If your mucus is dry and you are having trouble coughing it up, you can do things like take a steamy shower or use a humidifier to wet and loosen the mucus. When you do cough up phlegm (another word for mucus) from your chest, Dr. Boucher saysit really doesn't matter if you spit...
Treatment: Bacterial pneumonia calls for antibiotics. If your infection is viral, your doctor may suggest cough medicine for comfort. But don't try to eliminate a cough altogether — it helps move fluid from your lungs. Drinking water and using a humidifier are also important. Tip: If you ne...