Even if it is kind of gross when you're full of it and wrestling with it, phlegm actually serves a useful purpose: The thick, sludgy substance—made up of mostly water, salt, and antibodies—is designed ...

Mucus is a slippery, protective substance that keeps your airways, throat, and digestive tract moist, trapping and clearing out dust, allergens, and germs to help protect against irritation and ...

It's the feeling we all have experienced at some point: that stubborn lump in your throat. You don't really know how the phlegm got there, but it's annoying, persistent, and clearing it seems like a ...

Black mucus is rare. It can be the sign of a fungal infection, or exposure to pollutants such as coal, dust or cigarette ...

The buildup of excess mucus in your nasal passages and throat is a common and uncomfortable symptom of many illnesses. JDawnInk via Getty Images Being sick with a cold or other congestion-causing ...

Frequent throat clearing may be a sign of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a lesser-known form of acid reflux. Unlike typical ...

Various home remedies can help manage phlegm and mucus, such as drinking plenty of fluids and using a saline nasal spray or rinse. If home remedies do not help, over-the-counter and prescription ...

Healthy phlegm is usually clear and runny, but many different health conditions can change the consistency or color. Phlegm, also called sputum, is mucus produced by your lungs that helps protect your ...

Breathing difficulties and persistent mucus buildup can significantly impact daily life, making simple activities feel exhausting and uncomfortable. When airways become congested with thick secretions ...