Excess mucus can be caused by various factors, including allergies and serious conditions like cystic fibrosis. Mucus serves important functions in the body, such as protecting the esophagus and respiratory system. Expectorants, diet changes, and herbal remedies can help clear excess mucus, but medical care is necessary if it indicates an infection or serious condition. Some people may experience mucus buildup from certain foods or additives.
Mucus is an essential part of many bodily functions, although excessive production of it can become a nuisance. For some people, taking a medication, such as an expectorant, will help get rid of the excess mucus. In other cases a change in diet may help, while still others may benefit from an herbal or natural solution. In order for any of these remedies to clear excess mucus, you must first determine why your body is producing too much of it in the first place. While mucus production can be the result of something as simple as an allergy, it can be something as serious as cystic fibrosis, and sometimes only a doctor will be qualified to determine the cause.
Mucous membranes produce mucus for a variety of reasons. In the esophagus, mucus is meant to protect the cell lining from food passing through on its way to the stomach. Mucus also plays a role there, where it protects the stomach lining from the powerful acids that are used to digest food. The respiratory system also uses mucus to capture foreign materials within the lungs, and even tears are a component of nasal mucus.
Some of the most common sources of excess mucus are the sinus and respiratory system. Too much mucus in the sinuses can lead to a runny nose, while too much mucus in the lungs can lead to a heavy feeling when breathing. Symptoms like these are often indicative of a larger problem, and if the mucus isn’t clear, it could indicate an infection. Expectorants can often help clear mucus, but if it’s green or yellow, there could be a secondary infection. Medical care is usually recommended in these cases, as a serious condition such as pneumonia may have been occurring.
If the mucus is clear and just a nuisance, it may be possible to take supplements such as vitamin C and vitamin E to reduce mucus production. Various herbal remedies, such as echinacea, along with plenty of water can also help symptoms of excess mucus.
Sometimes, excess mucus could be caused by a person’s diet. Some people have experienced a buildup of mucus when consuming foods or drinks, such as milk, although scientific studies suggest there may be no connection between the two. It may still be helpful for some people to monitor their consumption of things like MSG and other food additives, to determine if there is a correlation.
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