WHAT IS PHLEGM ? Phlegm is a sticky substance, containing the chemical constituents like
salts ,
electrolytes , along with the virus and bacteria fighting agents. It is secreted by the mucous membrane of the Respiratory Tract.
Its stickiness helps it to hang on, trap and then ultimately destroy the unwanted pathogens. Then, it detaches itself and moves towards the pharynx ( throat region ). So,
DO NOT SWALLOW the Phlegm, as this Phlegm is loaded with dead bacteria, germs, i.e. the disease causing pathogens.
DO YOU KNOW ? Phlegm is actually your
Friend !!! Presence of Phlegm is not a diseased condition. Phlegm is as normal as blood and is a required substance by mucous membrane for lubricating and filtering purposes :
It provides aid to the Immune System when it gets overloaded or overexerted.
It destroys foreign bodies entering the body by trapping the microbes.
Acts as a shield for Lungs against
Infections. Prevents the damage of Respiratory parts from any pathogen or excessive dryness in the body.
WHEN DOES IT BECOME A DISEASE ? When it is too much or too little in the Body.
Phlegm gets transformed into a PATHOLOGICAL substance, when :
- Excessive Phlegm is produced.
- The normal Phlegm gets accumulated.
- The dampness of the body disappears due to the overheating of the moisture of the body
Lungs are irritated.
- The energy is stagnated, and circulation of phlegm is hindered.
- It is derived from stagnated food in the stomach.
- Lack of necessary nutrients in the diet and consumption of excessive hot,spicy and fatty foods.
- Spleen and Lungs are weak and fail to circulate phlegm throughout the body, and does not provide dampness to the body.
Kidneys are cold .
When Phlegm becomes deficient in the Body.
There should be a balanced production of Phlegm in the Body. Phlegm lubricates the Organs and also provides nourishment. Deficiency of Phlegm causes following symptoms in respective organs.
1.Lungs: Deficiency of Phlegm indicates that the organ is becoming dry. A person may feel
Dry Throat
Hoarseness ( Dysphonia )
Chronic Cough
Hemoptysis ( Blood in Cough )
Nose Bleeding
And it may lead to TB
2. Stomach: Deficiency of Phlegm in the Stomach may cause, Loss of Appetite, Dizziness, Excessive Thirst, Nausea and coated Tongue.
3. Kidneys: Burning sensation and Pain in the Lower back
Ringing sound in the Ears
Burning sensation in Feet and Palms
Urinary Problems
Urinary Tract Infection
Yellow thick urine
4. Heart: When there is Phlegm deficiency in the Heart, a person may feel Anxiety, Restlessness, Insomnia, Palpitation and Excessive Night Sweats.
5. Bones will become fragile, Tenderness in the Bones and Ligaments, Joint Pains.
6. Reproductive Organs: In females it causes Menstrual Problems like Scanty Menses, Irregular Periods, which lead to Irritability and Anxiety. In Men, it causes Premature Ejaculation, Sexual Debility and Nocturnal Discharge.
Causes of Phlegm Extreme cold weather
Irritants like Dust mites, Fungi and Yeast
When the pathogen enter the human body, the mucous membranes of the Respiratory System and the Digestive System secrets Phlegm immediately to protect the Body from Irritants and Allergens.
NOTE : The most common cause of pathological Phlegm is : Incomplete digestion of food.
Complete digestion of food gives rise to Normal Phlegm, which acts as an important body lubricant.
Phlegm is produced by: Lungs
Throat passage
Bronchiole
Other parts of Respiratory System, but NOT Nasal cavity.
Location of Phlegm : It is a misconception that Phlegm is only found in throat or nasal cavity. It may exist at multiple places in the body. It may block the body channels, may exist in the form of lumps, fluid-filled swellings are also an example of mass formed of Phlegm. May block the Heart openings, may get clogged in the tissues. It may cause -
Ovarian Cyst Thyroid Problems Lymphatic Swellings Phlegm deposition in the Digestive System leads to-
Nausea Greasy Stool Vomiting Anorexia Indigestion
Delayed Digestion
A person may feels
Drowsiness just after having his meal.
Phlegm in the Heart causes–
Chest Congestion Palpitation Dementia Mania Phlegm in Joints and Tendons causes-
Numbness in the limbs Partial Paralysis Phlegm in Head-
Dizziness Heaviness in the Head
Insomnia
Fatigue
Laziness
Puffy or Watery Eyes
Phlegm in the Lungs--
Stiffness in the chest Coughing Asthma Post Nasal Drip Cough Wheezing Dyspnea Cold Flu Runny Nose
Excessive Nasal Discharge
Few people get dreams of Water, Flood and snow.
Effects of Phlegm on the Skin.
Sallow Skin Flabby Skin
Poor Muscle Tone
A person becomes more sensitive to Cold environment.
Effects on Urinary Tract
Oliguria Yellow Urine
Bloated Bladder
Effects on Male Reproductive Organs
Swollen Testes
Flaccid Penis
Effects on Female Reproductive Organs
Scanty Menses Leucorrhea Other symptoms that may be associated with Phlegm are-
Pneumonia Bronchitis Tuberculosis -- accompanied by blood in sputum
Lung Cancer Sinusitis If not treated properly, Phlegm may causeHalitosis (Bad Breath)
TYPES OF PHLEGM Phlegm is categorized on the basis of the color, taste, odor and consistency observed. ( Color of the Phlegm is not the only determinant factor to come to a conclusion, symptoms should not be ignored ).
Types of Phlegm according to colors: Light Yellow/ White Phlegm:
Initially when Phlegm is secreted, it is clear and a little sweet in taste. But as the time passes and the phlegm accumulates in the body, its color, consistency and taste changes. The taste of saliva is the indicator of changes in Phlegm. When the Phlegm becomes pathological the taste of saliva also changes that is from sweet to acrid or sour. It is also known as Insipid Phlegm. It is a result of inhaling extreme dry and cold air. Virus in your Upper Respiratory Tract might cause it. Antibiotics won ' t be able to cure it.
Let it run its course. It takes from 2 to 3 days.
The symptoms associated with this type of Phlegm is Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, Chest Congestion, Dry Throat, Post Nasal Drip and Cough.
Dark Yellow Phlegm:
May be a symptom of Sinusitis or Lower Respiratory Tract infections. Phlegm is associated with Cough,Chest pain and Short Breath. Bronchitis and Pneumonia are other conditions associated with it.
It should be cured in a week, if the condition persists, see a doctor.
Green Phlegm:
An indication of Virus or Cold, may result in Sinusitis.
Brown/Grey Phlegm:
Indicates that the body is trying to eject tars or resins. Inhalation of excess smog is also one of the causes.
Bloody Phlegm:
A serious indicator of something wrong, ex,
Tuberculosis . Please visit a doctor.
Thick/ Milky Phlegm:
It accumulates in the Stomach due to digestive problems or dampness in the Stomach. It is bidirectional means, may spread upwards to the Head, Respiratory Tract and downwards to the Urinary Bladder. The symptoms a person may feels are repeated episodes of Headache, Dizziness, Nasal Congestion, Sinusitis and Post Nasal Drip.
It is also known as Mucilaginous Phlegm.
Bitter/Black Bile Phlegm:
As the name indicates, it is bitter, Dry and thick.