phlegm
Sign in to savethumb|A substance of phlegm Phlegm (; , phlégma, "inflammation", "humour caused by heat") is mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that produced by the throat and nose passages. It often refers to respiratory mucus expelled by coughing, otherwise known as sputum. Phlegm, and mucus as a whole, is in essence a water-based gel consisting of glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, lipids and other substances. Its composition varies depending on climate, genetics, and state of the immune system. Its color can vary from transparent to pale or dark yellow and green, from light to dark brown, an
Article
11 sectionsContents
- Distinction between mucus and phlegm
- Mucus
- Phlegm
- Excessive phlegm creation
- Removing phlegm
- Colors of phlegm
- Illnesses related to phlegm
- History
- Phlegm and humourism
- References
- External links
thumb|A substance of phlegm Phlegm (; , phlégma, "inflammation", "humour caused by heat") is mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that produced by the throat and nose passages. It often refers to respiratory mucus expelled by coughing, otherwise known as sputum. Phlegm, and mucus as a whole, is in essence a water-based gel consisting of glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, lipids and other substances. Its composition varies depending on climate, genetics, and state of the immune system. Its color can vary from transparent to pale or dark yellow and green, from light to dark brown, and even to dark grey depending on the contents. The body naturally produces about 1 quart (about 1 litre) of phlegm every day to capture and clear substances in the air and bacteria from the nose and throat.
==Distinction between mucus and phlegm== Contrary to popular misconception and misuse, mucus and phlegm are not always the same.