Mucus & Phlegm 101

WHAT IS MUCUS?

Mucus is naturally produced by the body, even when we are not sick. In fact, the nose and sinuses make a litre of more each day¹.

Mucus helps the body do many important things, including¹:

Moisturizing the body: It is found in many tissues, including the lining of the nose, sinus and mouths. These lining tissues can be dry and mucus helps keep these tissues moisturized and healthy.
Creating a barrier: Mucus traps dust, bacteria, and other environmental trespassers and can prevent them from entering the body.
Immune Health: Mucus has immune health elements like white blood cells and antibodies that help kill any trespassers it captures

Unfortunately, though, there are times where mucus can harm. Mucus that becomes too thick and sticky can cause issues in your airways. Thick and sticky mucus can be irritating and difficult to your body².

WHAT IS MUCUS Made Of?

What mucus is made of varies slight depending on what part of the body produces it, but it is typically made of 98 percent water, 1 percent salt and 1 percent biopolymers – the biopolymers give mucus its gel-like quality3. The biopolymers in mucus furthermore, stick out like bristles from mucus, which trap potentially harmful things we breathe in³.

WHY IS Mucus COLOURED?

When you have a cold, your immune system sends white blood cells rushing to the area. These cells contain a coloured enzyme, and in large numbers they can turn the mucus the same color⁴. See our mucus colour guide for more information regarding common colours of mucus and what it might mean for your health. Consult a doctor if it has been longer than a week or your phlegm is thick and/or yellow/green or you have excessive secretions or high fever (>38°C).

WHAT CAUSES PHLEGM?

A cold or sinus infection can cause your body to produce an increased amount of phlegm.⁵ This mucus-like substance is most often produced in your upper respiratory tract.

HOW TO GET RID OF MUCUS AND PHLEGM.

There are a few things you can do to help alleviate your mucus and phlegm:

Hydrate¹: Drink more water and consider removing dehydrating drinks such as coffee, alcohol and some teas.
Use a Humidifier¹: This can help moisturize your throat and nasal passages while helping reduce your mucus and phlegm creation.
Decongestants: Decongestants can help relieve your stuffy nose and nasal congestion
Expectorants⁶: Expectorants may make it easier to cough up mucus. Consider medicines containing guaifenesin⁶.
Over the Counter Products: When you’re hit with a cold that is accompanied by mucus and phlegm consider BENYLIN^® Extra Strength Mucus & Phlegm Plus Cough Control to help ease your symptoms