Phlegm (or whatever the luggie it is)

[joebartels]

Phlegm (pronounced /ˈflɛm/) is a sticky fluid secreted by the mucous membranes of humans and other animals. Its definition is limited to the mucus produced by the respiratory system, excluding that from the nasal passages, and particularly that which is expelled by coughing (sputum). Its composition varies, depending on climate, genetics, and state of the immune system, but basically is a water-based gel consisting of glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, lipids, etc. Phlegm may be of several different colors.

Jim mentioned this on Morning Glory Spire and I'd been meaning to post. If I push extremely hard on a hike the luggies are sure to kick in. Regardless if it's 40 degrees or a 115. However it goes away quick once I stop pressing. Anybody know the correlation? Does luggieness come from the throat or is this the lungs coating themselves for death?

Google doesn't offer much help. Breath through the nose. I can try that. Drink lemon juice. Nothing like a good lemon while pressing it up a mountain.

BTW... perhaps it's not phlegm, just luggy buildup... is there a difference... actually maybe phlegm is that nasty green stuff like one out of a hundred kids back in school would get?

[azbackpackr]

Heck, I can't even READ all of it! And I used to be a CNA!

However, I did look up the spelling of the word (yes, Joe, I'm at it again!) and here is what I found:

http://thecolumnistmanifesto.blogspot.c ... oogie.html

[joebartels]

Thanks Elizabeth! Google let me down, I couldn't find a dictionary word that matched

I'm leaning towards Jody's thought. I think it's when I power up and am not hydrated enough. It makes sense that the body would create a layer of protection. It really only happens when I push hard, I did Squaw 8 times today at a very moderate pace without one luggie. Not to mention I haven't been sick a day in my life. Also it seems to happen more often to runners.