Coughing up mucus can be a sign of various underlying conditions, ranging from mild to severe. While occasional mucus production is normal and helps keep your airways moist and clear, persistent, discolored or excessive mucus may indicate a more serious issue. Conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or even chronic illnesses could be at play. If you are coughing up mucus, you should seek medical care for a diagnosis and treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, we offer patients in Waltham, MA with same-day care for coughs. Simply walk into the clinic, we’re open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm.
How Does Mucus Get in Your Lungs?
Mucus forms in your lungs as part of your body’s natural defense system. The cells lining your respiratory tract produce mucus to trap dust, allergens, bacteria, and other harmful particles you inhale. Tiny hair-like structures called cilia move the mucus upward toward your throat, where it can be swallowed or coughed out. This process keeps your airways clean and moist. However, certain conditions like infections, allergies, or chronic diseases can cause your body to produce excess mucus, leading to congestion.
How to Treat a Productive Cough
In order to treat your productive cough, it is important to get a medical diagnosis. Certain causes of a productive cough require medical treatment such as prescription antibiotics. For a mild cough, getting rid of mucus in the chest involves strategies to loosen and clear it, making it easier to expel. Try these tips for getting rid of mucus in the lungs:
- Drink plenty of water to thin mucus, making it less sticky and easier to cough up
- Inhaling warm, moist air can help loosen mucus in the lungs. A hot shower or a bowl of steaming water can be effective
- Elevate your head while sleeping to help mucus drain and prevent it from pooling in your chest
- Use a saline spray or gargle salt water to soothe your throat and help loosen mucus
If your cough continues to worsen or is accompanied by symptoms like fever or chest pain, seek medical care for evaluation and treatment.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should visit a doctor if you are coughing up mucus and experience symptoms such as discolored mucus, which may indicate an infection. Persistent symptoms lasting longer than 10 days without improvement or shortness of breath warrant medical attention. Additionally, chest pain, unexplained weakness or fatigue, and preexisting conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease should prompt a consultation to prevent complications. Conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory illnesses can progress quickly and may require immediate medical attention to prevent complications. Early intervention provides relief and reduces the risk of the condition becoming life-threatening.
Walk Into AFC Waltham for Same-Day Cough Treatment in Waltham, MA
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, we understand that illness symptoms can appear unexpectedly. Our walk-in clinic makes it easy to get cough treatment when it’s convenient for you. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm, including on weekends! We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance in order to receive prompt care, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We accept most medical insurance plans! Walk-in today!
