Is it OK to swallow phlegm?

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asked May 22, 2020 in Other- Health by greenyglute (3,240 points)
Is it OK to swallow phlegm?

2 Answers

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answered May 23, 2020 by Lupine09 (500 points)
Yes it's OK to swallow phlegm however it's not the best thing to do.

Swallowing your own phlegm is not gonna hurt you but if you have phlegm in your throat then you really should cough up the phlegm and spit out the phlegm.

The phlegm contains bacteria and germs that your body wants to and needs to get rid of and when you swallow that phlegm it makes your illness last longer.

If you have no other choice but to swallow the phlegm then it's okay to do so.

However if you can go spit out the phlegm then spitting out the phlegm is the best thing for you to do.

I have swallowed phlegm before when needed but most times I spit the phlegm out which is what is best for our bodies.
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answered Feb 25, 2022 by Wendell (41,840 points)
Some ways to clear your lungs of phlegm include.

Taking some mucus medicine to help you cough up mucus.

Keeping the air moist.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the face.
Keeping the head elevated.
Not suppressing a cough.
Discreetly getting rid of phlegm.
Using a saline nasal spray or rinse.
Gargling with salt water.

Phlegm should be spit up and not swallowed.

Phlegm is a type of mucus made in your chest.

You typically don't produce noticeable amounts of phlegm unless you are sick with a cold or have some other underlying medical issue.

When you cough up phlegm, it's called sputum.

You may notice different colored sputum and wonder what the colors mean.

The sinuses, throat, and nose all produce mucus that a person usually swallows unconsciously.

When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, this is known as postnasal drip.

Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux.

Mucus and phlegm are similar, yet different: Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses.

Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.

Some ways to get rid of phlegm include.

Keeping the air moist.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the face.
Keeping the head elevated.
Not suppressing a cough.
Discreetly getting rid of phlegm.
Using a saline nasal spray or rinse.
Gargling with salt water.

You should always spit out phlegm when you can do so.

Never swallow your phlegm because your phlegm contains bacteria that your body is wanting to get rid of and needing to get rid of.

When you swallow your phlegm that bacteria and germs gets back into your body which makes you sicker and can prolong your illness.

Always spit the phlegm out either onto the ground or into a toilet, sink etc and make sure to wash the phlegm away.

Phlegm although will not harm you if you do swallow it is not good to swallow and should always be spit out when you can do so in a sanitary and non disgusting manner.

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