Post nasal drip caused by allergies can cause morning phlegm.
The most common cause of morning phlegm is postnasal drip, which occurs when excess mucus runs down the throat or the back of the nose. Postnasal drip can be caused by many factors ranging from mild to severe. Minor causes of postnasal drip include allergic reaction, irritation from airborne materials in the environment, or non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis. More seriously, postnasal drip can cause morning phlegm in cases of chronic sinusitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While decongestants, nasal sprays, and nasal washes can help relieve minor causes of phlegm, more serious conditions usually require medical attention.
Chronic sinusitis can cause morning phlegm problems.
Airborne substances in a person’s sleeping environment can cause an allergic reaction or irritation. An individual’s personal allergies should be taken into account and the environment should be scanned for potential irritants. Sleeping with your mouth open can also increase the chance of inhaling and collecting debris in your nasal passages.
Nasal rinses can help treat morning phlegm problems.
Non-infectious, non-allergic rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the inner airways of the nose that is not caused by an allergen or a viral or bacterial infection. In most cases, this type of rhinitis persists after a cold or sinusitis. It is usually benign and usually passes on its own.
Sinusitis itself is defined as inflammation of the sinuses, usually due to an allergy or viral infection. In rarer cases, the growth of bacteria within an already inflamed and mucus-filled nasal passage can cause a bacterial infection, and all of the situations mentioned above can cause morning phlegm. Chronic sinusitis is a case of sinusitis that lasts more than eight weeks. It is usually more serious and requires extensive medical testing to make a conclusive diagnosis of the cause.
Coughing can help remove phlegm from the respiratory system.
Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of an individual’s airways and can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors. Asthmatics are often more sensitive to environmental irritants, including cold air. Not only can this cause the airways to narrow, but it can also lead to excessive mucus production. Some people who suffer from asthma may be especially prone to night time, which makes them more prone to morning phlegm.
Airborne substances in an individual’s sleep environment can cause nasal irritation.
COPD is a lung disease that involves bronchitis and emphysema, two conditions that are often seen in parallel. Both diseases tend to cause a narrowing of the airways in the lungs, as well as a significant increase in mucus production, both of which tend to exacerbate each other. These conditions are commonly seen in smokers and often require extensive medical treatment to control.
People with asthma may be more susceptible to morning phlegm.
Nasal rinses can help remove phlegm and debris from the nose, providing at least temporary relief if postnasal drip is caused by an airborne substance in the sleep environment. If the drip is caused by inflammation, a decongestant or steroid nasal spray may provide relief, but should usually be used routinely. Morning phlegm, which is indicative of a more serious medical condition, usually requires a doctor’s attention for proper treatment.
