Are you bothered by persistent phlegm? 5 main causes of chest discomfort and phlegm
Chest congestion is a condition in which mucus builds up in the lungs and airways. This causes difficulty breathing and coughing. The main causes of phlegm are:
Infections: Viral/bacterial infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis or pneumonia cause phlegm. This is because the body produces excess mucus to flush out germs.
Allergies: Inhaling dust, pollen, pet dander or air pollution can cause inflammation in the airways and cause phlegm to build up.
Asthma: In people with asthma, the airways narrow rapidly and thick mucus is produced. This causes severe shortness of breath and chronic cough.
Smoking: Smoking damages the tiny fibers called ‘Cilia’, which are the cleaning system in the lungs. This causes dirt and mucus to remain in the lungs, causing a condition called ‘smoker’s cough’.
Acid reflux (GERD): Stomach acid coming up through the esophagus can irritate the airways. This can cause asymptomatic cough and chronic throat congestion.
