What is mucus?
Your body naturally makes mucus every day and its presence isn’t always a sign of something unhealthy.
Mucus is produced passively by your body to help protect you from infection by trapping and dissolving foreign particles. It traps dead cells, debris, and/or bacteria from the upper and lower respiratory tract, so they can be coughed up and cleared from the lungs.
When mucus production is chronic and your body fails to clear excess mucus from the lungs, it may become a problem, causing breathing difficulties and increased risk of infection.
What causes Excess Mucus in the Lungs?
Studies have shown that chronic mucus buildup can be a serious health issue. Respiratory infections such as colds, flu, pneumonia, and allergies are common causes of excess mucus in the lungs as well as general irritation by outside air.
There are also a number of chronic lung conditions that affect the general population which are characterized by excess respiratory mucus, some of which include:
Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
There are also a number of chronic lung conditions that affect the general population which are characterized by excess respiratory mucus, some of which include: Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis.
How do you Remove Mucus from the Lungs?
Your health care professional will prescribe recommended treatment for your individual medical condition. There are also a number of home practices you could do which may help control or loosen phlegm allowing you to clear congestion from your lungs.
If you have a medical condition, you should always check with your health care professional prior to commencing any treatment to remove excess mucus.
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Natural medicines
Hydration
The best way to passively treat mucus buildup, like many infections, is to stay hydrated. If you get dehydrated, your mucus will dry out and thicken, becoming much harder to clear.
Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. A common drinkable medicine is honey and ginger tea, honey is known for suppressing cough symptoms and ginger is a natural decongestant and antihistamine.
Drinking warm fluids such as broth, warm water and herbal teas may additionally help relieve symptoms such as cough, chills or sore throat.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers work by filling a space with heated water vapor, which helps hydrate you and moisten your airways, which may free mucus buildup.
Alternatively a hot shower or bath. Breathe in the steam for as long as comfortable then have a drink of water to prevent dehydration.
Gentle exercise
Walking, jogging or biking can help loosen mucus buildup in your chest, which makes it easier to cough up. Just be aware that dry air or pollutants can aggravate mucus symptoms, and if you have a viral or bacterial infection you should rest to support your immune system.
Stay away from Smoke
Do not smoke or vape. Smoke is an irritant to your lungs, and smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke, can cause your body to produce more mucus.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils are becoming popular treatments for a variety of illnesses. Some oils that have been proposed as treatments for lungs include eucalyptus, peppermint, bergamot, rosemary and oregano.
You can add a few drops to a vaporizer or create a homemade vapor rub by mixing 12 drops of essential oil with a quarter cup of coconut oil.
When using Essential Oil for the first time, you should test for skin irritation on a small patch on the inner arm. If no reaction occurs after 24hrs, the oil can be used more liberally.
Speak to your doctor before trying any oils, especially for oral consumption, as some may cause an inflammatory or allergic reaction.
Foods that may help
- Garlic has antimicrobial properties and can help fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Add extra garlic to your meals each day to help fight rid your body of infection.
- Pineapple juice contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain can help with respiratory problems related to asthma and allergies and has mucolytic properties to help loosen mucus. Drink pineapple juice alone 3 times a day or drink mixed with other ingredients.
- Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin. Research has shown that capsaicin has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Try adding cayenne pepper or other chillis to your meals.
What is Turboforte Lung Physio?
Using a handheld Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device like Turboforte may help loosen and remove excess mucus from the lungs. When you exhale into an OPEP device you create positive pressure and vibration within your airways.
This pressure and vibration holds your airways open and helps shake the mucus loose, you then can cough the mucus from the lungs. OPEP devices work best with regular use, to not only naturally treat but also naturally prevent excess mucus buildup.
When should I see a Doctor?
Mucus itself is your body’s form of natural defence. However you should see a doctor if you experience the presence of excess mucus for more than a week, your mucus gets thicker, changes colour or increases in volume, you have a fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing up blood.
Always if you have any concerns about your health seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Disclaimer:
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between patient and healthcare professional. It is not intended to and cannot provide you with health or medical advice. Always speak to your health care professional about your medical issues and concerns. No claims are made or implied in the use or results of using Turboforte™.
