Coughing is not uncommon in life. Whether it's a cold winter or a warm spring, we always encounter situations where all of a sudden, an itchy throat is followed by an irrepressible cough.
Many people think that this is a precursor to a bad cold or fever, but in fact, there is much more to a cough than that. Choking on water and choking on food are all potential triggers of coughing.
However, the most painful thing is not the cough itself, but the sticky phlegm that is difficult to drain in the throat. Sometimes, we try our best to cough up a small portion, but the remaining phlegm is extremely bothersome.
Spit it out, feel a little disgusting; Swallow it, and worry about the adverse effects on your body. In fact, both cough and phlegm are a natural response of the human body, a protective mechanism initiated by the body to eliminate foreign bodies and inflammation.
Of course, a prolonged cough and a lot of phlegm are not normal. If it lasts for too long or is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc., then it is likely that the body is sending us a distress signal.
Phlegm is not just the saliva in our mouth, it is the mucus secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and its main role is to keep the respiratory tract moist and help us expel foreign bodies from the respiratory tract.
The production of phlegm begins in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is filled with a large number of sensory nerve endings that sense and regulate the inhaled gas.
When a foreign body or germ in the air enters the respiratory tract, these nerve endings respond quickly to send signals to the brain. When the brain receives the signal, it immediately directs the body to produce a series of defensive responses.
Next, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract begin to secrete mucus, which contains a large number of immune cells and antibodies, which work to encapsulate and destroy these invading foreign bodies and germs.
At the same time, these immune cells and antibodies stimulate the glands under the mucosa to produce more mucus and form phlegm. In addition, our lungs have a well-developed expectoration mechanism.
When phlegm accumulates to a certain level, our cough center sends a signal that triggers the cough reflex. By coughing, we can effectively expel phlegm from the airways and keep the airways open.
Under what circumstances will it cause an increase in phlegm and it will not be able to finish spitting up?
First of all, inflammation of the respiratory tract is one of the main causes of increased sputum. When the respiratory tract is infected by bacteria or viruses, the inflammation irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, producing more phlegm.
This sputum usually contains white blood cells and antibodies that help remove pathogens. However, too much sputum may lead to sputum retention, affecting respiratory function.
Secondly, allergic reactions can also lead to increased sputum. Allergic reactions can cause bronchospasm and swelling, which increases mucosal secretion of the respiratory tract and produces more sputum. This sputum is usually clear, but it can also be bloodshot.
In addition, certain physiological conditions can also cause increased sputum. For example, smoking and air pollution can increase the secretion of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, producing more phlegm. At the same time, excessive fatigue and poor eating habits may also affect the body's immune system, resulting in increased phlegm.
1. Cough and expectoration training
First, you'll need to sit in a sitting position and lean your upper body slightly forward by 20 to 45 degrees. Take a deep breath and hold your breath for 3 seconds. Next, make a short, explosive cough that tightens your core and helps you cough by pressing your hand on your upper abdomen. This cough and expectoration training helps clear phlegm from the airways.
2. Replenish water
Drinking plenty of water can dissolve phlegm and moisten the throat. It is recommended that adults drink 1 per day of waterAbout 5 liters. Adequate hydration keeps the respiratory tract moist and aids in the expulsion of phlegm.
3. Do a good job in life management
Smoking and alcohol consumption should be reduced as much as possible, as both can worsen coughing. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding staying up late, and exercising appropriately are all important life management measures. These measures help to strengthen the body's immunity and prevent respiratory infections.
It should be reminded that for some people with more serious symptoms, they should seek medical attention in time and take medication under the guidance of a doctor, and do not blindly remove expectorant at home. Follow your doctor's advice and take the right approach to better alleviate your symptoms.
Swallowing phlegm that you can't cough up may have some effects on your body, depending on the composition and amount of phlegm. First of all, if the sputum contains pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, it may cause gastrointestinal infections such as gastritis, enteritis, etc.
In addition, phlegm may also contain some harmful substances, such as heavy metals, chemicals, etc., which may also cause some harm to the body after being swallowed.
In addition, phlegm plays a protective role in the respiratory tract, which can help remove foreign bodies and secretions from the respiratory tract and keep the respiratory tract open.
If phlegm is swallowed frequently, it may weaken this protective effect of sputum, making the respiratory tract more susceptible to infection and foreign bodies.