Having excess mucus in your lungs can be uncomfortable and make breathing difficult. Mucus production is a normal body function, but sometimes excess mucus can build up and need to be cleared from the lungs. There are several methods for removing excess mucus from the lungs, from simple natural remedies to medical procedures. Read on to learn more about the causes of excess lung mucus and how to effectively get rid of it.
What Causes Excess Mucus Build Up?
Mucus is a thin, wet substance that moistens and cleans the lining of the lungs, nose, mouth, throat, and sinuses. It is produced by cells in the mucous membranes and contains water, cells, salts, antibodies, and protein. Mucus traps germs, dirt, and other foreign particles that enter the body through breathing and helps flush them out. Normally, mucus is swallowed unconsciously or coughed up. Excess mucus production and buildup can occur for several reasons:
- Infection – Bacterial or viral lung infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis, inflame the lungs and overstimulate mucus production as the body tries to rid itself of the pathogen.
- Allergies – Inhaled allergens like pollen, dust mites, molds, pet dander, and chemicals can trigger excess mucus production.
- Irritants – Cigarette smoke, air pollution, and exposure to toxic gases can irritate the airways and cause increased mucus secretion.
- Sinus problems – Postnasal drip from sinusitis or rhinitis allows mucus to drip down the back of the throat and into the lungs.
- Chronic lung diseases – Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and bronchietasis cause abnormal mucus production.
- Medications – Certain drugs like ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure can cause a cough that brings up phlegm.
Signs of Excess Mucus in the Lungs
Signs that you may have too much mucus accumulating in your lungs include:
- Coughing up phlegm or sputum, especially in the mornings
- Congestion and wheezing
- Gurgling or rattling sounds when breathing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty taking deep breaths
- Tight, heavy, or uncomfortable feeling in the chest
- Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
How to Get Mucus Out of Lungs
If excess mucus in the lungs is chronic or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like a fever, see your doctor to determine if an infection or serious medical condition may be causing the problem. Once any underlying illness is treated, there are several methods to help loosen mucus from the lungs and clear it out. Some tips include:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps thin out mucus making it easier to expel. Warm liquids may be particularly helpful for loosening mucus. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Control Coughing
Coughing is the body’s natural mechanism for clearing mucus and irritants from the lungs. When coughing to clear mucus, breathe in slowly through your nose, hold your breath briefly, then exhale forcefully through pursed lips while hugging a pillow to your chest. This controlled coughing can help dislodge mucus.
Use a Humidifier
Running a cool mist humidifier, especially in your bedroom at night, can hydrate and loosen mucus making it less sticky. This allows you to more easily cough it up or swallow it.
Do Chest Percussion
Clapping with cupped hands on the chest walls creates vibration and loosens mucus from the bronchial walls so it can be coughed up. Alternatively, have someone gently pat your upper back while you remain hunched over.
Apply Heat
Applying a warm compress to your chest or taking a steamy shower can help relax and thin mucus secretions making them easier to expel.
Use Saline Rinses
Saltwater solutions can pull mucus out of the lungs by creating an osmotic gradient. Try an over-the-counter saline nasal spray or nebulizer. Gargling with warm salty water may also help dislodge mucus.
Try Guaifenesin
This active ingredient in many cough medicines works by thinning mucus and lubricating the respiratory tract. Drink plenty of fluids if taking guaifenesin.
Use Mucolytics
Prescription mucolytic drugs like acetylcysteine help break down mucus making it less viscous. This allows you to more easily cough it up or swallow it.
Increase Physical Activity
Light exercise like walking can help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. However, avoid strenuous exercise which may worsen symptoms.
Perform Chest Physical Therapy
A respiratory therapist can perform manual chest PT using hands-on vibration and drainage techniques to dislodge stuck mucus and improve lung function.
Quit Smoking
Smoking impairs the cough reflex and ciliary clearance of mucus. Quitting smoking allows the lungs to naturally clear themselves.
Avoid Irritants
Steer clear of airborne particles that can increase mucus production like cigarette smoke, chemicals, dust, and strong odors.
Use a Mucus Clearing Device
Devices like the Acapella and Lung Flute use oscillating positive expiratory pressure to loosen and expel mucus.
Try Postural Drainage
Lying in inclined positions allows mucus to drain from the lungs down the bronchial tree by gravity. Positions may include lying back with head lowered or sideways with affected lung down.
Medical Procedures to Clear Lung Mucus
Some medical tests and procedures may be recommended by your doctor to help remove excess mucus from the lungs when at-home remedies fail to provide relief. These include:
Sputum Test
A sputum culture can identify infections causing increased mucus production. With treatment, mucus levels usually normalize.
Chest X-Ray or CT Scan
Imaging tests can assess how much mucus has accumulated in the lungs and check for complications like pneumonia or bronchiectasis.
Flexible Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscope allows direct visualization of the airways to locate mucus plugs which can then be suctioned out.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
Removing damaged lung tissue in emphysema can reduce excess mucus production and make breathing easier.
DNase Therapy
The enzyme DNase breaks down DNA in thick mucus making it thinner and easier to cough up.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your doctor promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood-tinged sputum
- Wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath
- Fever, chills, night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- Constant fatigue
These symptoms could indicate an underlying lung infection, pneumonia, chronic lung disease, or other condition requiring medical treatment.
Natural Remedies to Help Clear Mucus
Some natural supplements may help enhance your mucus clearing efforts:
Ginger
Has anti-inflammatory properties that may thin mucus secretions.
Peppermint
A natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory that may help loosen phlegm.
Eucalyptus Oil
Has an expectorant effect to help clear mucus and open airways.
Turmeric
Has antimicrobial properties and decreases inflammation associated with excess mucus.
Garlic
Contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and mucus thinning abilities.
Onion
Contains quercetin which acts as an antihistamine to reduce mucus production.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Excess Mucus Buildup
Making certain healthy lifestyle changes may help prevent excess mucus accumulation:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid heavily polluted environments
- Minimize exposure to allergens that trigger symptoms
- Get immunized against flu and pneumonia which cause phlegm
- Eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Stay well hydrated by drinking adequate water
- Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist
- Practice good hygiene to avoid infections
Conclusion
Having excess mucus congesting the lungs can negatively impact breathing and quality of life. However, various natural remedies, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and medical procedures can help clear out mucus from the lungs. Drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, quit smoking, perform chest percussion, use guaifenesin, and practice controlled coughing and proper postural drainage. Seek prompt medical care if coughing up mucus persists beyond 3 weeks or is accompanied by concerning symptoms. With the proper treatment, excess lung mucus can be successfully cleared away.