Is it bad to swallow mucus?

If you're in the middle of battling a cold, you might be surprised to find out the truth about whether or not you should swallow your phlegm. read more

Phlegm is the mucous secretion of the respiratory passages. The cilia cells that line these passages are continually driving the phlegm upward to the throat, where it triggers the swallow reflex so that dust and other foreign bodies can be removed from the lungs. read more

Infants and young children can not expectorate, therefore, have no other option than to swallow their phlegm. It does not cause any ill effects. Same is true if adults do it. Mucus is their own secretion. The bacteria and viruses, whenever trapped in mucus are mostly killed in acidic environment of stomach or passed out of gut through foecal matter. read more

So, swallowing phlegm is harmless and something you do every day. However, there can be a few benefits to hocking up your phlegm when you’re sick. As Comer noted, the color of your phlegm can provide an insight into your state of health. Yellow or green phlegm indicates you have a viral infection. read more