Swallow phlegm when coughing or throw it away, which one is good?

Various diseases that cause coughs that cause inflammation in the airways can increase sputum production. Many believe that when coughing up phlegm, it is best to expel the sputum because swallowing sputum can endanger health. Phlegm is believed to contain many germs that can interfere with digestion. Is it true that swallowing phlegm when coughing has a worse impact on health than expelling it?

Swallowing phlegm is harmless, but it can make coughs worse

As explained in the clinical study of Airway Mucus Function and Dysfunction, every day sputum is produced along the airways to protect and support the work of the respiratory system. Normal phlegm is usually clear and watery.

Conversely, the phlegm will turn thick and dark in color when there is inflammation in the airways. This more concentrated phlegm can trap various foreign objects such as dust, dirty particles, irritants, viruses, and bacteria which can further irritate the respiratory tract.

The cough mechanism itself helps the clumped phlegm to be expelled from the airways. The more phlegm in the airways, the more likely you will cough. That is why, you are advised not to swallow phlegm when coughing, but throw it away.

What if you accidentally swallow phlegm while coughing? No need to worry. Swallowing phlegm when coughing will not make you upset your stomach or experience other digestive disorders.

Phlegm does contain germs that cause you to cough. However, when you accidentally swallow, phlegm will be digested in your stomach. The stomach works to neutralize food and germs that enter the digestive tract before being further processed by other digestive organs. Gastric conditions that tend to be acidic can kill various germs contained in phlegm.

Certain infectious diseases can indeed cause you to feel discomfort in the stomach, but this condition is actually caused more by the movement of air pressing on the digestive tract when you cough, not from germs contained in phlegm.

Throwing sputum carelessly spreads disease

After knowing the facts above, you may prefer to throw it away, rather than swallow phlegm when coughing. However, make sure you apply cough etiquette and how to get rid of phlegm properly.

Do not let you spit carelessly so that it spreads the disease to others.

According to health experts, germs in sputum can survive for 1-6 hours. In fact, some germs can live on the streets for more than 24 hours. Not to mention that most respiratory infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and influenza, which are characterized by a cough with phlegm, can be transmitted through the air.

These germs can pass to the body of a healthy person simply by breathing air that is contaminated by sputum sprays from an infected person.

Here are the procedures for coughing that are good and right, especially when you are in a public environment:

• Immediately when you want to cough and expel phlegm, take a tissue to cover your mouth and nose.
• Spit out the phlegm in the tissue and immediately throw the used tissue in the trash.
• Wash hands with soap and running water.

Watch out for diseases from the color of sputum

Swallowing sputum when coughing may feel more practical. However, getting rid of phlegm can actually make you more alert to certain possible respiratory problems.

You can pay attention to the color of the sputum. Thick yellow or greenish sputum may indicate a bacterial or viral infection. Meanwhile, when you cough and cough up reddish colored phlegm or coughing up blood, it can indicate a serious respiratory infection, such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

However, beforehand you also need to be able to distinguish between coughing up blood and vomiting blood. Make sure the blood that is drained really comes from the airway.

Therefore, if you continue to cough with thick colored phlegm for more than 7 days, you should consult a doctor immediately, especially if you are a heavy smoker or a regular alcohol drinker.