Something to Sneeze At: Learn How to Remove Mucus From Your Lungs

Mucus keeps the tissues inside the body lubricated and plays the hero by trapping germs and allergens, but it can pose health issues when produced in excess. Studies indicate that the prevalence of cough was between 1.7% and 5.4% in urban areas in different centres in India. This indicates a higher risk of mucus hypersecretion in the former. Knowing how to get rid of mucus in the lungs is vital, as it is more than just an unpleasant nuisance; eventually, it can block your airways.

In most cases, the excess mucus production or phlegm happens as a transient phenomenon and clears without further problems. Sometimes, the mucus hypersecretion can be persistent, making it vital to know how to remove mucus from the chest. If not treated, it can cause health complications, such as:

• Excess mucus is sticky and slimy. It tends to cling to the air passages and may cause blockages.
• Blocked airways make breathing difficult. It can accompany severe coughing, wheezing, and poor quality of life.
• Staggered breathing can worsen the condition of individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.
• Stagnant mucus can become a focus of infection, growing bacteria and harbouring viruses, dust particles, mites, etc., eventually causing lung infections.
• Sometimes, the bronchi (air passages inside the lungs) can get choked with mucus, making the lungs vulnerable to infection — leading to conditions like bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis.

Studies have shown that ‘chronic inflammation’ of the airways is the root cause of mucus hypersecretion. This, in turn, can worsen or initiate chronic airway inflammatory diseases like COPD and asthma. 

To simplify the process, the inflammatory response compromises the natural methods of mucus clearance and removal of foreign bodies and alters the mucus properties, leading to recurrent infections and obstruction. 

The top causative factors are:

• COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary cystic fibrosis and other chronic airway inflammatory disorders. 
• Whether it's chilly winter air or spring's blooming pollen, your lungs might go into overdrive, producing that sticky, gooey stuff. 
• Excessive air pollution, visits to industrial or mining areas, smoke, etc.
• Infections, both bacterial and viral
• Allergy from animal hair, pollen, dust, mites, etc.

Mucus overproduction has telltale signs that can never go unnoticed. It is vital to spot these early on and apply appropriate lung cleansing methods on time. 

• Persistent wet cough with excessive phlegm or sputum
• Sore throat and constant irritation in the throat
• Feeling choked while sleeping
• Wheezing or staggered deep breathing
• Chest congestion
• Frequent urge to cough up and spit sputum

Modern science offers various methods to remove sputum from the lungs naturally. While some require assisted techniques, many are basic and doable at home.

• Hydration is key. Drinking enough water or other warm/room temperature fluids can help dilute the thick mucus. This may include homemade immune boosters or ‘kadha’. Tea or hot water with whole spices like cinnamon, pepper, cloves, basil leaves, etc., boost immunity and calm mucus production tissues. 
• Use humidifiers and sleep in a reclined position. Dry, dusty environments or extreme heat or cold can aggravate the mucus lining of the airways. Thus, using at-home humidifiers with a head-elevated sleep posture can calm the inflamed airways and help mucus exit naturally.
• Salt and lukewarm water gargles soothe mucus linings and kill the germs in the throat, preventing lung infections.
• Steam is essentially moist hot air. When inhaled through the nose and exhaled through the mouth or vice-versa, it can uniquely clean mucus. 

Apart from these, various coughing techniques and exercises to remove mucus are backed by anecdotal evidence. These include huff coughing, diaphragm bridge active exercises, diaphragm pokes, chest rotation and stretch positions, and more.

If mucus hypersecretion persists for days, making it increasingly difficult to breathe and sleep, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Dr Vijay Kumar Goyal, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), says, “In my career, smoker's cough has been a challenge when treating addiction from smoking. Though phlegm production decreases with smoking cessation, routine nebulisation and respiratory physiotherapy can help calm the mucus production faster.”

Excessive mucus production and lung congestion can be more than just a nuisance. They can make breathing difficult and disrupt your daily life. By learning how to cleanse your lungs, you can recognise the symptoms and take action early. Whether triggered by seasonal changes, allergies, or infections, there are many natural ways to reduce mucus buildup, helping you breathe easier and feel more comfortable. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

There are many methods for removing phlegm, such as warm salt water gargles, steam inhalation, humidifiers, breathing exercises, and over-the-counter decongestants. We recommend you consult your physician before undertaking any treatment.

Mucus is always present in the tissues inside the body as a lubricant and a good protective layer. Mucus hypersecretion is bad as it can cause breathing difficulties and chances of infections.

Seasonal changes, allergies, air pollution, lung and breathing disorders such as COPD, bronchial asthma, and infections are common causes of mucus in the throat.

Drinking warm liquids,  steam inhalation, and using a doctor's prescribed decongestants or medicines can help clear mucus quickly.