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Sputum is a type of mucus produced in the lungs and respiratory tract to protect these areas from drying out, helping the body fight pathogens. A certain amount of mucus is necessary for the body to be healthy, but too much or stagnant phlegm in the throat makes people extremely uncomfortable. At this time, the patient should know how to dissolve phlegm in the throat to improve this condition.1. Ways to dissolve phlegm in the throat at home
Gargle with salt water Gargle with warm salt water to soothe and aid in dissolving phlegm in the throat effectively. Mix 0.5 teaspoons (2.5 mL) of salt in 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water. Take a sip of salt water, but do not swallow. Instead, tilt your head back and gargle for a few seconds. Then, spit out the salt water in the sink and rinse your mouth. People can repeat this treatment every 2-3 hours during the day if they need to improve the feeling of sputum in the throat quickly.
In addition, this can also be a way to thin the baby's sputum at home if the child already knows how to cooperate with the instructions of the parents.
Use a humidifier Using a humidifier to humidify the airways with warm steam will help soothe the respiratory tract, minimizing mucus secretion. Fill the humidifier with distilled water to the fill line. Then, turn on the humidifier and continue running while doing normal indoor activities such as working, eating or sleeping. The steam released will moisten the airways and thin the mucus. This will dissolve the phlegm in the throat.
Humidifier is also an effective tool to help dilute phlegm for babies when they are often in an air-conditioned room.
Take a hot bath and inhale the steam This is also a simple way to temporarily dissolve phlegm in the throat. Because steam can loosen and dilute phlegm in the throat. To use the shower, set the water temperature to be hot but without scale. Then relax in the shower and take a few deep breaths.
People can also use eucalyptus essential oil for bathing. Use an eyedropper to put a few drops of the oil on the shower floor or tub just before entering the bathroom.
Sauna Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water to thin and dissolve phlegm from a large bowl. Then, bend over the bowl and drape a towel over your head and bowl. Slowly inhale the steam for a comfortable period of time. Then, drink a glass of water to cool down and keep your body hydrated.
This is called facial steaming and can be done once or twice a day as needed to reduce phlegm in the throat. For added benefits, add an essential oil to the water, such as 2-3 drops of eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint essential oils to help boost mucus breakdown and soothe your throat.
Rinsing the nose Rinsing the sinuses with a special nozzle will help clear the airways and thin the mucus. Fill the bottle with bottled physiological saline or purified water. Then, lean over the sink and tilt your head to the side. Place the spout of the bottle in the upper nostril, then slowly pour the water into the nose. Water will enter the upper nostril and exit the lower nostril.
Continue with the other nostril. Handle with care not to inhale saline solution or water. Do not use tap water as it may not be sterile. In addition, nasal irrigation also helps to thin sputum for children aged 5 years and older.
Súc miệng bằng nước muối ấm để làm dịu và hỗ trợ tan đờm trong cổ họng hiệu quả
2. Reduce mucus with water and food
Drink enough water Provide enough water for the body by drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. The liquid will help thin the mucus to prevent sputum build-up in the throat. Therefore, make sure you are meeting your daily water needs by drinking plenty of water, tea and other beverages. Also, snack on foods that contain water, like soup or fruit.
Try making water or tea with lemon to help break down mucus in the respiratory tract better. Adding lemon slices to water or squeezing a little lemon juice into a glass is also a simple way to treat cough with phlegm without medicine.
Drink warm water Warm water can help clear the throat and break up mucus. This is because the heat will soften and thin the mucus, making it easier for the phlegm in the throat to drain out.
In which, ginger tea is a popular drink that helps relieve throat itching, cough and sputum effectively. Alternatively, sipping lemon tea with honey to soothe your throat and reduce mucus is another delicious option. The acid in the lemon juice helps to thin and remove phlegm, while the honey soothes the throat.
Eat hot soup Eating hot soup or thin dishes such as porridge, soup, stew during meals will help thin and break up mucus. The soup warms up the mucus, which can help thin the mucus so it passes more easily. Broth can also help thin mucus and clear the throat.
In addition, soup cooked with chicken broth can also act as an anti-inflammatory, helping to warm the body and increase fluids.
Tránh hút thuốc để tình trạng ứ đờm trong cổ họng không trở nên tồi tệ hơn
3. Prevent accumulation of phlegm
Lying on an elevated pillow Elevate your head so that mucus does not accumulate in the throat, flowing naturally from the sinuses to the back of the throat.
Avoid foods that irritate the digestive tract Stop eating foods that make the body more susceptible to acid reflux. Because acid reflux can cause mucus to accumulate in the throat. Therefore, if you often experience heartburn or a burning sensation in your throat, watch for foods that may be causing your symptoms and then avoid these foods.
Common causes of acid reflux include garlic, onions, spicy foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, citrus foods, onions, alcohol, mints, tomato products, chocolate and fried, greasy food.
Avoid smoking Smoking can dry out the vocal cords and the lining of the respiratory tract, causing the body to produce more phlegm and mucus to restore lost moisture. This can make the phlegm in the throat worse.
Therefore, it is best to stop smoking. Also, ask others not to smoke around you or to stay away when they do. This is also a condition parents need to pay attention to when they need to thin their baby's sputum.
Avoid exposure to allergens, fumes and toxic chemicals Paint fumes, cleaning agents and other chemicals can irritate the respiratory tract. These agents can trigger the body to produce more mucus.
Therefore, contact with irritants or chemicals must be limited. If you must come into contact with them, wear a mask and move to a ventilated area as soon as possible.
In short, the way to dissolve phlegm in the throat is that you should change from your lifestyle to your daily diet so that the immune system is best supported to fight the infection in the best way. In case this condition persists, go to a medical facility for examination and other specific treatment methods.
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