Today, we’re going to talk about how to clear mucus (or phlegm) trapped in your lungs. Many people rely too quickly on over-the-counter medications to address this issue without fully understanding why these treatments don’t always work—or why they can cause unwanted side effects.
The Two Types of Mucus Medications
There are actually two main types of medications used to treat mucus: suppressants and expectorants. However, suppressing mucus or coughing can sometimes prolong an infection and weaken the immune system. These medications can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and even kidney stones.
Common Treatments for Mucus
Most over-the-counter medications fall into one of two categories: mucus suppressants and expectorants. Suppressants work by blocking mucus production, while expectorants help clear it from your system. However, suppressing mucus or coughing can sometimes do more harm than good by extending the duration of an infection and making the immune system more vulnerable.
Additionally, mucus-suppressing medications can have mild but unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, they may even lead to more serious complications like kidney stones.
The only FDA-approved expectorant is designed to help clear mucus from the lungs, while most other medications focus on suppression. Because of this, natural remedies are often a safer and more effective option, as they come with fewer risks of side effects.
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