Having a cough can be pretty annoying, but when you also have phlegm it can make the condition a lot more irritating. Phlegm can be caused (Source 1) by many reasons such as cold, flu, lung disease, digestion diseases, smoking and even allergies. Here are a few ways to help cure your cough and get rid of the phlegm:
Treat your allergies
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If you find yourself suffering from coughs with phlegm only during certain times of the year, it could be as a result of seasonal allergies. However, when your cough is watery and easier to cough up the mucus, it is an indication that your cough is caused by allergies rather than an infection making it easier to treat. In cases like these, you can easily get rid of the phlegm caused by allergies with over-the-counter medication such as antihistamine medication or decongestions (Source 2).
Drink lots of fluids
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Staying hydrated has proven to be quite effective in getting rid of mucus and phlegm. In this study (Source 3), the results show that drinking lots of fluids and staying hydrating is an essential attribute in clearing up mucus.
Use natural remedies
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There are several natural ingredients(Source 4) that can be used as a remedy to help get rid of excess mucus in the chest. These include lemon, ginger, garlic, and even herbs such as cayenne or chili peppers.
Use essential oils
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When your cough is accompanied by phlegm, you probably have excess mucus in the chest. In order to help reduce the mucus and avoid infections due to bacteria in the respiratory tract, there are several alternative forms of medication you could use. These include essential oils (Source 5) such as basil, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, and oregano.
When using essential oils to help cure coughs with phlegm, you can either breathe in the aroma directly from the bottle, use the oils in a diffuser, or add it to a hot water steam inhalation.
Gargle saltwater
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One of the advantages of gargling salt water (Source 4) is that it can help get rid of phlegm that’s stuck at the back of your throat. That way, you’ll be able to soothe your cough and sore throat. In order to do so, you should add 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm, filtered water. Take a sip and tilt your head backward to allow the liquid to wash your throat without drinking it.
Further reading:
- How to Spot Series: Seasonal Allergies
- 6 Tips to Calm Your Cough
- Types of Coughs and How to Treat Them
