While there are a number of uncomfortable experiences with dealing with a cold, having to keep it clean of the collection of phlegm is by far one of the worst. Before diving in to dealing with the problem, one must understand the fact that the production of phlegm is not so much a condition on its own, but more of a symptom which is the result of some other underlying medical condition. Also known as mucus, the substance is essentially a product of the mucus membranes attempting to fight off an infection of some sort or the other. The color of one's phlegm is also known to play a rather significant role in the diagnoses of a number of medical conditions. For example, if the phlegm is noticeably brown or grey - it is a prime indication that the body is in the process of expelling tar. It could also be indicative of resins that may have built up as a result of inhaling large amounts of dust, dirt or even heavy smoking. This being a rather common condition to suffer from, there are a number of helpful phlegm medications that will prove to be rather useful and can be purchased over the counter from your local medical store. These medicines for a cough with phlegm will help loosen any hardened remnants of phlegm that cling to the walls of the respiratory tubes in the body - thus making it easier for them to be expelled.
In order to make the medicine for phlegm more effective, you should then fill a cup with warm water and add about four pinches of salt and a single pinch of baking soda. Use the phlegm medicine to gargle your throat until the entire solution is used up while also interrupting the gargles to cough up any dislodged phlegm. There are also a number of highly regarded Chinese phlegm medicines that you could try. These include Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan - which is primarily focused on using clear heat to eliminate buildup of phlegm or even Gun Tan Tang - which serves not only to drive out the phlegm but also open up the orifices in the body. A lot of people choose throat lozenges as the foremost medicine for cough with phlegm, but these expectorants only serve to increase phlegm production - thereby making the condition that much worse. Also avoid swallowing your phlegm because of the fact that doing so will only reintroduce it back to your pulmonary system.
answered by M W