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Phlegm (or whatever the luggie it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 5:26 pm
by 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?

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 6:12 pm
by Jeffshadows
Sounds like a mild allergy...

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 6:55 pm
by Al_HikesAZ
Whatever name you want to call it, it is really just mucus. The extra blood flow from the increased cardio will also increase the fluids in the mucosal lining. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucosal_lining Throat, nasal sinuses, lungs, it's all still just mucus. Jeff is right that this could be mild seasonal allergies. In AZ with our climate(s) a person can have seasonal allergies year round. Start a journal of when this happens and the accompanying conditions especially if there is any shortness of breath. This can help your Dr. narrow any issues. If you have shortness of breath, see your Dr. If it is allergies, there are many homeopathic and Over-the-Counter remedies. What works for one person may or may not work for you. My seasonal drugs of choice are Claritin, Claritin-D and Mucinex (Guaifenesin). Some mucus is necessary and you might find that these "dry" you out too much. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaifenesin Guaifenesin is effective in the treatment of the thickened bronchial mucosa characteristic of asthma.[citation needed] It works by drawing water into the yak bronchi. The water both thins mucus and lubricates the airway, facilitating the removal of mucus by coughing. One may notice a sense of dry mouth when taking this medication. Water consumption is important, not only to help with dry mouth, but also to improve the effectiveness of the drug.

If the allergies get really bad, you may need to see a specialist to determine what you are allergic to and appropriate treatment.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 8:32 pm
by big_load
My nose always runs a bit in AZ. I don't mind as long as it doesn't get too far ahead of me.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 8:42 pm
by hikeaz
It's agood thing that you OWN this website - otherwise I'd suggest that the moderator send you (and your phlem) packin' ..... lost my appetite after reading this ......... ;)

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 8:48 pm
by azbackpackr
YUCK! :yuck: :sk:

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 10:56 pm
by JimmyLyding
My nose almost always runs when I hike. However, it never does when I'm @ the gym doing cardio. My recommendation is to become an accomplished farmer-blower.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Sep 30 2009 11:15 pm
by Al_HikesAZ
I think Joe is having the problems with throat and bronchial more than nasal, but the underlying cause is the same.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 01 2009 12:22 pm
by berkforbes
I agree with james, just start blowin snot rockets... the ladies love it btw... :o

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 01 2009 12:40 pm
by cathymocha
Is this a new event?.., might make a difference.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 01 2009 6:58 pm
by JimmyLyding
The skill lies in not only getting the proper acceleration of the snotster, but the angle of one's head. Very refreshing, and NO, the ladies do not love it!

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 01 2009 7:23 pm
by Sredfield
big_load wrote:My nose always runs a bit in AZ.
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you might be upside down.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 01 2009 7:32 pm
by Al_HikesAZ
Sredfield wrote:
big_load wrote:My nose always runs a bit in AZ.
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you might be upside down.
:-k :sl:

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 01 2009 11:39 pm
by JoelHazelton
Sredfield wrote:
big_load wrote:My nose always runs a bit in AZ.
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you might be upside down.
:sl:

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 02 2009 7:46 am
by dysfunction
JamesLyding wrote:The skill lies in not only getting the proper acceleration of the snotster, but the angle of one's head. Very refreshing, and NO, the ladies do not love it!

You also need to block your palette with your tongue to get anything resembling decent distance. Already taught my girls the skill :sl:

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 02 2009 8:42 am
by writelots
Yeah, I know I'm always beside myself with lust when I watch a highly skilled hawking. :sk: NOT!

I've got to congratulate Mike, however, for teaching his daughters proper form. For some reason, I've yet to meet a man who ISN'T impressed by a girl who shows talent in that area. Weird.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 02 2009 11:51 am
by dysfunction
We're used to being admonished for it by women. It's a useful skill though, especially say.. running, hiking, riding. My wife just goes "Ewww. Gross." :sl:

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 05 2009 11:00 pm
by fotogirl53
From a speech/language pathologist's point of view, thick mucus is usually from low hydration--can be caused by not enough water, allergies, other causes listed above.

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 06 2009 5:14 am
by azbackpackr
ooooh my goodness

Re: Phlegm (or whatever the luggy it is)

Posted: Oct 06 2009 5:24 am
by Sredfield
This thread makes me laugh, gag, cry, and be thankful I'm a man.