Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide — and for many, the daily battle isn't just about shortness of breath. It's about the sticky, stubborn mucus that builds up in the airways, the exhaustion that follows the simplest tasks, and the feeling that conventional treatments are only doing so much.
If you've been wondering how to remove phlegm from your lungs more effectively, or whether there are breathing exercises to strengthen lungs that you haven't tried yet, you're not alone. The good news: there's a growing body of practical knowledge that can meaningfully change how you feel — starting today.
Excess mucus is one of the most distressing and under-discussed aspects of COPD. When your airways are inflamed, your body produces more mucus than normal — and the tiny cilia that normally sweep it out are damaged or overwhelmed. The result is that sticky, hard-to-clear phlegm that many people with COPD know all too well.
There are several techniques that respiratory therapists recommend to help move and clear mucus more effectively:
Beyond coughing techniques, staying well-hydrated helps thin mucus secretions so they're easier to move. Warm fluids — herbal teas, warm water with honey — are particularly effective. Some people also find that saline nasal rinses, or simply inhaling steam from a bowl of warm water, can help loosen stubborn phlegm. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated (30–45 degrees) can also prevent mucus from pooling at the back of the throat overnight.
Another helpful method is postural drainage — positioning your body so that gravity can help drain mucus from specific lung segments. Your doctor or a respiratory physiotherapist can show you the positions most relevant to your condition.
Not all breathing exercises are created equal — and some that are commonly recommended for healthy lungs can actually strain someone with COPD. The good news is that specific, targeted exercises have been studied extensively and shown to make a real difference in both lung function and quality of life.
Learning how to remove phlegm from your lungs and practicing breathing exercises to strengthen lungs are not replacements for your doctor's plan — they're powerful additions to it. Even 10 minutes of targeted breathwork per day can change how your airways feel over time. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Illustration: Healthy airways alongside COPD-affected airways with excess mucus and narrowed passages — understanding the difference helps guide the right strategies.
Beyond targeted breathing exercises and airway clearance techniques, day-to-day habits can play a significant role in how your lungs feel. Here are some practical areas to consider:
Breathing exercises and airway-clearing techniques are valuable complements to medical care — not substitutes for it. If you notice any of the following, it's important to check in with your doctor rather than wait:
COPD is a condition that changes over time, and what worked well a year ago may need adjustment today. Regular check-ins — even when you feel relatively stable — help your care team stay ahead of any shifts in your condition.
Thousands of people with COPD are exploring targeted approaches that go beyond standard care — focusing on airway health, mucus management, and daily breathwork. Discover what may be available to help you breathe better.
Explore Lung Support Options →Managing COPD is a long-term effort — but it doesn't have to feel like a losing battle. With the right breathing techniques, consistent airway-clearing habits, and an open conversation with your healthcare team, many people find they can significantly improve their day-to-day quality of life. Small, deliberate steps — practiced regularly — are often what make the biggest difference over time.