While most mucus problems are short-term, too much mucus can be a sign of a serious condition, most notably cystic fibrosis. This is a genetic condition that usually develops in the first few years of life; it can also appear in young adulthood. Decongestants You can use an over-the-counter OTC nasal or oral decongestant to reduce the amount of mucus in your lungs or nasal passages.
These medications clear up thick mucus, but shouldn't be overused, since they can lead to side effects or complications. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages, restricting blood flow, and reducing the amount of mucus produced. The trouble is, if overused, these drugs can actually dry up your mucous membranes and thicken the mucus they produce, which leads to congestion. Decongestants have also been linked to side effects such as dizziness, nervousness, and high blood pressure.
Antihistamines These medications are designed to block or limit the activity of histamine , a substance your body produces during an allergic reaction. Expectorants Cold and flu medications , both OTC and prescription, contain expectorants for example, guaifenesin , which make mucus thinner and easier for your body to get rid of. Nasal irrigation is a natural method for getting rid of excess mucus.
It can be performed using a neti pot , a bulb syringe, or a squeeze bottle containing salt water. By pumping salt water into your nostrils, you can help loosen up the mucus in your nasal passages and flush it out. One important caveat: The U. In your nasal passages, however, these bugs can stick around and cause potentially serious infections. As with decongestants and antihistamines , overuse of nasal irrigation can lead to complications.
Although the flushing process does help thin out mucus and remove bacteria and allergens, it can also wash away some of the mucous membrane and other protective tissue that keeps you from getting sick. It may also help to give yourself a dose of heat and steam. Try breathing through a warm washcloth, or turning on the shower and inhaling the steam, which can make your mucus thinner and easier to clear. But you can try the strategies and medications suggested above if you want to prevent excess mucus or address thick mucus.
If mucus is not cleared, it can create conditions for infection and inflammation. Your body makes a lot of mucus — about 1. Excess mucus may be a symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD.
There are two main types of COPD — emphysema and chronic bronchitis — and many people with this condition have both. Very thick mucus can be a sign of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the cells that produce mucus and other substances. With cystic fibrosis, mucus can grow thick enough to clog your lungs and block your digestive system.
American Lung Association. Originally founded to fight tuberculosis , this nonprofit organization has been a trusted source of information on lung health and conditions that affect the lungs since National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Visit this government site for more information on COPD and other respiratory conditions.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Founded in , this organization funds research into the condition, and its website has a wealth of information for those living with or taking care of someone with cystic fibrosis. References Marvels of Mucus and Phlegm. NIH News in Health. My Snot Is Green. Penn Medicine Health and Wellness. March 4, And from there, you gulp it down. But when you're sick, your snot might be thicker, or that mechanism that normally clears it might not work well, Lebowitz said.
Or, your body might be making a bit more mucus, he said. When these things happen, you start to notice how much snot there is, and it can indeed seem like an endless supply, he said. And sometimes, a person can blow his or her nose to no avail, and still feel stuffed up, Lebowitz said.
In this case, the problem is not the mucus itself but rather that the lining of the nasal passages may be swollen, thus blocking it up, he said.
When you cry, the tear glands under your eyelids produce tears. Some roll down your cheeks, but some drain into the tear ducts at the inner corners of your eyes. Through the tear ducts, tears empty into your nose. They then mix with mucus that lines the inside of your nose and produce clear, but unmistakable, snot. Getting rid of snot means treating the underlying cause of your runny nose.
A cold virus usually takes a few days to run its course. If you have a runny nose that lasts for at least 10 days, even if the snot is clear, see a doctor. Allergies are often a temporary problem, like a pollen bloom that keeps the allergens in the air for several days. If you know the source of your snot is an allergy, an over-the-counter antihistamine may be enough to dry out your nose.
Antihistamines may cause side effects in some people, such as:. Prescription and over-the-counter decongestants may help you get through a cold. However, these drugs can have an effect in the body similar to that of a shot of adrenaline.
They can make you jittery and cause a loss of appetite. Read the ingredient list and the warnings before taking any medication, including a decongestant.
Do you want to learn more about relieving a stuffy nose? Here are eight things you can do now to clear up your congestion. If you have excess nasal congestion from a cold or allergies, over-the-counter medications and a little patience should help treat the symptom. If you find yourself reaching for a tissue, remember to blow your nose gently. Vigorous nose blowing can actually send some of your mucus back into your sinuses.
0コメント