Table of Contents
Mucus often gets a bad reputation, but it actually helps protect your body by trapping germs and preventing the spread of bacteria and allergens.1 However, when we become sick, have a chronic lung condition, or are dealing with allergies, mucus can become thick and hard to get rid of. This, in turn, leaves our lungs prone to infection and worsening symptoms. We’ll look at natural remedies for mucus buildup and what causes it to happen.
If you’ve ever experienced mucus buildup, you know how uncomfortable it can be.
A few signs of mucus in the lungs include:
- Wheezing
- Cough that produces phlegm and chronic coughing
- Chest congestion
- Respiratory infection
- Sore throat
- Difficulty sleeping
6 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Mucus Buildup In the Lungs
Looking for natural ways to get rid of mucus in your lungs? These helpful tips may be just what you need.
1. Hydrate
If you’re experiencing the onset of a cold or allergies, drink plenty of warm fluids, such as tea. Hydrating can help thin mucus and provide immediate relief from chest pain caused by congestion.2
2. Safely Inhale Steam
Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways. Fill a bowl with hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes. Add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint for even more relief.
Tip: Be cautious to avoid burns. If you feel fatigued, ask a loved one for help. You can also take a bath or hot shower to help clear mucus from your lungs.
3. Improve Your Environment
Dry air can worsen or even cause mucus buildup; placing a cool mist humidifier in your home can help alleviate irritation caused by dry air.3 An air purifier can also help remove allergens from the air. If you’re a smoker, you may have to consider quitting since smoking can lead to excess mucus production.4
4. Gargle Saltwater
This helps reduce inflammation and clears mucus from the throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.
Repeat this several times a day for best results.5
5. Eat Mucus-Reducing foods
Foods high in Vitamin C, like citrus fruits, may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.
Read this guide for more mucus-reducing foods.
6. Practice Huff Coughing
Huff coughing is recommended for mucus buildup because it helps to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. It involves taking a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds, and then forcefully exhaling it in a “huff” sound.
How to Practice Huff Cough
-
- Sit upright and take a deep breath through your nose.
- Next, make a “huff” sound as you forcefully exhale through your mouth, like you’re trying to fog up a mirror.
- Repeat this 2-3 times, then take a few normal breaths before repeating the cycle.
You can also try pursed-lip and diaphragmatic Breathing.
Remember, natural remedies may provide relief for mild cases of mucus buildup. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.
To Read: What Causes Coughing Fits & How to Find Relief
Treatments for Excess Mucus
If you’re living with a chronic lung condition, not effectively clearing mucus from the lungs can cause a cycle of repeated respiratory infections.
The SmartVest Airway Clearance System is a high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy device that delivers repeating air pulses from a generator to a vest garment that gently squeezes and releases the upper body.
The oscillation helps loosen mucus and propel it upwards so you can cough it up easier, helping to prevent the spread of infection that could further damage your lungs.
SmartVest can help you or your loved one experience symptom relief and prevent mucus buildup when used regularly.
- Chest Physiotherapy (CPT). This approach includes percussion, postural drainage, and vibration to loosen and mobilize mucus, making it easier to cough up. While it can be effective at enhancing lung function and reducing the risk of infections, it requires two people and can be more taxing on the body.
- Postural Drainage Positions. By putting your body in different positions, you can use gravity to try and work mucus out of the lungs. Learn more about postural drainage positions and how they work alongside airway clearance.
Mucus and Chest Congestion
Mucus can make your chest feel congested because when excess mucus builds up in the airways (i.e., bronchi), it can block airflow, making breathing difficult.
When mucus builds up, it can trap bacteria and viruses, leading to respiratory infections and exacerbating symptoms. This is especially true if you live with a chronic lung condition such as bronchiectasis, COPD, or asthma.
Why Does Mucus Build Up in the Lungs?
Many factors can lead to mucus buildup in the lungs, including allergies to environmental irritants like dust and smoke. Mucus buildup can occur due to several respiratory conditions, including:
Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis, can also cause temporary but severe mucus buildup.
Your Mucus Questions Answered
What is the fastest way to break up mucus in your chest?
If you’re looking for ways to break up mucus in your chest, you may try one of the following:
- Drinking fluids, such as water, tea, or broth, can help thin out the mucus and make coughing easier.
- Try using a humidifier or steamy shower to help loosen the mucus.
- Practice airway clearance techniques, such as breathing exercises or chest physiotherapy.
If mucus buildup keeps you awake at night, you can also try elevating your head to prevent it from collecting in the back of your throat.6
More ways to deal with mucus overproduction.
Will mucus in the lungs eventually go away?
In some cases, such as with a cold or flu, the excess mucus may disappear as your body fights off the infection. If a chronic lung condition accompanies phlegm and mucus buildup, it may not go away entirely but can be managed with proper treatment and medication.
When should I contact my doctor?
If you’re experiencing an excessive amount of mucus buildup in your throat, chest, or lungs, contact your doctor. They’ll uncover underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future complications.
Seek medical attention if you’re also experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms.
Breathe Easier with Airway Clearance
If you’re living with a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis or COPD, clearing excess mucus from the lungs can be challenging. This is especially true if you’ve experienced irreversible damage to your lungs or airways due to recurring respiratory infections. Your treatment may involve antibiotics and an effective airway clearance device.
SmartVest is a high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy device that delivers repeated airflow pulses that gently squeeze and release the upper body. The oscillation helps loosen mucus and propel it upwards, where it can be more easily coughed out. This prevents the spread of infection, which can further damage the lungs. When performed twice a day, SmartVest can help you or your loved one experience symptom relief and prevent mucus buildup from keeping you in bed or the hospital, away from your family and favorite activities.
Want to see if SmartVest is the right option for you? Call (800) 462-1045 or Request a Call to speak with one of our respiratory therapists.
You can also request an information packet to learn more.
Resources
- Everyday Health. “What is Mucus?” Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/mucus/
- Cleveland Clinic. “Mucus?” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/mucus
- Medical News Today. “What causes mucus in the lungs?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321549.php
- Temple Health “All of Your Questions About Mucus Answered.” Retrieved from https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/what-to-know-about-mucus
- National Jewish Foundation. “Techniques to Bring Up Mucus.” Retrieved from https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/overview/lifestyle-management/bring-up-mucus
- American Lung Association. “Understanding Mucus in Your Lungs” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/blog/lungs-mucus
