Is It Better To Spit Out Or Swallow Your Mucus When You're Sick?

The buildup of excess mucus in your nasal passages and throat is a common and uncomfortable symptom of many illnesses. Being sick with a cold or other congestion-causing illness comes with a variety of symptoms, but a particularly annoying one is the buildup of mucus in your nasal passages and throat. In addition to causing general discomfort, all the excess phlegm can make it difficult to talk and make you feel like you constantly need to swallow or spit. On the latter front, is one of those throat-clearing mechanisms better than the other?Below, medical experts break it down. First of all, what exactly is mucus? “Mucus is a slippery, gel-like substance produced by mucous membranes in the body ― especially in the respiratory, digestive and urogenital tracts,” Dr. Heather Viola, an internal medicine doctor with the Mount Sinai Health System, told HuffPost. “It’s mostly water, but also contains proteins like mucins, antibodies, enzymes and salts.These antibodies and enzymes in particular can fight infection ― just one of the many purposes of mucus. “Mucus works to moisturize and protect tissues, trap dust and allergens and aid immune defense by flushing out irritants,” Viola noted. “Phlegm is a type of mucus specifically coming from lungs and lower airways, particularly when you are sick. It tends to be thicker and stickier than normal mucus and traps and expels pathogens.”As with rectangles and squares, all phlegm is mucus, but not all mucus is phlegm. Viola added that phlegm is a more accurate term when referring to throat or chest congestion. Why does it build up in your throat when you’re sick?“When you’re sick with a cold, flu or sinus infection, your body ramps up mucus production to trap and flush out pathogens, keep inflamed tissues moist and support immune responses,” said Dr. Jonathan Parsons, a pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. ”This excess mucus can drip down the back of your throat ― postnasal drip ― or build up in your chest, leading to coughing or throat clearing.”It’s not uncommon to feel like your throat is full of mucus as you grapple with a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. This symptom is basically a defense mechanism as your body produces extra mucus to stop the invading pathogens from spreading into other parts of the body. “The extra mucus helps to coat and protect inflamed tissues in the throat and airways,” said Dr. Nora Tossounian, an internal medicine specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center. “As your immune system fights off infection, it produces cellular debris that needs to be cleared away. Mucus helps to trap and remove this debris.”She added that other factors can cause a buildup of mucus in your throat. “Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites or pet dander can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to increased mucus production in the nasal passages and throat,” Tossounian said. ”Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, fumes and dry air can irritate the mucous membranes, stimulating mucus production.”Certain medications or even foods, including dairy products, can also increase mucus production, she added. “Stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus can irritate the throat and trigger increased mucus production,” Tossounian said. “And while it might seem counterintuitive, dehydration can actually thicken existing mucus, making it feel more noticeable and difficult to clear.”While both options are fine, you might prefer spitting to swallowing your mucus for various reasons. Is it better to spit out or swallow mucus when you’re sick? “Generally, it doesn’t make a significant difference whether you spit or swallow phlegm,” Tossounian said. “Your digestive system is well-equipped to handle it through stomach acid.”When you swallow phlegm, it passes through your digestive tract, and the acidic environment of the stomach will safely break it down. Throughout the course of the day, we tend to swallow mucus without even really noticing. “However, swallowing copious amounts of phlegm is not recommended, as it may cause nausea,” Tossounian said. Indeed, there are other considerations while you’re sick. “In general, both spitting and swallowing are safe to do,” Parsons echoed. “Swallowing is harmless, because the stomach acid neutralises any pathogens. Spitting out may feel better if the phlegm is thick or irritating the throat.”He emphasised that the choice often comes down to patient symptoms and what feels more comfortable for each individual. “Spitting it out may be better if it contains large amounts of bacteria ― as in bacterial infections, you’re coughing up thick, coloured phlegm or it makes you gag or feel nauseated,” Viola noted. “Bottom line: Neither option is inherently bad, but if it helps you feel better or clear your throat more effectively, spitting might be preferable.”What’s the best way to clear out excess mucus?Spitting or swallowing your mucus might help a bit with personal comfort and annoyance while sick, but keep in mind that neither choice will necessarily make you feel better sooner. “Getting rid of excess mucus often depends on the underlying cause,” Tossounian noted. “Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps thin the mucus, making it easier to clear. Warm liquids like tea or broth can be particularly soothing.”In addition to hydrating, you can address the problem by clearing your nasal passages and thinning the mucus with saline sprays or rinses ― either purchased from the drugstore or concocted at home. “Dry air can irritate mucous membranes and thicken mucus,” Tossounian said. “Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to add moisture to the air.”Gargling with warm salt water may have a soothing and loosening effect as well. “Avoid mucus triggers ― smoke, allergens, pollution,” Viola recommended. “Help with drainage by elevating head during sleep and treat the underlying infection or allergies.”You might also try over-the-counter medications to lessen mucus production: “Expectorants like guaifenesin help thin and loosen mucus,” Parsons said. ”Decongestants reduce swelling in nasal passages.”Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging and avoid taking these medicines for longer than recommended, as overuse can result in rebound congestion. Instead, reach out to a medical professional for help when symptoms persist or worsen. “If your mucus is persistent, changes colour, is brown or pink/bloody or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor,” Tossounian advised. “And be careful when it comes to home remedies that may not be suitable for everyone, especially children or pregnant women.”Related...Always Sick? It Could Be Due To This Very Common Bad HabitHere's How To Tell If You're Still Contagious After Being SickMeasles Or A Cold? How To Tell Them Apart As Cases Expected To Rise

Comments

Breaking news

An ancient village in the Himalayas ran out of water. Then, it moved and started over

Independent

Comments

Breaking news

An ancient village in the Himalayas ran out of water. Then, it moved and started over

After screwworm scare, US-Mexico border set to reopen for cattle imports

The top photos of the day by AP's photojournalists

Hawaii's governor signs bills cracking down on illegal fireworks after deadly New Year's explosion

Photos at Canfield Mountain, Idaho, where firefighters came under deadly attack

What to know about Kohberger agreeing to plead guilty to murdering 4 University of Idaho students

Israeli PM to meet Donald Trump next week

More than 140 killed or injured in tailgating incidents each year

Best foods to improve children's attention at school

GP reveals how many drinks it takes to get a hangover - and when you're at risk

QUENTIN LETTS: Lisa flew into a prolonged riff tearing into Glastonbury and the BBC... Nandy was jammin'!

JEFF PRESTRIDGE: Rachel's raid on the tax-free Isa will plunge financial dagger into the hearts of millions

EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Clarkson set to launch OnlyFarmers

Shocking moment girl under 10 drives car through village: Woman, 32, admits to allowing child behind the wheel

Avocado suites, a bullet hole in the dining car - and never more than 15 seconds late!: ROBERT HARDMAN reveals the secrets of the Royal Train

Oasis kick off rehearsals in Cardiff ahead of the first gig of their hotly-anticipated reunion tour after last-minute change

Children could be banned from social media for LIFE if they share classmates' nudes under new proposal

Father and daughter plucked from sea after cruise ship drama

Guilty plea expected over US student murders

Chris Mason: Labour still has a big persuasion job ahead

Elon Musk Promises a New Political Party if Republicans Pass Trump’s Policy Bill

California Rolls Back Its Landmark Environmental Law

In a blow to Milei, a US judge orders Argentina to turn over its majority stake in state oil company

Solar minigrid brings light and hope to a Goma neighborhood, offering blueprint for rest of Congo

Tinder is testing facial recognition for users as a new security feature

Ex-aide to New York governor pleads not guilty to new pandemic fraud charge

Woman recovers lottery ticket she threw away and ends up winning top prize

Researchers say they have a better way to measure weight than BMI

Inmate fatally shoots North Carolina officer before being caught in stolen vehicle, sheriff says

President Eric? Trump’s second son hints at a political dynasty

Trump says he’ll withhold money from New York if Mamdani becomes mayor

Four slain students, a weeks-long manhunt but no motive - Everything we know about the Idaho murders

Man to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students

PM faces threat of major Labour rebellion as key vote on welfare reforms looms

Donald Macdonald dead: Tragedy as popular Play School presenter passes away

Glastonbury 'death to IDF' chant was run-by BBC boss Tim Davies as it happened, say sources

Queen Elizabeth II's blunt take on Meghan Markle laid bare in telling new memoirs

Carer seen 'violently degrading' frail old man on CCTV just days before he died

A-List Hollywood heartthrob is unrecognizable in long beard and wig in Project Hail Mary trailer

Justin Bieber and wife Hailey dance away their marital woes with united front at concert

Friends legend Jennifer Aniston kisses rival 90s sitcom star in picture

Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka perform TikTok dance routine on Wimbledon's Centre Court as top seeds show there are no hard feelings after fall-out from French Open final

Ed Miliband wants to build enough solar panels to cover area the size of West Midlands in next five years

Erin Patterson mushroom murder trial LIVE updates: Countdown to verdict as jury continues deliberations today

Julia Bradbury reveals heartbreaking response from her children when she shared her breast cancer diagnosis as she admits she 'didn't want to look at her scars' following surgery

Khloe Kardashian finally sets the record straight on EVERY cosmetic surgery she's ever had done

Post Malone SPLITS from girlfriend Christy Lee... amid custody battle with his ex-fiancee

MPs hail Mail's Stop The SAS Betrayal campaign to halt the hounding of Troubles veterans from witch hunts

Natalie Portman's rarely seen son, 13, calls in mom to impress YouTube star

Inbetweeners star James Buckley and his wife Clair 'stalked by woman at Essex home and feared they would be violently attacked'

Liam Payne given heartbreaking tribute at the start of new Netflix series Building The Band which was filmed before his tragic death

The firebrand plotting to turn Britain Green: He's been an Extinction Rebellion activist, a 'boob whisperer' hypnotist and an actor, now he wants to win over virtue-signalling voters

Traveller family who lived on Green Belt site owned by boxing champion Billy Joe Saunders for SEVEN years are handed legal injunction to finally move them on

Our 12-year-old son died while trying a trend he saw online... social media is to blame and someone needs to be held responsible

I booked the overnight ferry in Thailand - but was shocked when I saw my 'bed'

Harry and Meghan's right-hand man appears to extend an olive branch to two senior royal household staff including William's aide Jason Knauf who exposed Meghan Markle 'bullying' allegations

Heat waves are only going to get WORSE, warn scientists - and some cities could experience an extra MONTH of oppressive heat per year

I've spent my legal career defending grooming gang suspects. Now they are accused of using a different tactic to target young girls

Mother's plea after 11-day-old baby boy 'snatched at mall' in Cape Town

The truth about what happens to Britain's stolen cars: Map reveals smuggling routes used by gangs to sneak motors out of the UK - and where they finally end up