Causes of thick phlegm like jelly can vary, ranging from smoking habits, dry air, to the influence of certain drugs. Some diseases can also cause the production of thick and colored phlegm. This condition needs to be anticipated so that it can be treated immediately.
Phlegm is mucus produced by the lungs and throat to moisturize and protect the respiratory tract from foreign objects or infections. However, if the production is too much and thick like jellyphlegm will be difficult to expel and clog the respiratory tract, causing discomfort.
Causes of thick phlegm like jelly Generally, it is a respiratory tract infection or irritation due to foreign particles that enter causing an inflammatory or allergic reaction. Sputum is usually expelled by coughing and is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.
Causes of thick phlegm such as Jelly
Increased production of phlegm can cause phlegm to build up and look like phlegm jelly when issued. Causes of thick phlegm like jelly This can be triggered by a variety of things, such as:
- Smoking habit
- Sinusitis that causes post-nasal drip or mucus that flows and sticks from the back of the nose to the throat
- Dry air, usually as a result of using an air conditioner (AC)
- Certain medications that cause dry mouth
- Not drinking enough, or consuming too much coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages that can cause fluid loss
Causes of thick phlegm such as Jelly By Color
Sometimes thick phlegm like jelly not due to increased mucus production, but due to changes in the consistency of the phlegm itself. The scale of changes in the texture of phlegm can range from foamy phlegm to thick and sticky
If the change in the texture of the phlegm has become thick like jelly and accompanied by a change in the color of phlegm, you need to be more vigilant. The reason is, the color of phlegm can be a sign of certain diseases. The following are some examples:
1. Clear phlegm
Clear phlegm is basically normal, but increased production of phlegm can be a sign that your body is excreting an irritant or some virus. Diseases associated with the color of clear sputum include allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
2. Sputum is white
White phlegm can be caused by viral bronchitis, acid reflux disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You are advised to immediately consult a doctor if thick phlegm like jelly accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.
3. Sputum is greenish or yellowish
Green or yellow phlegm can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection. Green and yellow phlegm can also be a sign of bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis due to viral or bacterial infections.
4. Pink phlegm
Pink phlegm indicates the presence of blood in the sputum which can be caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, and lung cancer. If the phlegm is thick like jelly accompanied by shortness of breath and chest pain, you are advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Sputum is brownelat
The color of brown sputum indicates the presence of old blood which can be caused by bacterial pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, lung abscess, and pneumoconiosis, which is a lung disease caused by exposure to mineral dust, such as coal, asbestos, or silica.
6. Sputum is black
Black phlegm can occur when you inhale a lot of black substances, such as coal, pollution particles, volcanic dust, or fire smoke, it can also indicate a certain type of fungal infection. In addition, black phlegm can also be caused by smoking.
Get rid of thick phlegm like Jelly
Thick phlegm like jelly generally happens a lot in the morning. You can cope with self-care at home, such as drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods, and getting enough rest.
You can also relieve it by gargling with warm salt water. In addition, the use of a humidifier (humidifier) at home is also able to help maintain humidity while thinning phlegm, so that phlegm is easier to expel when coughing.
If the natural way has been done but your condition does not improve or is accompanied by a change in the color of the phlegm, you are advised to consult a doctor. The doctor will recommend treatment according to the cause.
If it is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In addition, drugs such as expectorants (phlegm thinners) or antihistamines may also be given to relieve complaints and inflammation that you are experiencing.
Thick phlegm like jelly actually not something to be too worried about. However, if this condition has interfered with your activities and is accompanied by other symptoms, you need to be more vigilant because this could be a sign of certain diseases.
Therefore, you are advised to consult a doctor immediately if excessive phlegm production is accompanied by a severe and persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, pale skin, or bluish lips.