Phlegm is a slimy viscous liquid produced by the respiratory system in response to the entry of irritants in the airways.
Mucus is a thin fluid that lines many of the tissues. It has a smooth, slippery consistency that protects and moisturises the organs and prevents the entry of foreign substances in the body by trapping them. Phlegm is the mucus that is produced in excess and coughed up to expel the irritants.
The common causes of excess production of phlegm include:
- Cold and flu
- Exposure to smoke or pollution
- Inflammation and irritation of the sinuses (Read more: Sinusitis symptoms)
- Allergic reactions
- Nasal polyps
- Nasal tumours
- Cold climate
- Infections of the sinuses
Phlegm may be worrisome if it causes discomfort and is accompanied by the presence of blood in sputum, nosebleeds, difficulty in breathing, night sweats, fever, chills and weight loss. Depending on the underlying condition, phlegm may also have yellow or green colour or unusual odour.
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Homeopathy describes several remedies for treating and removing excess phlegm from the chest. Some of these remedies include hepar sulphur, ammonium carbonicum, arsenicum album, ipecacuanha, stannum metallicum, senega, dulcamara, causticum, sanguinaria canadensis, kalium bichromicum, carbo vegetabilis, silicea terra.
A homeopathic doctor considers individual symptoms as well as their miasms or tendency to suffer from particular conditions to choose the correct remedy for them. However, since these remedies are so unique, a remedy that works well for one may not be effective for another person. So it is always best to talk to a doctor to get the right remedy.