Is it Better to Swallow or Spit Phlegm?

When you have a cold or the flu, you may find yourself coughing up phlegm. Phlegm is a thick, sticky fluid that is produced by the body to help trap and remove irritants from the lungs. It is a natural part of the body's defense system, but it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

So, what should you do with phlegm? Should you swallow it or spit it out?

The Answer: Swallow It

According to the American Lung Association, it is better to swallow phlegm than to spit it out. This is because swallowing phlegm helps to keep the lungs moist and prevents them from becoming dry and irritated. Spitting out phlegm, on the other hand, can lead to dryness and irritation, which can make coughing worse.

In addition, swallowing phlegm helps to remove irritants from the lungs. These irritants can include bacteria, viruses, and allergens. By swallowing phlegm, you can help to reduce the risk of developing infections and other respiratory problems.

How to Swallow Phlegm

Swallowing phlegm is a simple process. Here are a few tips:

Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.

Drink a glass of water or juice.

Swallow the water or juice slowly.

Cough up the phlegm and swallow it.

You may need to repeat this process several times until all of the phlegm is cleared.

Benefits of Swallowing Phlegm

There are several benefits to swallowing phlegm, including:

Keeps the lungs moist and prevents dryness and irritation

Removes irritants from the lungs, reducing the risk of infections and other respiratory problems

Can help to improve coughing

Risks of Spitting Out Phlegm

There are also some risks associated with spitting out phlegm, including:

Can lead to dryness and irritation of the lungs

Can make coughing worse

Can spread bacteria and viruses to others

Conclusion

If you have a cold or the flu, it is better to swallow phlegm than to spit it out. Swallowing phlegm helps to keep the lungs moist and prevents them from becoming dry and irritated. It also helps to remove irritants from the lungs, reducing the risk of infections and other respiratory problems.

Additional Information

Stories

Here are a few stories from people who have experienced the benefits of swallowing phlegm:

Story 1: A woman named Mary had a cold and was coughing up a lot of phlegm. She started swallowing her phlegm instead of spitting it out, and she noticed a significant improvement in her symptoms. Her cough became less frequent and less severe, and her lungs felt less dry and irritated.

Story 2: A man named John had a chronic cough that had been bothering him for years. He tried everything to get rid of it, but nothing worked. Finally, he started swallowing his phlegm instead of spitting it out, and his cough gradually went away.

Story 3: A child named Sarah had asthma. She had to use an inhaler every day to control her symptoms. When she started swallowing her phlegm instead of spitting it out, she noticed a big difference in her breathing. She was able to use her inhaler less often, and her asthma symptoms improved significantly.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for swallowing phlegm:

Drink plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your lungs moist and make it easier to swallow phlegm.

Use a humidifier. A humidifier will help to add moisture to the air, which can make it easier to swallow phlegm.

Take a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower can help to loosen phlegm and make it easier to swallow.

Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the throat, which can make it easier to swallow phlegm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when swallowing phlegm:

Don't swallow phlegm if you have a fever. Swallowing phlegm can spread bacteria to your lungs, which can lead to pneumonia.

Don't swallow phlegm if you have a cough that produces blood. Coughing up blood can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as lung cancer.

Don't swallow phlegm if you have a sore throat. Swallowing phlegm can irritate your sore throat and make it worse.

Conclusion

Swallowing phlegm is a simple but effective way to relieve the symptoms of a cold or the flu. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can safely and effectively swallow phlegm and improve your overall health.

Tables

Benefits of Swallowing Phlegm

Benefit	Description
Keeps the lungs moist	Prevents dryness and irritation
Removes irritants from the lungs	Reduces the risk of infections and other respiratory problems
Can help to improve coughing	By removing irritants from the lungs

Risks of Spitting Out Phlegm

Risk	Description
Can lead to dryness and irritation of the lungs	Makes coughing worse
Can spread bacteria and viruses to others	Can cause infections

Is it Better to Swallow or Spit Phlegm?