Let’s be honest: few things are grosser than hacking up a wad of phlegm, then facing the age-old dilemma… do you spit or swallow? It’s a winter mystery we’ve all secretly wondered about while coughing our way through cold season. Well, here’s the surprising truth: both are fine, so don’t overthink it!
Phlegm, that sticky stuff clogging your throat, is actually your body’s frontline defense. It’s made of special proteins that trap germs, dust, and allergens before they can mess with your lungs. Tiny hairs in your airways push this germ-trapping goo up toward your throat, where your only job is to get rid of it — one way or another.
So, should you spit it out? Spitting can be satisfying — and useful. Seeing blood in your phlegm is a big red flag to call your doctor. Spitting also keeps thick mucus from irritating your throat. Just grab a tissue and wash your hands — nobody wants your germs on the doorknob!
But here’s the catch: swallowing it is totally normal. We actually swallow about 50 milliliters of mucus every day without even noticing. Your stomach’s acid destroys the nasties, so you’re not recycling your cold — if anything, your gut helps your immune system learn to fight better next time.
Young kids can’t spit on command anyway, so they swallow it by default — and guess what? They survive just fine.
So, spit if it feels good, swallow if it’s easier — either way, your lungs are still doing the work of clearing out the bad stuff. In the gross world of phlegm, you really can’t go wrong. Just maybe don’t announce your choice at the dinner table!
