Phlegm is something that the body naturally produces to prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs and airways. However, when its amount increases, it causes difficulty breathing and coughing. The main causes are:
Infections: Viral infections such as colds, flu, and sinusitis are the main causes of phlegm. When pneumonia or bronchitis occurs due to bacterial infections, the body also produces more phlegm as part of its defense.
Allergies: Inhaling dust particles, pollen, and pet dander can irritate the lungs. This leads to conditions such as allergic rhinitis or asthma and causes swelling and phlegm in the airways.
Smoking: The chemicals in tobacco damage the ‘cilia’, which are the cleaning system in the lungs. This causes the phlegm to stay in the lungs. Smoker’s cough is a symptom of this.
Diet and milk: In some people, dairy products can cause phlegm to thicken. Also, drinking excessively cold drinks and ice cream can irritate the tissues in the throat and increase phlegm.
Acid reflux (GERD): Acid reflux can cause discomfort in the airways. To resolve this, the body produces more mucus. A chronic cough and a sore throat are often symptoms of this type of digestive problem.
