What to do if you cough with a lot of phlegm in winter
If you're dealing with a wet cough that produces a lot of phlegm, you're not alone. This is a common problem in the winter, when the cold air can irritate your throat and lungs. While it can be annoying and uncomfortable, there are a few things you can do to relieve your symptoms.
Home remedies
There are a number of home remedies that can help to thin and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up. Some of the most effective include:
Drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to keep your mucus thin and easy to move. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day, or more if you're exercising or sweating.
Taking a hot shower or bath. The steam from a hot shower or bath can help to loosen phlegm and make it easier to cough up. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus or peppermint, to the water to help clear your sinuses.
Gargling with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to soothe a sore throat and loosen phlegm. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds at a time.
Eating honey. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation in the airways. Take a spoonful of honey straight or add it to a cup of tea.
Using a humidifier. A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to thin and loosen phlegm. Place a humidifier in your bedroom or office and run it overnight to help you breathe easier.
Over-the-counter medications
If home remedies aren't enough to relieve your symptoms, you may want to try an over-the-counter medication. There are a number of different types of over-the-counter cough suppressants available, including:
Expectorants. Expectorants help to thin and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin is a common expectorant that is available in both liquid and tablet form.
Cough suppressants. Cough suppressants help to suppress the cough reflex, which can provide relief from coughing. Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant that is available in both liquid and tablet form.
Combination cough suppressants/expectorants. These medications contain both an expectorant and a cough suppressant, which can provide relief from both coughing and phlegm production.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, a wet cough with phlegm will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, if your symptoms are severe or don't improve after a week or two, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Chills
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Green or yellow phlegm
These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Preventing a wet cough with phlegm
There are a few things you can do to help prevent a wet cough with phlegm, including:
Getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia. The flu and pneumonia can both cause a wet cough with phlegm. Getting vaccinated against these viruses can help to protect you from getting sick.
Washing your hands frequently. Washing your hands frequently can help to prevent the spread of germs, which can cause colds and other respiratory infections.
Staying away from sick people. If you're around someone who is sick, try to avoid close contact with them.
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. This will help to prevent the spread of germs.
Drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps to keep your mucus thin and easy to move. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day, or more if you're exercising or sweating.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing a wet cough with phlegm.
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