Phlegm is typically the mucus that is secreted by the nasal membranes. Phlegm in stomach, nose and vocal cords is found on account of the mucus secretions of the nasal membranes. Excessive production of phlegm in the stomach, phlegm on vocal cords and so on may be due to an infection in the respiratory tract, a cold, cough or the flu. Phlegm is expelled by the body during bouts of coughing. Anaerobic bacteria that are present in the oral cavities and the stomach tend to break down the protein present in the phlegm. This break down of protein releases sulfur which has a foul odor and hence many people may also complain of bad breath. The color and consistency of phlegm may vary according to the cause of the phlegm. There are certain acute diseases that are caused by phlegm such as chest cold or acute bronchitis which is an infection of the airways that lead to the lungs. Usually, this infection is preceded by the common cold. People suffering from phlegm, in such cases, tend to cough up clear phlegm and experience moderate amount of chest pain from the constant coughing. Sometimes, the phlegm on vocal cords or in the stomach and nose may also be yellowish or greenish in color; this indicates the presence of an infection such as influenza and should be investigated further.
The human nose tends to pick up dust particles, air pollutants and other bacteria that may be inhaled on a daily basis. This debris along with the regular production of mucus is then swept to the back of the throat by thousands of hair like tiny structures known as cilia which line the nasal cavity and are then swallowed. Once the phlegm and debris enter the stomach, the stomach acids tend to destroy any dangerous bacteria that may be present. People suffering from bacterial pneumonia tend to expel phlegm that is frothy along with high fever. Some home remedies for phlegm in the stomach is to have some warm clear chicken soup which helps thin out the phlegm thereby making it easier to expel it through coughing. Similarly, one may also consume a mixture of ginger and raw honey, both of which are known for their anti-bacterial properties. If the phlegm that is expelled during coughing is rust colored or has streaks of blood in it, then it should be immediately reported to the doctor. This is important as it could be a symptom of tuberculosis or any other serious infection.