- 1). Inhale steam. This can be done through humidifiers, vaporizers or by simply taking deep breathes during a hot shower. The steam will help loosen the phlegm and mucus secretions and make them easier to cough up. Drinking lots of water also will help hydrate your body and lungs. It will help thin out the mucus and is helpful in loosening up mucus in the lungs.
- 2). Take expectorants. Expectorants contains chemicals such as guaifenesin, ipecacuanha or ammonium citrate that also help loosen phlegm in the chest. Expectorants produce what is called productive coughs, as they aid in releasing more mucus from the lungs.
- 3). Take antihistamines. Sometimes allergies can cause a post-nasal drip, which means mucus is secreting to the back of the throat, affecting mucus build-up. Antihistamines or allergy medicines help dry up the nasal secretions.
- 4). Go to the doctor. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics, as fluid build-up is sometimes caused by a bacterial infection of the lungs and is treated by antibiotics. However, antibiotics cannot cure viral infections. For persistent and severe coughs, it might be a good idea to get tested by the doctor with a chest X-ray for tuberculosis (TB) or lung cancer. Though having such conditions is unlikely, the doctor's visit may reveal another source for the chronic coughing and fluid in the lungs such as chronic bronchitis, which, if untreated, can lead to pneumonia.
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