The production of phlegm is a part of the body’s natural defense system and it helps to keep the respiratory tract lubricated and gets rid of dust particles that we inhale. When we breathe in infectious microbes our body’s phlegm production increases. This helps to flush out the entire respiratory tract so that the infectious pathogens are expelled. However, there are times when the infection gains a foothold and this becomes a problem. Our body keeps producing phlegm to flush out the bacteria causing the infection but at the same time the bacteria keeps reproducing and so all of it cannot be expelled. Foul smelling phlegm or foul tasting phlegm is a definite indicator of a respiratory infection.
Foul tasting phlegm could be caused by sinusitis or bronchitis as well as several other respiratory conditions. If you have a past medical history involving sinusitis or any other sinus problems, this could be a possible cause of the foul tasting phlegm. Sinusitis also causes nasal congestion and a constant trickle of nasal discharge that would be felt at the back of your throat. Bronchitis, on the other hand, causes chest congestion and a person suffering from this condition will have thickened sputum. You may also be suffering from a fungal respiratory infection or a bacterial respiratory infection. While there is not much that you could do to directly change the taste or smell of your phlegm, you can eliminate the root cause of the problem so that you get rid of this problem. There are several home remedies for foul tasting phlegm that you could use to get rid of foul tasting phlegm.
Steam inhalation is an excellent method to get rid of excessive phlegm. You need to heat a large quantity of water in a saucepan and once it is boiling, you should set it aside. Add a generous amount of sea salt, crushed pods of garlic, and a spoonful of chopped ginger to the saucepan. Sit on a high stool so that your face is directly above the saucepan and inhale deeply. You could also use a towel to trap the rising vapor. Salt has mild antiseptic properties, while ginger and garlic have antimicrobial properties. The vapor will also help to liquefy phlegm so that you can easily cough it all out. Do this at least twice a day for two to three days to get rid of foul tasting phlegm. Keep in mind that foul smelling phlegm can be caused by a serious medical problem and it is important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible.