Slime - lethal, invisible matter in the throat

Throat mucus can be unpleasant but it is actually very useful. Here is what you need to do to make it more bearable.

Dr.med. Viktor Simunović

20 Dec 2023.

It is the time of cold and infections. Along with them comes a very unpleasant mucus formation in the throat and lungs, making us cough. In Eastern Europe, slime is believed to be the second most common cause of death, right after the draft.

What is slime?

Slime is the mucus that our body secretes constantly in the respiratory system. Although it can be unpleasant, slime is very beneficial. It traps and stops the bacteria from reaching the lungs, and the enzymes in slime kill them. Also, the slime moistens the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs and the air we breathe, contributing even more to the fight against respiratory diseases.

Our body naturally produces about one liter of slime per day.

When do problems occur?

The problems occur when there are bacterial infections or increased irritation of the respiratory organs. The organism produces more slime to fight the increased number of bacteria. A large amount of slime irritates the respiratory system and makes us cough to eliminate the excess. In extreme cases, so much slime is produced that it makes breathing difficult, and the cough becomes unpleasantly frequent, long-lasting, and intense. Then, you need to visit a medical institution or contact an online doctor.

How to make coughing and breathing easier?

Honey is a great food that reduces throat irritation and cough.

Drinking enough fluids prevents the accumulation of slime. Thicker deposits are more difficult to cough out.

Rinsing the sinuses also washes out allergens that can cause increased production of slime.

Gargling with salt water moistens the mucous membrane and dissolves the slime, which is then easier to cough out.

So, we don't eliminate the slime, but only its excess. Slime is valuable and necessary, and all we need to do is reduce the irritation of the airways and facilitate the coughing up of excess.

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