Secretion in the lung It is a condition that can significantly affect people’s quality of life and is often underestimated or misunderstood.
Mucus buildup in the lungs can result from a variety of causes, from common respiratory infections to chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In this article, we will discuss in detail the different causes behind lung secretion and the different treatments available to alleviate symptoms and improve respiratory function.
Understanding the origins and treatment options is the initial step in helping to manage problems like lung secretion effectively and achieve a better quality of life.
What are lung secretions (phlegm)?
Lung secretions, also referred to as phlegm, are viscous substances produced by cells in the airways, including the bronchi and lungs. These secretions consist mainly of mucus, which is a mixture of water, proteins, glycoproteins and white blood cells, among other substances.
The main function of phlegm is to protect the respiratory tract, acting as a barrier against foreign particles, such as dust, bacteria and viruses, which can cause irritation or infection. In addition, phlegm also helps lubricate the airways, facilitating the passage of air during breathing.
However, when there is an imbalance in the production or composition of phlegm, excessive accumulation can occur, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and an increased risk of lung infections.
What does it feel like to have secretions in your lungs?
The sensation of having secretions in the lungs can vary from person to person and also depends on the quantity and consistency of the secretion. Some of the common symptoms associated with the presence of secretion in the lungs include:
- Persistent cough: the presence of secretion in the lungs can lead to a persistent cough, especially if mucus is accumulated in the upper or lower airways. The cough can be dry or productive, with the expulsion of mucus;
- Difficulty breathing: in more serious cases or when the secretion is obstructing the airways, difficulty breathing may occur;
- Feeling of tiredness: the additional effort required to breathe due to the presence of secretion in the lungs can lead to a feeling of tiredness or fatigue, even with simple daily activities, such as climbing stairs;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest: feeling of tightness or oppression in the chest, which can also be present with the accumulation of secretion in the lungs, making breathing more difficult or uncomfortable;
- Wheezing: A very common symptom is also wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing, due to the partial obstruction of the airways that excess secretion can cause.
It is important to note that these symptoms can vary and also depend on the severity of the condition. Therefore, when noticing any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
What can cause lung secretion?
Lung secretion can be caused by a number of factors, including medical conditions, infections, and exposure to environmental irritants. Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergies: People with respiratory allergies such as allergic rhinitis or asthma may have lung discharge as part of the body’s allergic response to irritants such as pollen, dust or animal dander;
- Air pollution: exposure to atmospheric pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, industrial pollution and vehicle smoke, can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger the production of secretion in the lungs;
- Respiratory infections: Viral infections, such as colds, flu, and bronchitis, as well as bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, are common causes of discharge in the lungs. Under these conditions, the immune system responds by producing mucus to expel infectious agents from the respiratory tract;
- Smoke: the use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, hookah, marijuana or similar is an important risk factor for the accumulation of secretion in the lungs, as it can damage the cells in the airways, increasing production;
- Chronic lung diseases: Conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis can lead to a chronic buildup of secretions in the lungs due to damage to lung tissue and changes in mucus production.
Other factors to consider include medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, excessive cold and respiratory illnesses, upper airway cough syndrome, and prolonged use of certain medications, which can contribute to the accumulation of lung secretions.
Therefore, avoid self-medication and seek guidance from a healthcare professional to identify and treat the underlying cause, aiming to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
How to identify the correct cause of secretion in the lung?
Identifying the precise cause behind secretion in the lungs is important to seek effective treatment and to ensure long-term respiratory health. The first step in this process is a medical consultation.
In these cases, online consultations can speed up the initial diagnosis process, eliminating the need for travel and waiting time in doctors’ offices. During this assessment, a professional will investigate the symptoms, their duration, and any factors that may have led to the development of this condition.
At Conexa Saúde, you can schedule appointments online and receive professional help without leaving home. Count on a specialized team that will offer the best treatment for your case.
Questions about past medical history, exposure to allergens or environmental irritants, and smoking history can provide important clues about underlying causes.
The doctor will perform and request a list of tests, focusing on auscultation of the lungs to detect abnormalities such as wheezing, crackling or wheezing, which are respiratory sounds or noises.
In cases where investigation is necessary, depending on what is identified, imaging tests such as chest x-rays or computed tomography (CT) may be requested to provide a more detailed view of the lung structures and identify possible abnormalities, such as inflammation, infection or airway obstruction. respiratory.
In some cases, additional laboratory tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This may include analyzing mucus samples to identify infectious pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi, or allergy testing to identify possible allergic triggers.
Lung function tests are also valuable in evaluating the lungs’ ability to function properly. With a comprehensive and collaborative approach between the patient and doctor, it is possible to accurately identify the cause of lung discharge and initiate appropriate treatment and prevent future complications.
How to treat and eliminate lung secretion?
Treatment and elimination of lung secretion depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Some strategies combined with drug treatment, such as hydrating yourself well, physiotherapy and breathing exercises, using humidifiers, among others, can help alleviate and promote better recovery from pulmonary secretion.
However, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions and maintain open communication about the effectiveness of the treatment. In cases of persistent or severe discharge, it is necessary to seek medical evaluation again to rule out more serious underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
Medicines
There are several medications that can be prescribed to help treat pulmonary discharge, depending on the cause and specific symptoms of each patient. For example:
- Bronchodilators: These are medicines that help open the airways and make breathing easier.
- Mucolytics: These are medicines designed to break the chemical bonds in mucus, making it less viscous and easier to eliminate. Anti-inflammatories: May be prescribed to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
- Antibiotics: are prescribed to treat infections if the secretion is caused by a bacterial agent.
- Expecting: They help thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs.
- Nasal decongestants: can help relieve congestion and make breathing easier.
Homemade or natural solutions
Although homemade or natural solutions do not replace prescribed medical treatment, they can be useful as a complement to alleviate symptoms. Below we have separated some options:
- Healthy eating: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help with treatment.
- Fluid intake: Staying well hydrated is essential to keep mucus more fluid and facilitate its elimination.
- Adequate rest: Adequate rest is essential to allow the body to recover and fight infection, if present, as well as having benefits for several other issues.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce irritation in your throat and airways.
- Honey and lemon: A mixture of honey and lemon juice in warm water can help relieve a cough and soothe an irritated throat.
- Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation can help loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion.
It should be noted that the choice of medication and the appropriate treatment plan must be determined by a doctor, who will take into account several factors, including the severity of symptoms and individual issues for each patient.
When to see a doctor to treat phlegm?
Phlegm, mucus or discharge, is a common symptom that can indicate a variety of respiratory conditions. While in most cases, phlegm is only a temporary nuisance and can be treated at home, there are times when you need to seek the advice of a doctor.
The presence of signs such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent cough, especially in smokers, fever, bloody phlegm and the persistence of symptoms, are warnings that a professional should be sought.
Adopting measures in everyday life, such as healthy eating, good hydration and physical exercise, can help prevent this situation or its worsening.
In the case of initial symptoms and a need to see a doctor quickly, the benefits of telemedicine allow patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely, eliminating geographic barriers and providing access to medical care.
With the Conexa Saúde platform, it is possible to have access to qualified doctors at any time, through online consultations, guaranteeing immediate medical advice without having to leave home. Schedule your appointment now and receive high-quality, humanized service!
Image credits: Mohammed Hanefa Nizamudeen em iStock
