the cords/folds? First of all understanding WHY the phlegm is there in the first place may make a difference in how you choose to manage your phlegm in the future (pleasant subject huh?).

Phlegm is nature’s way of providing protection for your vocal cords/folds.   If your cords have experienced any type of trauma, your body is designed to provide a bandage (protection) to prevent further damage. So first of all note that IF you have phlegm, THERE IS A REASON. Solve the root of the problem FIRST to avoid further phlegm. Simply clearing your throat may seem like the most expeditious thing to do, but ultimately it will only exacerbate the problem. When you ‘clear’ your throat, you scratch your cords and ‘voila!’ your body sends more phlegm! So avoid this at all costs. Ask yourself first, “Why did I get the phlegm in the first place?” Then try to solve THAT problem (we’ll discuss some of the possible reasons later).

Ridding yourself of the phlegm can safely (albeit not as quickly) be done in a number of ways. What you want, is to GENTLY vibrate the cords so that the phlegm “falls” off and is not SCRAPED off.  This can be done by swallowing, talking or humming. The fastest way may be humming in the lowest part of your range, therefore providing the largest vibrations. You can also talk through you phlegm but I personally find this difficult to listen to! The sound of phlegm rattling while someone talking causes ME to want to clear my throat! So be careful when you choose THIS option (I’d rather listen to fingernails on a chalkboard). Humming is a great choice provided you can do this inconspicuously. Continuing to swallow repeatedly will also eventually work. You may have to be patient but it will be worth the effort because when it’s gone, it’s GONE. If it does come back it will be slower to recur and will not likely be as much. So take your time in dealing with this “blessing” that God has given us to protect our cords.

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