When you cough up mucus should you spit or swallow?

Are you someone who suffers from a chronic case of the sniffles? Are you tired of constantly dealing with mucus that seems to be taking over your life? Well, look no further (just kidding, don’t use that phrase) because in this article we’ll be exploring the age-old question: when you cough up mucus should you spit or swallow?

The Basics of Mucus

Before we get into answering our main question, let’s first explore what mucus is and why it plays such an important role in our bodies.

Mucus is a slimy substance produced by mucous membranes located throughout the body. It serves as a protective barrier against infections and irritants by trapping them before they enter our airways. In addition to serving as a defense mechanism, it also helps keep vital tissues moist and lubricated.

Fun Fact:

The average adult produces up to 1.5 liters of mucus per day!

So, Spit vs Swallow: What’s Better?

Now that we have some background knowledge on what exactly mucus is made up of, here comes the big question – spit or swallow (cue dramatic music).

Pros of Spitting:

  • Clears out excess phlegm
  • Reduces throat irritation
  • Decreases risk for reinfection

Spitting can be especially helpful if the phlegm feels thick and sticking in your throat which may lead to difficulty breathing.

Furthermore spitting out any excess phlegm can help keep oral hygiene good which immediately reduces bad breath!

Cons of Spitting:

  • Can spread germs/viruses
  • Impolite/embarrassing public behavior

During occasions like meetings at work or during class time where it could seem intolerable using methods like moving away from people while making sure not to offend anyone would always be preferred however still doesn’t make things as easy.

Pros of Swallowing:

  • Mucus goes to stomach where it is killed by acid
  • Quick and discreet

Swallowing in some cases may be inevitable, most people end up swallowing because they don’t have a convenient place to spit out of or don’t want others finding out.

In the case that you’re recovering from an illness these germs would die when reaching your stomach which might not be as bad actually!

Cons of Swallowing:

  • increases the risk for infections
  • can lead to gastrointestinal problems

Swallowing some filled phlegm could lead into getting bacteria or virus back into your system hence spitting always being proven better!

The Final Verdict

So there you have it folks – while both spitting and swallowing mucus have their respective pros and cons, we suggest opting for spitting whenever possible.

Not only does this minimize the chances of spreading germs/viruses to others but also aids in quicker recovery regarding any symptoms making everyone around us safe while keep our breathing normal again!

⚠️ Important Warning:

If excessive amounts of mucus are accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing, coughing with blood plu, shortness of breath, high fever etc., make sure to consult a doctor immediately as these could be signs indicating other health issues going on inside!

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