If your mucus is dry and you are having trouble coughing it up, you can do things like take a steamy shower or use a humidifier to wet and loosen the mucus. When you do cough up phlegm (another word for mucus) from your chest, Dr. Boucher says it really doesn't matter if you spit it out or swallow it.

Is it good to spit out phlegm?

When phlegm rises from the lungs into the throat, the body is likely trying to remove it. Spitting it out is healthier than swallowing it. Share on Pinterest A saline nasal spray or rinse may help to clear out mucus.

What happens if you don't spit out phlegm?

Even when you're feeling fine, your body naturally produces about a quart of phlegm every day. Without it, Dr. Comer says, germs and irritants in the air would easily slip into your lungs through your air passages.