Among the five organs of the human body, the lungs are undoubtedly the most "delicate" existence. Unlike the liver and kidneys, which are capable of self-regeneration and compensation, and the heart and spleen, which are almost endlessly tolerant and resilient, the lungs are extremely sensitive to changes in the external environment, especially temperature and air quality.
The slightest carelessness may induce various diseases, as the saying goes: "The lungs should be pampered", which is true. Unfortunately, despite the fragility of the lungs, they are often overlooked.
As an important organ for detoxification and respiratory exchange in the body, the health of the lungs directly affects our quality of life. When there is a problem with the lungs, it "alerts" us with a series of subtle and definite anomalies.
Among them, the change of sputum is a direct reflection of the daily health of the lungs. The shape, color, and amount of sputum can be a barometer of lung health.
01
Is phlegm the "alarm" of the lungs?
In the state of healthy lungs, the internal environment of our body is orderly, and the mucus in the nose and throat silently flows into the stomach like a guardian spirit, turning into a part of the metabolism of life, silently.
However, once the lungs are invaded by inflammation, this harmonious vision is shattered. The stimulation of inflammation makes the mucus thick, and it adheres to various impurities, such as dust, pathogens, etc., forming a slimy mass that we call phlegm.
In this mass of phlegm, there are many culprits that threaten our health. Harmful substances such as pathogens and dust can be recklessly allowed to enter the human body, and the consequences will be unimaginable.
As a result, our bodies activate their self-protection mechanisms, and cilia act like a diligent cleaner gathers these harmful substances together and then tries to push them upwards.
This process often makes us feel itchy in the throat, and eventually coughs to expel these sputum masses from the body. Therefore, when we have an increase in phlegm, the first thing to be aware of is the health of our lungs.
In the case of COPD, sputum production is one of the typical symptoms. Long-term smoking has caused great damage to the lung tissue, which is stained with harmful substances.
When these harmful substances accumulate to a certain extent, the function of cilia will be seriously affected, the ventilation efficiency will be greatly reduced, and thick phlegm will come into being.
Sometimes, this thick phlegm can get stuck in the respiratory tract, making it difficult for us to cough it up. In more severe cases, it may even require the help of a tool such as a sputum aspirator to assist in expectoration.
It is important to note that the color of the sputum can also be affected by lung diseases. Different colors often indicate different conditions.
02
What does white phlegm, green phlegm, yellow phlegm, and black phlegm represent?
White sputum
Coughing up white phlegm, which is often clear, may increase in consistency as the disease progresses, making it difficult to cough up. This type of sputum is mostly caused by an increase in mucus secreted by the bronchi, which causes the sputum to become thicker.
The reason behind this is often related to the presence of local inflammation. Inflammation constantly stimulates the trachea, bronchi and other tissues, causing the mucosa to continuously secrete sputum.
Therefore, people who cough up this type of phlegm for a long time may have symptoms of lung diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis, and may also be accompanied by complications such as sore throat, fever, and nausea.
Green phlegm
Green sputum is relatively rare and is usually associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. This infection may cause the patient to cough violently, and the condition will not improve, accompanied by symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath.
Yellow phlegm
The appearance of yellow sputum is often associated with a severe cold or lung inflammation, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, etc., and may also be a manifestation of bronchiectasis. In this case, there is a lot of phlegm, accompanied by severe cough and fever, and it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly.
Black phlegm
Black phlegm may indicate that there is a high level of air pollution in the living environment. When soot, dust, and other dirty fibers enter the respiratory tract, secretions increase to protect the respiratory tract, resulting in phlegm. The black phlegm coughed up after quitting smoking is actually a sign that the dirt attached to the lungs is gradually removed, which is a good sign.
03
Learn 3 ways to cut off the "source of phlegm"
First, aggressive medication to treat the cause is key
For conditions such as bronchiectasis, antibiotics and expectorant drugs are necessary. If the cause is spleen deficiency, TCM can deal with it well. By treating the cause, we can address the root cause of sputum production.
Secondly, a healthy lifestyle is essential to avoid the formation of phlegm in the fluid
Spleen deficiency is often closely related to lifestyle habits, so adjusting lifestyle habits is an important step to improve physical fitness. In winter, it is necessary to pay attention to cold and warmth, avoid moisture and cold from invading the body, and prevent colds and coughs.
Wear a mask when you go out to protect your mouth, nose and throat. At the same time, maintain a good mood and do activities that make you happy and relaxed, and avoid excessive anxiety and tension. When it comes to food, we need to pay special attention.
Eat less foods that tend to grow phlegm, such as snacks, pickles, and chili peppers, and choose foods that are soft and easy to swallow and drink plenty of soup to help reduce phlegm production. Proper lunch breaks and adequate sleep are also effective ways to improve the body's righteousness and resist the virus.
Finally, it is equally important to learn the correct way to cough up and pass sputum
Before coughing up phlegm, it is best to drink some water to dilute the sputum loosely. Then, hold your breath and bend over to cough it out vigorously. For the elderly, they can lie on their side on the bed and have a family member help pat their back to discharge phlegm.
When patting the back, bring your palms together and bend slightly, from the base of the lungs to the tip of the lungs and from the outside to the inside, but never slap the spine and shoulder blades too hard.