Do non/neversmokers have phlegm?

[W Axl Rose]

Just wondering if nonsmokers/neversmokers have any daily phlegm at all? Aren't the majority of us smokers or ex smokers? How are we supposed to know what is normal? I'll have a little phlegm in the morning, and a little throughout the day. I don't cough or anything but sometimes clear my throat a little. No color to it, clear. As info, I haven't smoked since october and haven't vaped since mid january. I was just wondering if anyone knew what was normal for people who haven't smoked.

 

[jaded]

Even if you don't smoke there is still dust and such in the air that would cause phlegm. At least that would be my best guess.

 

[W Axl Rose]

NO ONE knows... really???

 

[Katmar]

Just wondering if nonsmokers/neversmokers have any daily phlegm at all? Aren't the majority of us smokers or ex smokers? How are we supposed to know what is normal? I'll have a little phlegm in the morning, and a little throughout the day. I don't cough or anything but sometimes clear my throat a little. No color to it, clear. As info, I haven't smoked since october and haven't vaped since mid january. I was just wondering if anyone knew what was normal for people who haven't smoked.

I would think that clearing your throat is an indication of post nasal drip which would cause a clear phlegm.

 

[whimzkool]

My DH has never smoked. He coughs up clear phlegm every morning. However, he does have allergies and was exposed to my second hand smoke on rare occasions. I usually only smoked about two cigs around him per day. So, I'm not sure if he qualifiies.

 

[CaptJay]

My other half gets phlegm but yeah he has allergies at times as well.
I DO remember when I was a non smoker that I got phlegm really bad from drinking full milk, which is why my mum switched to half fat (2%) milk in our house. I dont recall getting phlegm except in the early mornings (on waking) otherwise - or if sick.

 

[DoobySnacks]

I only smoked one or two analogs a day for several years before I started vaping, I don't know if this meets your criteria but it seems like a start.

I find that I have little or no phlegm most of the time and if I do I would attribute it to unrelated things.

 

[dragonpuff]

The nose and throat naturally produces mucus as a protective mechanism against irritants. So yes, nonsmokers have phlegm as well, just nowhere near as much as smokers; cigarette smoke contains a lot more irritants, leading to more mucus production.

As for whether a nonsmoker will cough up phlegm daily, that depends on what irritants that person is exposed to on a daily basis and how their body tends to respond; i.e. someone with dust allergies or someone who hangs drywall for a living will probably have more phlegm than most.