Drinking plenty of fluids can help decrease the thickness of phlegm and make it easier to remove. Bloody, brown, white, yellow, or green phlegm may be a sign of an underlying condition or infection.

Mucus consists mainly of water and a gel-forming molecule called mucin. The body uses mucus to protect tissues, remove particles, and prevent infections. Mucus is essential for the functioning of many ...

Clear, bubbly phlegm does not typically indicate a problem. However, coughing up large amounts could indicate an underlying health issue, such as fluid in the lungs. Phlegm, or sputum, is a type of ...