You will usually find phlegm\u00a0in the back of the throat or in the lungs. It is produced by the lower airways. Mucus on the other hand will\u00a0normally be found in the mucous membranes inside the nose. It\u00a0acts like a filter protecting your lungs as you inhale. To clear it you\u00a0simply blow your nose. Phlegm in throat however is thicker and more viscous. You usually only notice it when you cough it up. An excess of this secretion\u00a0can be a symptom of a respiratory problem such as bronchitis.<\/p>\n
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 defense system, then more phlegm is formed. In most people, this excessive production of mucus and phlegm will clear without further problems. However, 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.<\/a> In both instances, your body is needing to rid itself of this substance, usually by coughing.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Although unpleasant, you can safely swallow mucus. This is because your body can safely reabsorb it. Phlegm however must\u00a0be expelled from the body. Advice from\u00a0healthcare professionals is to cough it up. This is because it\u00a0will contain virus and dead bacteria. As you cough it up you are helping your body to get rid of the infection. There are now also devices that promote a productive cough, such as the Shaker mucus clearance devices by POWERbreathe<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\nHow phlegm is removed from lungs<\/h2>\n