Coughing is known to be a common physical reaction that is used to clear foreign bodies and phlegm from the respiratory tract. However, some people habitually swallow phlegm instead of spitting it out. This has sparked a discussion about whether swallowing phlegm is harmful to the body. Next, let's take a closer look at this question.
First of all, swallowing phlegm can cause harm to the body. Because phlegm contains a variety of bacteria and viruses, swallowing phlegm means reintroducing these pathogens into the body, increasing the risk of contracting disease. In addition, toxins and waste products in phlegm are reabsorbed into the body, which may cause gastrointestinal upset and other health problems.
Secondly, frequent swallowing of phlegm may lead to respiratory tract infections. Because phlegm is a type of excrement from the respiratory tract, expelling it helps to keep the airways open and clean. If you swallow phlegm frequently, the sputum stays in the respiratory tract for a longer time, which is easy to breed bacteria and viruses, and the chance of respiratory tract infection is greatly increased.
Also, swallowing phlegm is bad for the digestive system. Sputum contains a large amount of waste and toxins, which can cause irritation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract after being absorbed by the digestive tract, causing gastrointestinal discomfort and digestive problems.
In addition, long-term phlegm ingestion can also cause damage to the vocal cords and laryngeal tissues. The acids and bacteria in the sputum corrode and damage the laryngeal mucosa and vocal cords, which may cause hoarseness and sore throat in the long run.
Therefore, we should develop a good habit of coughing up phlegm and spit it out in time instead of swallowing it. This helps to keep the airways clean and reduces the risk of contracting diseases while avoiding damage to the digestive system and vocal cords. Remember to cough up phlegm and dispose of it in the trash can, and hand hygiene is the right thing to do. If you have a perennial cough of phlegm, you might as well go to the hospital for a check-up, don't underestimate it, it may be a sign of potential disease.
Tags: cough phlegm healthy diet respiratory tract infections health tips