasal passage. It is made by cells in membranes that run from your nose to your lungs.

Mucous keeps the airways moist so that air passage works properly and you can breathe in and out without a hitch.

What causes mucous and phlegm problems during weather changes?

According to studies, running or blocked noses, postnasal drip, common cold, inflamed sinus, and all other related allergies are triggered by the changes in environment. 1

Mucous, also known as sputum, is produced by goblet cells and submucosal glands. Overproduction or hypersecretion can occur due to dysfunction of these cells, an infection, inflammation, irritation, or debris in the respiratory tract.

Doctors say a change in weather makes the mucous thicker with more volume, resulting in a blocked nose. A few factors that contribute to a feeling of thick, clogging mucous are:

• A dry indoor environment, due to air-conditioner
• Not drinking enough water, or drinking too much of beverages like coffee, tea, and alcohol may lead to dehydration
• Medications that dry up the throat area
• Excessive smoking

What does the colour of your mucous mean?

In a healthy person, the mucous would be clear and transparent. However, changes in the colour sometimes would mean something drastically wrong.

Here's what the colour of mucous indicates:

• Cloudy or white mucus means you have the common cold
• Yellow or green mucus is a sign of a bacterial infection
• Brown or orange mucus is a sign of dried red blood cells and inflammation

A runny nose often is referred to as rhinorrhea or rhinitis. Rhinorrhea is specifically the thin, mostly clear nasal discharge, while rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages and often results in a runny nose.

Ways to treat mucous and phlegm issues

Doctors advise the following:

• Using a facial steamer or humidifier
• Take a hot steamy shower
• Breathe through a warm, wet washcloth
• If the situation does not improve, seek medical help. With a bacterial sinus, the doctors would prescribe antibiotics to treat the cause, but with viral colds, the best you can do is correctly treat symptoms.
• Follow basic hygiene like blowing your nose
• Avoid spitting out your mucus in public
• Do saltwater gargles

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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