How do I loosen phlegm in my chest?

How to break up chest congestion
  1. Drink lots of water. Drinking lots of water can help loosen mucus so you can cough it up and out of your system. ...
  2. Using steam. Deep coughs caused by chest congestion can become more productive with the help of steam. ...
  3. Taking expectorant medicines that contain guaifenesin.


What is the fastest way to get mucus out of your chest?

Liquids help thin out mucus. Warm liquids in particular can help clear out mucus in the chest and nose. This can relieve congestion, giving you a small respite from your symptoms.
...
Drink liquids
  1. water.
  2. chicken soup.
  3. warm apple juice.
  4. decaffeinated black or green tea.


What dissolves mucus in lungs?

What dissolves mucus in the lungs? Expectorants such as guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin) can loosen mucus so that it comes out of the throat and chest.


What naturally breaks up mucus in your chest?

Salt water gargle- Gargling with warm salt water helps remove mucus from the respiratory tract. Inhaling steam- Pour hot water into a bowl, then bend over the bowl with a towel over vyour head. Inhaling the steam and vapors from the bowl will help in loosening phlegm.

Why does my chest feel full of mucus?

What Causes Chest Congestion? Infection with a cold or flu virus is among the most common causes of chest congestion and happens when the infection progresses from the upper respiratory tract – your nasal passages, sinuses and throat–into the lower respiratory tract–your breathing tubes (bronchi) and lungs.


6 chest infection treatments (natural home remedies)



What foods make phlegm worse?

What Foods Can Increase Mucus?
  • Coffee/Tea. Many of us enjoy a morning cup of joe, or an afternoon tea, but because these two beverages cause dehydration [5], our bodies react to this change by producing thick mucus.
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Carbonated Beverages. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Celery. ...
  • Broth-based soups.


What foods get rid of phlegm?

6 foods to eliminate excess mucus as suggested by Luke Coutinho
  • Ginger. Ginger can be used as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. ...
  • Cayenne pepper. Excessive cough and mucus can be eliminated with the help of cayenne pepper. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Pineapple. ...
  • Onion. ...
  • Cardamom.


What makes phlegm worse?

An infection can make mucus thicker and stickier. Infections also lead to inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the nose and the rest of your airway. This can cause certain airway glands to make more mucus. That mucus can get thick with bacteria and cells that arrive to fight the infection.


What fruit loosens phlegm?

Grapefruit is wonderful for breaking down excessive mucus and luckily is in season right now. I also love lemon or lime juice in warm water to hydrate (which helps expel mucus) and support immune function.

Does banana increase mucus?

Banana is healthy and energising but should be avoided at night during winter only if the person is suffering from cough and cold or other respiratory ailments as it causes irritation when it comes in contact with mucus or phlegm.

Is Orange Juice Good for mucus?

100% orange juice is perfect when you have a cold, and this recipe can help keep you hydrated while getting fluids to keep mucus thin and ease congestion. You also get the added bonus of an immune-supporting nutrient, vitamin C.


Does lemon juice break up mucus?

Additionally, the citric acid also helps to break up mucus. When you have a sore throat it can often become irritated by thick mucus, making the pain worse. By breaking up the mucus, lemon can help to ease that pain and inflammation and get you feeling better quicker.

Which fruit is good for cough?

These would be a surprise for you, but pineapple is a potent cough aid. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic (break down of mucus) properties. These two characteristics of bromelain make pineapple an excellent food to help relieve a cough.

Does sugar cause phlegm?

Excess carbohydrates and refined sugar can also weaken good bacteria and, therefore, cause the body to produce mucus.


What kind of tea is good for phlegm?

A good hot cup of herbal tea will help dilute stubborn phlegm. If you'd like to get rid of your phlegm, a nice cup of mint, thyme, chamomile or echinacea tea is a good option.

What tea is good for cough and phlegm?

The 7 Best Teas to Help Ease a Cough
  • Honey tea.
  • Licorice root tea.
  • Ginger tea.
  • Marshmallow root tea.
  • Green tea.
  • Thyme tea.
  • Peppermint tea.
  • Other home remedies.


Does Apple increase mucus?

Chowing down on fiber-packed fruits has been linked to reduced levels of mucus and overall increased respiratory health. Meaning apples, oranges, and berries are all on the phlegm-be-gone menu.


How to reduce phlegm?

Your doctor may also suggest some self-care steps you can take to help reduce mucus, such as:
  1. Gargle with warm salt water. ...
  2. Humidify the air. ...
  3. Stay hydrated. ...
  4. Elevate your head. ...
  5. Avoid decongestants. ...
  6. Avoid irritants, fragrances, chemicals, and pollution. ...
  7. If you smoke, try to stop.


Does milk make mucus worse?

Milk consumption and phlegm production among people with the common cold in a clinical study showed no increased phlegm associated with drinking milk. Self-reported problems with mucus were the same between two study groups — one drinking milk and another drinking soy milk.

Does ginger loosen mucus?

Not only does ginger act as a natural decongestant, it also has a soothing effect on your chest. It clears your chest of mucous and causes almost instant relief.


Does hot tea break up phlegm?

Drinking club soda or hot tea with lemon, or sucking on sugar-free sour lemon drops may help break up mucus. Increase your fluid intake to 8-12 cups per day to help loosen phlegm.

What is the home remedy for cough and phlegm?

Consider the following steps to help eliminate excess mucus and phlegm:
  1. Keep the air moist. ...
  2. Drink plenty of fluids. ...
  3. Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the face. ...
  4. Keep the head elevated. ...
  5. Do not suppress a cough. ...
  6. Discreetly get rid of phlegm. ...
  7. Use a saline nasal spray or rinse. ...
  8. Gargle with salt water.


Does tea with honey help mucus?

1: Honey tea

Studies suggest that raw honey can be a natural cough suppressant and reduce the production of mucus. Honey also helps to reduce the severity and duration of cough. Stirring a few drops of honey into your favourite herbal tea may also help to loosen phlegm, soothe pain, and suppress a cough.


Is Coffee good for mucus?

Stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcoholic drinks, which will actually slightly dehydrate you and make it harder to cough up mucus.

What drinks increase phlegm?

Drinks containing caffeine, like black tea, coffee and soft drinks, accelerate mucus buildup. Swap these drinks for some caffeine-free alternatives (like decaf coffee and herbal teas) to reduce phlegm.