How to Drain Lungs From a Cold

Colds often produce excess phlegm and mucus, which can settle in your lungs. This can make breathing difficult and labored, and create overall discomfort. Several methods can be used at home to help drain lungs from a cold.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Mucinex
• Small pot
• Eucalyptus oil

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Instructions

How to Drain Lungs From a Cold

• 1

  Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. Being adequately hydrated will help to thin the mucus in your respiratory tract. When the mucus is thin instead of thick and sticky, you will be able to cough up excess fluid in your lungs more effectively.

• 2

  According to the FDA, you can take one or two 600 mg tablets of Mucinex once every 12 hours, not to exceed 1200 mg in any 24-hour period. Mucinex is a blue and white tablet available for purchase over the counter at most drug stores. It contains an ingredient called guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. This type of drug helps your body to expel fluid or mucus in the lungs through coughing.

• 3

  Fill a small pot with 4 cups of water. Place the pot on a stove, and turn the temperature on high. Once the water starts boiling, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then put your face in the steam and inhale deeply. The heat and moisture from the steam will help to loosen up the mucus in your lungs so that you can cough it out more effectively. Do not burn yourself in the steam.

• 4

  Take hot showers as tolerated. The steam from the shower also will help loosen up the fluid in your lungs so that you can cough it out more effectively.

• 5

  Apply 3 to 4 drops of eucalyptus oil topically to your chest at night. Eucalyptus is a natural decongestant and has a strong odor. You will inhale this odor as you sleep, and it will aid in breaking up mucus in your lungs.