# How do I get this goddamn phlegm out of my throat? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 1, 2002, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-this-goddamn-phlegm-out-of-my-throat/139759 "2002-12-01T09:20:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![non-native](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bc8723/32.png) [@non-native](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/non-native)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2002, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-this-goddamn-phlegm-out-of-my-throat/139759/1 "2002-12-01T09:20:14Z")
I’ve gotten some kind of a throat cold and consequently there is such a large buildup of phlegm in my throat, i’m having a bit of trouble breathing. Right now i can’t breathe without making this wheezing noise. It’s really beginning to bother me because it’s at the point where i can’t get sleep. Any advice is appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Ell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e47774/32.png) [@Ell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ell)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2002, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-this-goddamn-phlegm-out-of-my-throat/139759/2 "2002-12-01T10:06:47Z")
Well I always found that by tapping-banging the back of your neck with the edge of your hand (or, better, someone else’s) would break up the phlegm and subsequently making it easier to hoik. ---
**Author:** ![Sysop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c67d28/32.png) [@Sysop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sysop)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2002, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-this-goddamn-phlegm-out-of-my-throat/139759/3 "2002-12-01T10:22:18Z")
Go to the doctor if you feel it’s necessary, otherwise just buy an expectorant at your local pharmacy. This way, you’ll have a more productive cough and can spit it out the window of your car.