Do you have that irritating phlegm in your throat? There are some tricks that can help you get rid of this problem.
Stay with that irritating catarrh in the throat and you don’t know how to get rid of it? Keep in mind that your first step should not be to take medications, but rather consult a specialist to find out the cause of the problem and understand the correct actions in your case.
According to Dr. Paulo Mendes Jr., an otolaryngologist at IPO Hospital, the main diseases that cause phlegm in the throat are pharyngitis and laryngitis, as well as diseases that cause phlegm in the nose that can travel down to the throat, such as colds and sinusitis. Furthermore, when a person suffers from gastric reflux, it can give this impression, as a secretion appears in the throat.
Many people think that when sputum goes from a clear, watery appearance to a yellowish or greenish appearance, it is time to take an antibiotic, as this would mean that it is bacteria. However, the doctor clarifies this concept, explaining that even viral conditions can present this color change in the first 3-5 days, which are the worst.
The presence of bacteria can only be suspected if the coloration lasts longer and persists all day, not just in the morning. And even in this case you should not self-medicate, always consult a specialist.
It is worth remembering that the grayish catarrh could have to do with infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterium that is the main cause of pneumonia, as explained by Dorival Duarte, infectious disease specialist and deputy clinical director of the Adventist Hospital of São Paulo . Bleeding phlegm is a sign of more serious conditions and should be looked at more urgently.
But after all, So what can you do to get rid of phlegm in your throat? I wait:
Tips for eliminating phlegm in the throat
As already explained, the help of a professional is essential. The otolaryngologist may carry out tests, such as nasofibroscopy, to discover the cause of the problem. Only then can you prescribe some treatment, since taking the wrong medicine for the cause can actually make the situation worse.
However, one thing you can do without too much fear is to wash your nose with a saline solution. “It can be through a continuous jet of serum or those small bottles, which have a high volume of serum and can cleanse more, especially in the cheekbone area,” explains Dr. Paulo Mendes Jr.
This wash hydrates the nasal mucosa and reduces secretion, and it is good to do it every day, even if you don’t feel symptoms. When phlegm appears, it is recommended to do it more than once a day.
It is worth remembering that it is important to know how to wash yourself correctly, following all the doctor’s recommendations. In the case of the bottle, for example, it must have a high volume of serum, but a low pressure. In other words, you shouldn’t do it quickly, too forcefully.
Another tip is to opt for inhalations with saline solution and drink lots of water, as these actions thin the secretion. Also avoid clearing your throat, no matter how much it may seem helpful at the time.
“If it is repetitive, throat clearing can traumatize the vocal cord region and cause a contact ulcer. In this situation it will be very annoying, the patient will clear his throat more and a vicious circle will be established,” says the specialist .
Finally, Dorival Duarte says that other habits can make phlegm in the throat worse. “Conditions such as smoking, exposure to environments with the presence of dust mites and flower pollen, contribute to worsening secretion in the upper airways,” he says.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
