A member asked:

When you cough up phlegm/mucus with bronchitis, is it bad to swallow it, or must you spit it out every time?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

No Spitting!: Please do not spit. The stomach can easily digest whatever mucus comes from the nose, sinuses, lungs, etc... There is no reason to spit.

Answered 1/20/2020

5.3k views

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Dr. Hesham Hassaballa answered

Specializes in Pulmonary Critical Care

Not bad at all: It is totally harmless to swallow the phlegm (although it may sound gross). The stomach acid will kill whatever is in the phlegm. You don't have to kill yourself trying to spit it out. As long as it gets out of your lungs, that is most important.

Answered 1/20/2020

5.3k views

Thank

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