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A member asked:
Is it possible to suffocate if you have a lot of phlegm that you can not cough up?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Could feel that way: Lots of fluid in your lungs could prevent aeration of the lungs causing dyspnea and could lead to respiratory failure.
Answered 10/4/2016
4.3k views
Yes: Technically, yes. In people who are intubated (having a tube in their throat) and cannot cough effectively, excessive secretions are suctioned via a special device. If you have normal lung function, you should be able to cough up, unless you are terminally weak or a small child who cannot do it because he doesn't know how.
Answered 3/20/2014
4.3k views
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