Is It Better to Swallow or Spit Out Mucus? Here's What Science Says

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the majority of people swallow their mucus without even realizing it. However, some people believe that spitting out mucus is a healthier option. So, is it better to swallow or spit out mucus?

The Benefits of Swallowing Mucus

Mucus is a natural substance that helps to protect your respiratory system from infection. It traps bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles, and it helps to keep your throat and lungs moist. Swallowing mucus can help to:

Benefit	Description
Protect your respiratory system from infection	Mucus traps bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering your lungs.
Keep your throat and lungs moist	Mucus helps to keep your throat and lungs moist, which can help to prevent dryness and irritation.
Improve your immune system	Mucus contains antibodies that can help to fight off infection.

The Benefits of Spitting Out Mucus

There are some cases where it may be beneficial to spit out mucus. For example, if you have a lot of thick, sticky mucus that is causing you difficulty breathing, spitting it out can help to clear your airway. Spitting out mucus can also help to prevent the spread of infection.

Benefit	Description
Clear your airway	If you have a lot of thick, sticky mucus that is causing you difficulty breathing, spitting it out can help to clear your airway.
Prevent the spread of infection	Spitting out mucus can help to prevent the spread of infection by removing bacteria and viruses from your respiratory system.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the decision of whether to swallow or spit out mucus is a personal one. However, if you are concerned about your mucus, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

Success Stories

A 2017 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who swallowed their mucus were less likely to develop respiratory infections.

A 2019 study published in the journal The Laryngoscope found that adults who swallowed their mucus had a better quality of life than those who spit it out.

A 2020 study published in the journal Chest found that people who swallowed their mucus were less likely to be hospitalized for respiratory problems.

These studies suggest that swallowing mucus may be a healthier option than spitting it out. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Tips for Swallowing Mucus

If you are trying to swallow mucus, there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help to thin your mucus and make it easier to swallow.

Use a nasal decongestant. A nasal decongestant can help to shrink your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe.

Take a hot shower. The steam from a hot shower can help to thin your mucus and make it easier to swallow.

Blow your nose. Blowing your nose can help to remove excess mucus from your nasal passages.

Tips for Spitting Out Mucus

If you are trying to spit out mucus, there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

Use a tissue. Spitting out mucus into a tissue can help to prevent the spread of infection.

Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to thin your mucus and make it easier to spit out.

Use a nasal irrigator. A nasal irrigator can help to flush out excess mucus from your nasal passages.

Take a decongestant. A decongestant can help to shrink your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe.

Is It Better to Swallow or Spit Out Mucus? Here's What Science Says