eli5 how do our bodies produce so much phlegm?

Question

I’m currently sick and my sinuses are draining so freaking much. How can my head contain so much snot? It’s never ending 🤢🤢.

In: 6

Answer 1

Your body makes phlegm to help keep your throat and airways moist and to protect them from germs and other harmful substances. When you’re sick, your body also makes more phlegm to help get rid of the germs that are causing your illness. So while it might be annoying to have a lot of phlegm, it’s actually a good thing because it means your body is working to help you feel better