Coughing up phlegm occurs when your lungs become infected and produce more phlegm than normal. As a result, there is phlegm in the throat that comes out when you cough. Cough is the way experience body to clear the respiratory tract of phlegm in order to breathe more easily.
Coughing up phlegm is commonly caused by colds, pneumonia and sinusitis, but this condition can also be a symptom of chronic bronchitis, heart failure, and asthma. The longer the cough persists, the higher the risk of getting a more serious illness. This condition is more at risk for smokers and people who have low immunity.
Cough is a relatively common condition that is rarely seen by a doctor. But there are times when you need to check yourself to prevent risks. So when is the right time to see a doctor?
- If your cough with phlegm does not go away or is even worse, for more than a week.
- If the phlegm that comes out when coughing is thick green or pink foam.
- If there is blood in your sputum.
- If your cough with phlegm is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, rash, wheezing, ear pain, and persistent headache.
- If you are a smoker and your cough gets worse at night.
- If you suddenly feel the symptoms of headache, muscle aches, fatigue.
Relieves Cough with phlegm
The right cough medicine with phlegm can relieve the symptoms you are experiencing, but consult your doctor before taking it. Especially if you want to give it to children because it needs a dose adjustment, in addition to knowing whether it needs to be accompanied by the consumption of other drugs such as antibiotics.
Here are some characteristics of drugs for cough with phlegm that need to be observed.
- Cough medicine that is consumed is usually useful for thinning phlegm or is called an expectorant, so that phlegm is more easily expelled when coughing. Because phlegm does need to be removed through the cough mechanism.
- Although it still requires further clinical research, Succus liquiritiae is an example of a natural ingredient in cough medicine that is believed to help loosen phlegm.
- Guaiphenesin or bromhexine is the main ingredient in cough suppressants and is also safe for pregnant women. However, keep in mind that this ingredient cannot cure the underlying more serious condition.
- If the cough is accompanied by a fever, take cough medicine containing ibuprofen or paracetamol, which can also help relieve a sore throat.
There are many kinds of cough medicine available in the market. However, there are certain conditions that must be paid more attention to, such as the following.
- If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorders, respiratory disorders such as asthma.
- If coughing up phlegm suffered by toddlers under two years.
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant so you need a cough medicine that does not harm the baby.
- If you are allergic to drugs, especially the ingredients in cough medicine.
In essence, it is important to take medicines with the right label and designation to treat cough with phlegm. It would be better if the drugs you want to take are consulted with your doctor first.
However, before taking medication, there are some simple ways you can do to relieve coughing up phlegm.
- Gargle with plain or salt water for at least 60 seconds, three times a day.
- Get plenty of rest and drink enough mineral water.
- Keep your body temperature warm. Taking a warm bath can help loosen phlegm.
- Avoid contact with people with colds and other coughs.
Children aged six years or before six years are advised to consume natural ingredients to relieve coughs, such as lemon and honey. Honey will naturally clear the throat and relieve the irritation that causes coughing. With a note, honey can only be consumed by children over the age of one year.
Like the consumption of drugs in general, cough medicine should also not be consumed in the long term. Coughs usually subside after 2-3 weeks, so you should see a doctor if after this time the cough still doesn't go away.
In addition, during coughing, cover your mouth with a mask so that the cough does not infect those around you.