Excess phlegm?? « Back to Group Discussions

[veganyogamomma]

Is anyone else dealing with excess phlegm?? I'm looking for natural ways to keep it under control. Up until now, I've just had nasal congestion mostly at night. Now it is often in my throat at night, and sometimes I wake up choking on it and unable to breathe. Coughing it up just leads to lots of ridiculous gagging. Thoughts???

[ClumsySugarPlum]

Originally Posted by veganyogamomma 

Is anyone else dealing with excess phlegm?? I'm looking for natural ways to keep it under control. Up until now, I've just had nasal congestion mostly at night. Now it is often in my throat at night, and sometimes I wake up choking on it and unable to breathe. Coughing it up just leads to lots of ridiculous gagging. Thoughts???

  Looking forward to answers to this disgusting part of pregnancy.

[cocoanib]

I'm very phlegmy lately. In the morning is the worst.

I thought that it was my diet, because I've been indulging in not so good foods more often then I should. Usually that brings on more phlegm for me.

Now, I'm wondering if it's a pregnancy thing.

[sunshinelove]

I've been experiencing more phlegm than usual, too! I also thought it was because of my diet--been eating a lot of starchy foods--but it sounds like it might be due to pregnancy. I hate the sound of clearing my throat, bugs me. I'll be checking on this thread to see if anyone has any suggestions.

[firespiritmelody]

I've been dealing with this the whole pregnancy too. The things that help me are to have a glass of water by my bed so everytime I wake up I can take a sip and also saline nose spray before bed. It's not perfect but it helps.

[sunshinelove]

I just looked up a few home remedies and I learned that garlic is very good for getting rid of phlegm and ginger tea is also good. I am going to try both when it gets bad again.

[veganyogamomma]

Originally Posted by sunshinelove 

I just looked up a few home remedies and I learned that garlic is very good for getting rid of phlegm and ginger tea is also good. I am going to try both when it gets bad again.

Ahhhhhh- I'm allergic to BOTH garlic and ginger! What a bummer!!!

After being up half the night yet again, I did some searching online. I ended up trying some eucalyptus oil on my chest/throat. It helped enough for me to sleep without choking!

[MPsSweetie]

I've also had this, I thought I just had a lingering cold or allergies. Mine is terrible. I've never had so many goobers, lol. I gross myself out.

[GranolaMama09]

No help here either.  I'm still sick (finishing week #2) and it's so frustrating!  Between that in the asthma trying to breathe is insanely difficult sometimes.  I had an ear infection as part of my illness and the garlic oil in my ear seemed to help a little.  I'm sorry you're allergic Veganyogamomma!!!

[Meggsy]

I have had this problem big time. There is little to do, but a few things seem to keep it down:

Wash your sheets twice as often to reduce allergens - I know, not very eco-friendly, but it helps

Keep the temperature warm in your bedroom. Cold temps induce mucus a little, at least in my case.

Prop yourself up on pillows. This is hard for me since I have back/hip pain. But if I put a pillow under one hip it helps.

Vacuum and dust twice as often and remove and rugs from your room. Also vaccum the curtains.

I also find a little peppermint oil dabbed under my nose helps. Or peppermint lip balm. 

I experiment with my pillows, and sometimes lean a little forward onto my body pillow. It puts a little pressure on my belly which felt weird at first, but apparently it doesn't harm the baby whereas hypoxia (lack of oxygen) does so I figure it is safe.

Remember, some of it is likely your airway musculature relaxing due to the progesterone and some of it is the congestion so figuring out good positions is important. Also, apparently pregnancy weight gain can contribute so I guess it is more incentive to keep appetite at a reasonable level. 

Yours in sleeplessness,

M

[MPsSweetie]

Ugh, worst night ever, congestion wise. On top of one kid throwing up, Ew. I sat up in bed from 2am on trying to breathe.

[sunshinelove]

Uggh, that sounds horrible, mpssweetie . I wish i could give you a hug right now. I woke up early for some reason, couldnt go back to sleep...now I'm exhausted.

[veganyogamomma]

Originally Posted by MPsSweetie 

Ugh, worst night ever, congestion wise. On top of one kid throwing up, Ew. I sat up in bed from 2am on trying to breathe.

Sorry you had such a rough night!

[MPsSweetie]

Thanks, I'm so ready for bed tonight! Lol

[SlimP]

Yeah garlic is the best thing for cutting through mucous of any sort but onions and spices do a similar job, veganyogamomma. Anything that makes your eyes or nose water basically.
Steam, especially with eucalyptus or other camphorus oil helps open airways. And if you think it's due to dust or mites, a smear of ointment around the nostrils helps stop you breathing them in.
Dairy, refined foods and citrus fruits all exacerbate mucous production.

Hope everyone is breathing easier today.