There’s no more inconvenient malady than the overproduction of mucus. And while, yes it’s unpleasant to talk about, why aren’t people addressing that they are suffering from mucus overload?
Why Are People Suffering With Mucus More?
As you probably have experienced, mucus is a sticky, slimy substance that helps to protect the airways from infection. It is produced by glands in the nose, throat, and lungs. When the body is fighting off an infection, it produces more mucus to trap the germs and keep them from spreading.
It’s also incredibly unpleasant to live with day-to-day. Coughing, sleeping and working become a massive issues with too much mucus building up.
And we’ve certainly noticed a rise in people complaining about living with an excess of mucus but not sure how to combat it.
What are the lifestyle causes of mucus?
- The weather is changing. As the weather gets colder, people are more likely to spend time indoors, where they are exposed to more germs. This can lead to an increase in respiratory infections, which can cause mucus production.
- People are traveling more. With the holidays approaching, people are more likely to travel. This can expose them to new germs, which can lead to respiratory infections.
- People are stressed. Stress can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.
- People are not getting enough sleep. Sleep is important for the immune system. When people don’t get enough sleep, they are more likely to get sick.
- People are not eating healthy. Eating a healthy diet is important for the immune system. When people don’t eat healthy, they are more likely to get sick.
Aside from having a serious infection or virus, it may be down to lifestyle that is cause a build of mucus as seen above. This poses the question as to how are we dealing with it and why aren’t more people addressing their need to clear it.
Mucus can be a sign that something else is going on in your body. If you’ve had persistent mucus build-up for a long period of time, consult your doctor for advice and explain your symptoms.
What’s the difference between phlegm and mucus?
You may have also used phlegm to describe your symptoms to your doctor but what is the main difference between phlegm and mucus?
- Mucus is a thick, sticky substance that is produced by glands in the nose, throat, and lungs. It helps to trap dust, pollen, bacteria, and other particles that could damage the airways. Mucus is also moved through the airways by tiny hairs called cilia.
- Phlegm is a thicker, more viscous form of mucus that is produced by the lower airways (throat and lungs) in response to inflammation. You typically cough up phlegm from your lungs and blow mucus out of your nose.
When you have a cold or the flu, your body produces more mucus to trap the germs and keep them from spreading. This can lead to a buildup of mucus in the nose, throat, and lungs. The mucus can become thick and sticky, making it difficult to clear. This can cause symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and a sore throat.
Fighting phlegm
Getting rid of phlegm however, is slightly more difficult and needs to be coughed up. Phlegm clearance is very important for people with conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis, because phlegm contains virus and dead bacteria.
The Shaker is a gravity-dependent OPEP (oscillatory positive expiratory pressure) device and a 2018 study found “the gravity-dependent devices were the ones to display close mechanical performances and produce optimal operational parameters at the simulated exhalation settings.”
Each Shaker device breaks up the phlegm in your chest to make it easier for you to cough it up. And there’s even one created specifically for children. Choose Shaker Deluxe Kids.
How to combat mucus buildup?
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Use a humidifier or take a hot shower. This can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to breathe.
- Get plenty of rest. Rest helps the body to heal.
- Take over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications can help to relieve symptoms such as fever, cough, and congestion.
- See a doctor. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, see a doctor.
- Explore POWERbreathe’s drug-free respiratory EMT device. Our devices are founded in science and research that encourages fast respiratory results.
If you are suffering from mucus, don’t despair. There are a number of things you can do to relieve your symptoms and feel better and POWERbreathe (which is prescribed on the NHS) is a great place to start.
