How to Clear Mucus From the Lungs

Some mucus in the lungs is normal and necessary for a healthy chest and keeping dirt and other unwanted particles from entering the lungs. However, certain diseases, from a minor cold to much more serious cystic fibrosis, can cause too much mucus production and make clearing the lungs--and even breathing--difficult. Difficulty clearing mucus can lead to infections in the airways. Follow this advice from the Salisbury Hospital to learn how to clear mucus from the lungs and when to consult a physician.

Instructions

• 1

  Take gentle, relaxed breaths. Breathe normally, not too deeply, relaxing your shoulders and chest. This will help calm your body and get control of your breathing.

• 2

  Breathe deeply. Take in a slow, long breath, placing your hand on your belly to feel the rise and fall of your breath. You should not rush these breaths, but let them happen at a slow, natural pace.

• 3

  Huff. With a wide-open mouth, as though you were blowing hot air onto a mirror to watch it cloud up, huff gently and long enough to produce a crackling sound.

• 4

  Combine these three breaths in a pattern, called a breathing cycle, growing to a more intense cough: Relaxed breathing, deep breaths, relaxed breathing, huffing, relaxed breathing, then cough if you need to.

• 5

  Repeat the breathing pattern, clearing mucus with each one, until two entire breathing cycles don't produce any mucus.