Even when you have healthy lungs, you can temporarily have excess sputum during a respiratory illness. Mucus 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.
How do I stop excessive mucus production?
- Hydrate more. Drink more water. …
- Use a humidifier. This can help your body moisturize your throat and nasal passages and may help you reduce mucus and phlegm production.
- Check filters on heating and cooling systems. …
- Use a nasal saline spray.
What causes excessive sputum production?
Excess mucus production can also result from certain lifestyle and environmental factors, such as: a
dry indoor environment
.
low consumption of water and other fluids
.
high consumption of fluids
that can lead to fluid loss, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol.
What causes the amount of sputum to increase?
Increased Production
Bronchiectasis: This is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often caused by chronic respiratory infections in childhood. Pulmonary edema. Overproduction of sputum can also be caused by
smoking and exposure to air pollution
.
What does sputum production indicate?
Sputum is produced
when a person’s lungs are diseased or damaged
. Sputum is not saliva but the thick mucus – sometimes called phlegm – which is coughed up from the lungs.
Is it normal to have phlegm everyday?
Your body naturally makes mucus every day
, and its presence isn’t necessarily a sign of anything unhealthy. Mucus, also known as phlegm when it’s produced by your respiratory system, lines the tissues of your body (such as your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs), and it helps protect you from infection.
What does white phlegm indicate?
White phlegm is normally no cause for alarm. It indicates
sinus activity and nasal congestion
. As the airway passages get inflamed the phlegm in the respiratory tract can thicken and become white. Yellow phlegm is a sign that your body is fighting off a mild infection.
What medication dries up mucus?
“
Decongestants
dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.
Is Honey Good for mucus?
Honey may also
reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes
(airways within the lungs) and help break up mucus that is making it hard for you to breathe. Mixing 1 teaspoon with 8 ounces of hot water; have this two or three times a day.
What naturally kills mucus?
- Warm fluids. Hot beverages can provide immediate and sustained relief from a mucus buildup in the chest. …
- Steam. Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing. …
- Saltwater. …
- Honey. …
- Foods and herbs. …
- Essential oils. …
- Elevate the head. …
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
What’s the difference between mucus and phlegm?
Mucus and phlegm are similar, yet different:
Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses
. Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.
Should you spit out phlegm?
When phlegm rises from the lungs into the throat, the body is likely trying to remove it. Spitting it out is healthier than swallowing it. Share on Pinterest A
saline nasal spray or rinse
may help to clear out mucus.
What does GREY sputum indicate?
For most people, white or light gray phlegm, especially when accompanied by nasal congestion, typically signals the onset of
viral bronchitis
. The color indicates the presence of infection-fighting white blood cells, and phlegm and nasal mucus will be thicker than usual.
What does Brown sputum indicate?
The color brown often means old blood. You may see this color after your phlegm appears red or pink. Brown phlegm is commonly caused by:
Bacterial pneumonia
:This form of pneumonia can produce phlegm that is green-brown or rust-colored.
How would you describe amount of sputum?
Quantity may be recorded in millilitres but most patients find it easier to describe their daily amount in
teaspoons, tablespoons, egg cups and cups
. An increase in sputum may be a sign of infection. Colour of sputum reflects neutrophil influx into the secretions.
What does sputum look like?
Sputum may be
clear or white and frothy
(mucoid). Sputum which is slightly thicker and cloudy or opaque (mucopurulent). If you have an infection you may see the colour of your sputum getting darker with either a yellow or green tinge.
