The Almighty “Amaman” (Phlegm) - What Ghanaians Need To Know 🌫️🏞️🌬️🤧

Understanding Phlegm (Amaman) in Ghana

Image: a colourful illustration of phlegm

1. What Is Phlegm?

Phlegm is a thick, sticky fluid made in the lungs and airways. It’s part of your body’s defense system—helping trap dust, germs, and other harmful particles so your body can remove them [1][2].

Other related words:

1. Mucus – slippery fluid made in many parts of the body
2. Sputum – phlegm that is coughed out
3. Catarrh – mucus from the nose and throat during a cold

2. Why Do We Have Phlegm?

Your body makes phlegm to protect the lungs and airways:

1. During Illness: More phlegm forms during colds, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, or TB [1][3].
2. From Allergies/Irritants: Dust, smoke (including cooking smoke), and pollution can trigger extra mucus.
3. From Acid Reflux: Stomach acid can irritate the throat, making you produce more mucus.

Image: respiratory system; source of phlegm

3. Where Does It Come From & Where Does It Go?

Phlegm is made in the lungs and breathing tubes.

1. If swallowed, it goes to the stomach and is broken down [2].
2. If coughed up, it leaves through the mouth or nose.
3. ❌ Myth: Phlegm does not “travel to the waist” to cause waist pain.

4. Myths & Facts in Ghana

Myth: Phlegm is always bad

Fact: It’s part of your body’s natural defense. Only abnormal if too much, colored, or persistent [2]

Myth: Phlegm cough is contagious

Fact: The infection causing the cough is contagious, not the phlegm itself

Myth: Eating bananas causes phlegm

Fact: Bananas don’t directly cause phlegm—effects vary by person

Myth: Clouds in the sky are “phlegm clouds”

Fact: This has no medical basis

Image: what do different phlegm colours mean?

5. What Do Different Phlegm Colours Mean?

1. Clear/White: Often normal or mild irritation
2. Yellow/Green: May be from infection
3. Brown: Could be old blood or dust/smoke particles
4. Red/Pink: Fresh blood—may be serious (e.g., TB, lung damage) [3][4]
5. Black/Dark: Heavy pollution, smoking, or rare fungal infection

❗ Persistent red, pink, or black phlegm needs medical attention.

Image: Questions ?

6. Questions Ghanaians Often Ask

1. Can phlegm cause waist pain? → No, but coughing can strain muscles.
2. Can phlegm cause snoring? → Yes, if it blocks airflow.
3. Can phlegm cause headaches? → Yes, during sinus infections.
4. Can phlegm cause erectile dysfunction? → No direct link.
5. Will phlegm go away? → Often clears in 1–2 weeks, but see a doctor if it lasts longer.

Image: X ray

7. Possible Complications

1. Infections: Untreated pneumonia or TB can worsen [1].
2. Blocked Airways: Can cause wheezing or breathing difficulty.
3. Dehydration: Makes phlegm thicker and harder to clear.

Image: steam inhalation

8. How to Reduce or Clear Phlegm

1. Drink plenty of fluids – water, ginger tea, light pepper soup
2. Steam inhalation – to loosen mucus
3. Saltwater gargle – for throat mucus
4. Cough syrups/expectorants – ask a pharmacist for the right one [2][4]
5. Avoid smoking/dust – stay in clean air if possible

Traditional remedies may help comfort but should be used with care—seek professional advice for persistent symptoms [5].

Image: Talk to a doctor

9. When to See a Doctor

1. Red/pink blood in phlegm for more than a day
2. Brown/black phlegm without clear reason
3. Severe chest pain, shortness of breath
4. Phlegm lasting more than 2–3 weeks
5. High fever or feeling very unwell

Image: Clean air

10. Final Words

Phlegm (amaman) is often a normal body response. But unusual colors, too much phlegm, or symptoms like blood, fever, or difficulty breathing mean it’s time to see a health professional.

Good hygiene, clean air, hydration, and early treatment help keep your lungs healthy.

References

1. Ghana Health Service (2022). Respiratory Health and Lung Disease Guidelines. Accra: GHS.
2. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital – Chest Clinic (2023). Outpatient Education on Mucus and Phlegm.
3. World Health Organization (2023). Respiratory Tract Infections Fact Sheet.
4. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (2022). TB and Pneumonia Outpatient Care Manual.
5. Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (2021). Guide to Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Medicines.