Persistent health problems like colds and coughs may seem harmless at first, but if left untreated, they can escalate into more bothersome conditions, such as excess phlegm. Any infection that affects the lower respiratory tract, including the lungs and trachea, may lead to phlegm production. While a certain amount of mucus is normal for a healthy body, an excess abundance can be attributed to various factors, including the flu, the common cold, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking, or other lung diseases.
Practical ways to relieve sore throat and reduce phlegm:
Stay hydrated:
Ensuring adequate hydration is essential because fluids help loosen phlegm and prevent throat congestion. Drinking water, tea, and soup, especially when warm, loosens phlegm due to the heat, making it easier to drain and clear the throat.
gargling:
Gargling with salted water is effective in cleansing the throat and expelling phlegm. Mix half a tablespoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water, take a sip of it, gargle with it, then spit out the water. This process can be repeated every three to four hours for best results.