
DOES THE COLD FILL YOUR NOSE
WITH GLOBS OF GOOEY FLUID?
EVER WONDERED WHAT
PURPOSE THIS STICKY &
NASTY-LOOKING
SPUTUM SERVES?
As the colder months approach, most of us grapple with a random coughing attack or common cold. You may find yourself coughing up sputum or blowing globs of sticky fluid in tissues when sick.
However, don’t be deceived by its nasty looks, mucus plays a vital role in our body. It helps our organs stay moist, allows the exchange of gases and nutrients, and protects against harmful particles, such as smoke, dust, and bacteria.

Mucus is present in the eyes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract.
The mucus is mainly composed of mucin (a type of protein), salts, lipids, minerals, and water. Our body produces about 1-1.5 liters of mucus each day. Under normal conditions, we swallow the mucus without noticing it. However, when we are sick, the volume and consistency of the mucus may change producing sputum or phlegm which may cause discomfort and annoyance.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ABNORMAL MUCUS SECRETION?
Abnormal mucus secretion can lead to:

Wet or productive cough

Wheezing

Nasal & airway congestion

Trouble sleeping
HOW TO GET RID OF EXCESS MUCUS?
It is normal, to have some amount of mucus in your airways. But excessive mucus can lead to nasal congestion. Hence, the main objective of the treatment is to control or reduce the secretion of mucus and clear the airways.
Your mucus treatment will depend on your symptoms and the type of cough. Some of the mucus treatments are:
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES:
DECONGESTANTS:
Decongestants are commonly used to ease the symptoms of excessive mucus production. They are available in the form of oral or nasal spray.
EXPECTORANTS:
An expectorant helps clear the mucus from the airways by making it thinner so that it can easily be coughed up. Cough formulations containing diphenhydramine and ammonium chloride act as a cough expectorant.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES:
In case you are suffering from abnormal mucus secretion for a long time, consult your doctor immediately.
Depending on your underlying condition, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to relieve the cough.
PHYSICAL TREATMENT:
Patients with a severe accumulation of mucus may require physical treatment. Chest physical therapy and airway clearance devices are some of the physical treatment options.
HOME REMEDIES:
In case your symptoms are mild, you can consider the following home remedies.
HUMIDIFIERS:
These devices can fill your airways with water vapors and moisturize your airways. This may reduce the mucus in the nose and throat.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
Using certain essential oils, such as Eucalyptus oil, may help clear the airways and drain the excess mucus.
HYDRATION:
It’s important to drink plenty of water while suffering from nasal congestion.