Excess phlegm in the throat can be frustrating and uncomfortable. The constant need to clear your throat can be embarrassing in a public environment, and it may also interfere with physical activities and sleep. In certain circumstances, mucus can leave the lungs more vulnerable to infection. A person usually experiences excess mucus and phlegm when suffering from a cold or hay fever.
Mucus does play an important role in keeping us healthy, but too much of it can be annoying. Knowing how to remove mucus from the lungs naturally can be a relief. There are practical ways to support easier breathing and improved respiratory comfort by making lifestyle changes and using drug-free mucus clearance devices, such as the POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe.
Are phlegm and mucus the same thing?
A build-up of mucus in the throat and lungs can be uncomfortable and may affect your breathing. Fortunately, there are natural ways to help your body get rid of mucus buildup from both your throat and lungs.
In this article, we’ll explore simple and effective methods to reduce mucus buildup, improve respiratory comfort, and understand the difference between mucus and phlegm. Whether you’re facing seasonal congestion or chronic respiratory issues, these tips can support easier breathing and better lung health.
You will usually find phlegm in the back of the throat or in the lungs. It is produced by the lower airways. Mucus, on the other hand, will normally be found in the mucous membranes inside the nose.
How phlegm is formed
Our body produces mucus and phlegm to keep us healthy. It is a protective, slippery substance that your throat, sinuses and lungs produce. This substance then helps to protect tissues in your body and trap any irritants and bacteria.
However, if bacteria or a virus manages to get past your body’s natural defence system, then more phlegm is formed. In most people, this excessive production of mucus and phlegm will clear without further problems.
There are some conditions where the bronchi become filled with mucus, leaving the lungs more vulnerable to infection. Such conditions include bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. In both instances, your body will try to remove the mucus naturally by itself, usually by coughing.
In a naturally occurring amount, mucus offers protection by acting as a natural filter for bacteria. Your lungs are highly vulnerable to bacteria and infection. This is because the lungs are an internal organ, and the oxygen you breathe in goes directly into your lungs. Read more about how to Improve Your Lung Health.
How to get rid of phlegm from your lungs
Although unpleasant, you can safely swallow mucus. This is because your body can safely reabsorb it. Phlegm, however, must be expelled from the body. To effectively get rid of phlegm from your lungs, it is best advised to cough it up. This is because it will contain viruses and dead bacteria.
As you cough it up you are helping your body to get rid of the infection. As more people explore natural ways to get rid of phlegm, there are now also devices that promote a productive cough, such as the Shaker mucus clearance devices by POWERbreathe.
Shaker Deluxe Review
I just got mine in the mail and have been using it for four days or so. I can’t believe how effective it is in getting the mucus out.
Why didn’t my doctor tell me about this? To be very honest, I was half expecting to be disappointed, as usual, like with the NEWEST prescription that they say is the be-all and end-all, only $$$ per month I don’t have. But then, it worked and worked well!!D Huntingdon
What is the Shaker Deluxe, and how does it help remove mucus from lungs naturally?
The Shaker Deluxe is part of the POWERbreathe Better Breathing Product Range; it is an OPEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) device designed to keep your airways clear and healthy, by creating vibrations when you exhale.. It is extremely simple to use and can help reduce the risk of lung infections. Research has shown how mucus clearance devices can help chronic conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis. Devices, including the Shaker, can also help with acute problems like chesty coughs.
Using the device correctly can help remove mucus from the lungs naturally. There is a weighted ball inside the Shaker Deluxe that moves up and down when you breathe out through the device. The ball’s rapid movement creates gentle vibrations that loosen the mucus and open up smaller air passages. The mucus will thin and dislodge. A gentle cough will remove the mucus.
Can phlegm make you cough?
Secretions will be more of a problem at night. This is simply because of gravity when you are lying down. These secretions will feel heavy in your chest and can stimulate coughing. Coughing is actually your body’s natural way of expelling phlegm but one way to alleviate the need to cough is by elevating your sleeping position – you can use a pillow to prop yourself up a little more and this will help you feel better.
When to see a doctor
The NHS recommend you see a doctor urgently if you cough up blood. They also recommend seeing your GP if:
- Your cough is lasting for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough)
- Your cough becomes worse quickly
- You have a pain in your chest
- You experience weight loss for no reason
- Your neck at the side feels swollen and painful (swollen glands)
- Breathing becomes more difficult
- Your immune system is weak because of diabetes or chemotherapy for example
Break up phlegm with drugs – or drug-free
Expectorants can be prescribed to help increase bronchial secretion. They are intended to help make it easier to cough it up. But expectorants are medicines. The Shaker by POWERbreathe is an effective drug-free alternative.
Natural remedies for phlegm
A natural, home remedy for getting rid of phlegm in the throat or lungs is to use a Shaker device by POWERbreathe. This hand-held, drug-free device literally ‘shakes’ the phlegm in your chest to make it more mobile. The shaking breaks the secretions down and makes it easier for you to cough them up.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Phlegm in Your Lungs
- Use a Shaker Device: This handheld device contains a weighted ball that vibrates as you exhale. The vibration helps to loosen and thin mucus.
- Controlled Breathing Exercises: Slow, deep breaths followed by a forceful exhale can help dislodge phlegm and clear airways.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water keeps mucus thin and easier to expel.
- Use Warm Steam: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl can help loosen thick mucus in the lungs.
- Use Natural Expectorants: Herbal teas with ginger or peppermint may aid in mucus clearance and soothe the respiratory tract.
- Humidify the Air: A humidifier keeps the air moist, helping to prevent mucus from thickening and becoming sticky.
POWERbreathe Shaker: Effective Non-Drug Mucus Remover
Because the Shaker is drug-free and easy to use, children and adults can use it. As it helps clear phlegm, it is ideal for people with respiratory problems, for example, chronic Bronchitis, Bronchiectasis, Emphysema, Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. There are, however, some precautions which you will find on the Shaker Classic, Shaker Deluxe and Shaker Plus product pages.
Included here with permission is a mother and son using the POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Kids mucus clearance device for chest vibration physiotherapy, with little Heitor seemingly happy to perform his chest physiotherapy exercises.
