Phlegm is essentially a substance that is created by the mucous membranes of the human body. It is primarily concerned with getting rid of any irritants or infections that may be affecting the respiratory tract or bronchial mucosa. In most cases, these irritants are tobacco smoke, dust and dirt. Salty tasting phlegm is also produced when the body is attempting to draw out of the body the bacterial or viral organisms that cause respiratory illnesses. Some of the more prominent symptoms that an individual is likely to show when affected by these conditions include lethargy, sniffing a lot in order to prevent the loose salty phlegm from exiting the body as well as the development of a cold or fever. While most people may try to sniff in and even swallow the phlegm, it is better to cough it up as you would then remove the infection that it has caught from within the body.
When attempting to get rid of the salty phlegm in the body, it is important that you make sure your body is hydrated at all times. Water is necessary for the body to loosen up and thus expel the phlegm from the body. Lack of water or hydration in the body would make the phlegm thick thus making it harder for the person to expel. Avoid drinking too much tea and coffee as it would worsen the situation. Fruit juices could also be consumed to keep the body hydrated. Because of the fact that salty phlegm is such a common occurrence, there are a number of home remedies that will prove to be rather useful. For example, you could use a handful of basil leaves, a teaspoon each of black pepper powder and ginger in one and a half cups of water. Boil this concoction until it has been reduced to half its original content. This is known to be a very effective solution in getting rid of phlegm. For best results, consume the solution in quantities of a single tablespoon, at least three times a day. Another very effective home remedy is to mix a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice and a single tablespoon of honey before adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Grated onion could also be as effective in the absence of cayenne pepper. One of the best methods of thinning down the phlegm will be to inhale steam. However, significant precautions must be taken to ensure that you do not scald the already very tender nasal passages.
answered by G R