Sputum accumulation refers to excessive sputum production or poor sputum discharge, resulting in the accumulation of sputum in the respiratory tract, which may affect the patient's breathing and health in severe cases. Excessive phlegm is usually caused by respiratory diseases such as colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc., but it can also be caused by other diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, etc.
In medicine, phlegm is seen as a symptom rather than a disease in itself. Therefore, phlegm needs to be targeted at its root cause.
For phlegm caused by respiratory diseases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, expectorants, bronchodilators, etc.**;For phlegm overabundance caused by other conditions, your doctor may prescribe a ** regimen for the underlying condition.
Sputum is a fluid made up mainly of mucus and inflammatory cells, and it is usually secreted into the throat to help lubricate and protect the respiratory tract. However, when the body is affected by infection or inflammation, the composition and amount of phlegm changes.
So, how is this phlegm produced?First, mucus cells in the respiratory tract secrete mucus, which is a lubricant that can help protect the respiratory tract from dry air and various particles. At the same time, mucus also contains various antibodies and antimicrobial substances that can help fight the invasion of germs.
However, when our body is affected by infection or inflammation, white blood cells (a type of immune cell) rush to the infected area in large numbers. These white blood cells release a variety of chemicals, including inflammatory mediators and chemokines, which stimulate more white blood cells to accumulate in the infected area. At the same time, these chemicals also stimulate the secretion of mucus cells, resulting in an increase in the amount of mucus.
In addition to the chemicals released by white blood cells, other factors such as pollutants in the air, allergens, tobacco smoke, etc., can also stimulate the secretion of mucus cells. As a result, our airways may produce more phlegm on days when air pollution is high or when we smoke.
Overall, sputum production is a complex physiological process that involves the synergistic action of multiple organs and systems. However, when we catch a cold, smoke, or are exposed to pollution, this process can be compromised, resulting in a change in the amount and composition of phlegm. Understanding this process helps us better understand why we need to clear phlegm from our respiratory tract and how to prevent respiratory problems from occurring.
Black phlegm
Black phlegm is usually formed as a result of inhaled dust and dirt mixing with mucus in the respiratory tract. This condition is common for people who work or live in polluted environments for long periods of time, such as miners, construction workers or traffic cops. Black phlegm can also appear in smokers, as the harmful substances in tobacco can stimulate the respiratory tract to produce phlegm and give it a black appearance.
Yellow phlegm
Yellow phlegm is usually caused by a respiratory infection, such as a cold, flu or bronchitis. These conditions cause an increase in mucus secretion in the respiratory tract and a yellow color of sputum due to the high amount of white blood cells and bacteria. In addition, yellow phlegm can also appear in patients with conditions such as lung abscesses.
White phlegm
White phlegm is usually caused by mild irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract. For example, pollen, dust mites or cold air in the air can stimulate the respiratory tract to produce phlegm and give it a white appearance. White sputum is usually thin and has no noticeable odor.
Overall, black, yellow, and white phlegm can all be caused by different health conditions. Therefore, when these conditions arise, we should seek medical attention in time for early detection and ** potential health problems.
Regulates qi and dispels phlegm
The flow of qi is like the revival of the earth and the growth of all things. The temper plays a key role in this process, causing the fluid to trickle throughout the body, nourishing every inch of the skin and rejuvenating the body. However, once you are depressed and in a bad mood, it is like a haze in the sky, sunlight cannot penetrate, and the liver qi stagnates in the body, hindering the normal operation of the qi.
At this time, the fluid in the body cannot be infused normally, but instead gathers into phlegm and dampness, like a cloud of mist, so that the throat always feels phlegm, and it is impossible to spit it out. If you want to solve this problem, the key is to regulate qi and reduce phlegm. Relying only on the spleen to expel phlegm is like relying only on the aroma of flowers and plants to dispel the thick fog, which cannot solve the problem fundamentally.
Therefore, regulating qi and dissolving phlegm is the key to solving the problem of increased sputum. This requires us to maintain a good mood and rejuvenate the qi in our body. In this way, the fluid in the body can flow freely, and the phlegm will dissipate. This not only restores the body, but also nourishes the mind.
Gas-dissolving expectorant
The "transformation of qi" here refers to the removal of dampness in the body, and the evaporation of phlegm and dampness in the body through the transpiration vaporization ability of yang energy, so that phlegm dampness no longer exists, and the production of phlegm will naturally decrease. This condition is usually caused by excessive moisture in the body, resulting in a large amount of phlegm.
Such patients usually show cold limbs, sensitivity to cold, and give people the impression that there is a lack of yang energy in the body. If you ask them to stick out their tongues, you will see that their tongues are fat and have a thick coating. Therefore, for the phlegm caused by this situation, the most important thing is to dispel phlegm and warm and replenish the yang qi in the body.
As long as the yang energy in the body is sufficient, it can benefit the water and dampness, and the water and dampness existing in the body will naturally transpire and dissipate under the action of yang energy, and will not accumulate dampness into phlegm.
Replenishes qi and dispels phlegm
The air is in Jin, and the Jewish sun is in the rain and dew. If the clouds are not spread, the rain will not be applied, and if the qi is insufficient, the fluid will not be transported, and the phlegm and dampness will be born. For example, in a summer drought, when the river dries up and the water has no source of moisture, it becomes a pool of water and becomes a disaster.
Therefore, people with qi deficiency, such as long-term illness, old age, weakness, etc., often feel fatigue, shortness of breath, lazy speech, poor appetite, thin tongue, etc., like a river of long-term drought, the water is dry and the soil is dry, and the vitality is sluggish.
At this time, phlegm alone is not enough to cure the root cause, but also needs to replenish qi, such as the moisture of spring rain, so that the qi is sufficient and the fluid is born, and the phlegm and dampness go away. Therefore, the treatment of phlegm first cures qi, and when qi is sufficient, phlegm is dissolved, and those who are doctors must know it.
First, we need to understand the effects of smoking on the respiratory tract. The harmful substances in tobacco can directly irritate the respiratory tract and lead to increased mucus secretion. In addition, these harmful substances can also disrupt the defense function of the respiratory mucosa, making it easier for germs to invade the body, further leading to an increase in phlegm.
Secondly, the lung function of smokers can also be affected. Long-term smoking can cause damage to the lungs, reducing the cleansing function of the lungs and making it easier for phlegm to accumulate in the respiratory tract. At the same time, smoking also reduces the immunity of the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and further exacerbating the production of sputum.
In addition, individual differences are also one of the reasons why smokers always have phlegm in their throats. Some people's airways may be more susceptible to tobacco, and smoking even small amounts of cigarettes can lead to increased sputum. For some long-term smokers, their respiratory tract has adapted to the stimulus of tobacco and there may not be a noticeable increase in phlegm.
In conclusion, smoking is one of the important causes of phlegm in the throat. The harmful substances in tobacco can directly irritate the respiratory tract, leading to increased mucus secretion, while also reducing the cleansing function of the lungs and the immunity of the respiratory tract. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the effective ways to reduce phlegm production. For those who can't quit smoking, maintaining good Xi and eating a healthy diet can also help them reduce phlegm production.