Mucus is a sticky fluid that our body naturally produces to prevent germs or dust from entering the lungs and airways. But when there is any kind of infection or allergy, the cells in the lungs start producing a large amount of thick mucus. Phlegm is a condition where it cannot be expelled and accumulates in the chest. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind phlegm:
Respiratory Infections: The most important scientific reason for phlegm is viral or bacterial infections. When there is a common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia, the body produces a large amount of phlegm to fight germs. When this mucus accumulates in the airways, it becomes difficult to breathe and causes severe chest tightness.
Allergies and Environmental Allergens: When inhaled, household dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, and chemicals can cause severe irritation and inflammation in the airways. To protect the lungs from this, the body produces more mucus as a defense mechanism.
Asthma & COPD: People with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have swollen and narrowed airways. The ‘goblet cells’ in their lungs constantly produce thick mucus. This causes difficulty breathing and severe phlegm.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water every day can worsen phlegm. When the amount of water in the body decreases, the mucus in the lungs becomes drier and thicker. This thickened mucus cannot be naturally cleared from the airways, which can cause it to become stuck in the chest.
Smoking and its side effects: Nicotine and other harmful chemicals inhaled while smoking weaken or destroy the cilia (small hair-like cells that help move mucus) in the airways. When the cilia stop working, the mucus does not get out and instead gets stuck in the lungs, causing a serious infection.
