Chronic Cough with Phlegm

Cough is a sudden and repetitive reflex, that helps to clear the large breathing passages from secretions, irritants, foreign bodies and microbes. It is important to note, that it is not a disease, but cough is a self-defense mechanism of the body, which is triggered by the presence of unwanted particles in the respiratory tract. Coughing can be an involuntary or an involuntary action. Phlegm is a sticky, slimy secretion produced to get rid of the foreign body. Constant coughing normally points to the presence of a disease. Phlegm, also called post nasal drip, is a manifestation of cold, sinusitis and pneumonia, which leads to excessive mucus in throat. All of us have suffered from phlegm, which may be as a result of common cold, bronchitis or an infection. Chronic cough and phlegm condition should not be neglected, as it can be a result of a serious lung condition. As a matter of fact cough with phlegm is better than persistent cough with no secretion, as accumulation of phlegm can lead to chest infection or other health complications. We will now see the causes and treatment for chronic cough with phlegm.

Causes of Chronic Cough with Phlegm

Constantly coughing up phlegm in the morning is because of collection of mucus in the lungs overnight, which is thrown out of the body. Chronic cough with phlegm in children, like in adults, can be as a result of allergies, caused due to allergens, such as dust, chemicals, fumes, etc. Smoking is one of the main reasons why smokers are seen coughing up mucus. In case the person has stopped smoking, it is normal for the body to be coughing up green mucus, as the body is trying to expel tar and toxins accumulated in the body, as a result of smoking. Mucus in lungs can result from acute bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, whooping-cough and lung infection. However, if a person is coughing up blood along with phlegm, then it is a serious condition, which should not be neglected.

Treatment for Chronic Cough with Phlegm

Post nasal drip cough with phlegm should not be neglected. Medical intervention is required. It is necessary, that the cause of wet cough is detected to rule out any serious medical condition. The methods used to diagnose the condition include chest X-rays, sputum analysis and blood tests.

For chest congestion and cough, antibiotics are prescribed. Expectorant, decongestant, etc. are some of the remedies for coughing. Nasal decongestants can prove to be helpful to clear blocked nasal passages. Oral antihistamine may also prove to be helpful in treating the condition, if the cough is caused due to allergens. However, it is important to avoid cough suppressant, as they are advocated for dry cough and not for wet cough. If you are a smoker, then you may want to quit smoking with immediate effect, as smoking causes excessive production of mucus.

One of the home phlegm in throat remedies is to gargle with warm salt water. Turmeric can also be added to the salt water. Drinking herbal tea will also help in dislodging the mucus. Inhaling steam and steam baths also prove to be helpful in clearing nasal congestion and coughing up mucus efficiently. It is advocated, that you try and drink as much of fluids as you can, as drinking a lot of fluids will help in loosening the mucus. It is recommended to reduce the consumption of dairy products, meat and fried foods, when you are coughing up phlegm. You may also want to stay away from the allergens, so that the condition is not aggravated.

It is important to note that this article on chronic cough with phlegm is not a medical advice. Visiting your health care professional is recommended. After looking at all the associated symptoms, your health care professional will be in a better position to treat the condition.