Article content What is mucus and why does it form Home remedies for quickly getting rid of mucus 1. Honey and lemon You will need: 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 1 tablespoon of honey Procedure:
Put the honey and lemon juice into a small bowl. Mix them well together with a spoon. Consume the mixture immediately. Do this 3 times a day for effective airway relief. 2. Ginger, honey and pepper
Ginger acts as a natural mucus dissolver. It also has strong anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
It very effectively clears blocked bronchi and throat of accumulated mucus and suppresses further production. You will need: 6 to 7 small pieces of ginger 1 tablespoon of honey (has antiseptic properties) 1 teaspoon of ground pepper (fights infection) 2 glasses (4 dcl) of clean water
Procedure:
Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper.
Turn down the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot completely with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the tea, let it cool a bit and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day. 3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is excellent in that despite its acidic taste it has an alkalizing effect on the body. By maintaining the proper pH of the body you prevent excessive mucus production.
Simply take 1 teaspoon of raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a glass of clean water and drink it.
Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate mucus. This solution can also be used as a gargle if you have a sore throat along with sputum. 4. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active substance found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and destroys bacteria that are the main culprits in respiratory illnesses. You will need: 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties) 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat) Procedure:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well.
Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth. 5. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water. You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages Procedure:
Put the honey and lemon juice into a small bowl. Mix them well together with a spoon. Consume the mixture immediately. Do this 3 times a day for effective airway relief. 2. Ginger, honey and pepper
Ginger acts as a natural mucus dissolver. It also has strong anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
It very effectively clears blocked bronchi and throat of accumulated mucus and suppresses further production. You will need: 6 to 7 small pieces of ginger 1 tablespoon of honey (has antiseptic properties) 1 teaspoon of ground pepper (fights infection) 2 glasses (4 dcl) of clean water
Procedure:
Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper.
Turn down the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot completely with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the tea, let it cool a bit and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day. 3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is excellent in that despite its acidic taste it has an alkalizing effect on the body. By maintaining the proper pH of the body you prevent excessive mucus production.
Simply take 1 teaspoon of raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a glass of clean water and drink it.
Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate mucus. This solution can also be used as a gargle if you have a sore throat along with sputum. 4. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active substance found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and destroys bacteria that are the main culprits in respiratory illnesses. You will need: 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties) 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat) Procedure:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well.
Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth. 5. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water. You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages 2. Ginger, honey and pepper You will need: 6 to 7 small pieces of ginger 1 tablespoon of honey (has antiseptic properties) 1 teaspoon of ground pepper (fights infection) 2 glasses (4 dcl) of clean water
Procedure:
Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper.
Turn down the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot completely with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the tea, let it cool a bit and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day. 3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is excellent in that despite its acidic taste it has an alkalizing effect on the body. By maintaining the proper pH of the body you prevent excessive mucus production.
Simply take 1 teaspoon of raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a glass of clean water and drink it.
Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate mucus. This solution can also be used as a gargle if you have a sore throat along with sputum. 4. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active substance found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and destroys bacteria that are the main culprits in respiratory illnesses. You will need: 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties) 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat) Procedure:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well.
Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth. 5. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water. You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages Procedure:
Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper.
Turn down the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot completely with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the tea, let it cool a bit and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day. 3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is excellent in that despite its acidic taste it has an alkalizing effect on the body. By maintaining the proper pH of the body you prevent excessive mucus production.
Simply take 1 teaspoon of raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a glass of clean water and drink it.
Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate mucus. This solution can also be used as a gargle if you have a sore throat along with sputum. 4. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active substance found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and destroys bacteria that are the main culprits in respiratory illnesses. You will need: 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties) 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat) Procedure:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well.
Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth. 5. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water. You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages 3. Apple cider vinegar 4. Turmeric You will need: 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties) 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat) Procedure:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well.
Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth. 5. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water. You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages Procedure:
Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well.
Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth. 5. Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water. You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages 5. Steam inhalation You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages Procedure:
Boil the water and add the herbs.
Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes.
Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day. Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages Additional tips for getting rid of mucus
Many people suffer from problems related to the sinuses or bronchi. Coughing and mucus build-up add to the problems. How to get rid of these problems? There are several options!
Mucus is a thick substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the bronchi or sinuses. Its job is to trap bacteria or impurities and carry them out of the airways.
If the mucus is thick, its movement is hindered and it then gets trapped in the airways, which worsens air passage. Coughing is one of the mechanisms the body uses to get rid of this mucus.
Mucus is produced continuously and when we are healthy we do not even notice it. During the flu, a cold or a chill, its production increases dramatically.
The cause of their increased production may not only be classic infectious diseases, but also conditions such as asthma or pollen allergies.
Patients then feel symptoms similar to infections in the form of a raised temperature, a runny nose, frequent coughing and breathing difficulties. If mucus is not given sufficient attention, it can lead to blockage of the airways and secondary respiratory infections.
Home remedies for quickly getting rid of mucus In today’s article we will reveal several home remedies that remove mucus from the airways and also relieve other accompanying symptoms.
And all of this is achieved in a completely safe and effective way.
1. Honey and lemon Honey has strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. In addition its components soothe irritated mucous membranes of the airways very well, providing almost immediate relief.
On the other hand, lemon is rich in vitamin C and other bioflavonoids that strengthen the immune system and help to clear blocked sinuses.
Put the honey and lemon juice into a small bowl. Mix them well together with a spoon. Consume the mixture immediately. Do this 3 times a day for effective airway relief.
2. Ginger, honey and pepper Ginger acts as a natural mucus dissolver. It also has strong anti-allergic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
It very effectively clears blocked bronchi and throat of accumulated mucus and suppresses further production.
You will need: 6 to 7 small pieces of ginger 1 tablespoon of honey (has antiseptic properties) 1 teaspoon of ground pepper (fights infection) 2 glasses (4 dcl) of clean water Procedure: Put the water on the stove. When it reaches boiling point, add the pieces of ginger and the pepper. Turn down the heat, cover the pot with a lid (leave a small opening to prevent boiling over) and let it simmer for 1 minute.
Turn off the heat, cover the pot completely with the lid and let it steep for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain the tea, let it cool a bit and then add the honey.
Drink this tea in small sips throughout the day.
3. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is excellent in that despite its acidic taste it has an alkalizing effect on the body. By maintaining the proper pH of the body you prevent excessive mucus production.
Simply take 1 teaspoon of raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a glass of clean water and drink it.
Repeat it 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate mucus. This solution can also be used as a gargle if you have a sore throat along with sputum.
4. Turmeric Curcumin, the active substance found in turmeric, has strong medicinal effects and destroys bacteria that are the main culprits in respiratory illnesses.
You will need: 1 teaspoon of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon of salt (also has antibacterial properties) 1 glass (2 dcl) of lukewarm water (soothes irritated throat) Procedure: Add the turmeric and salt to the glass of water. Stir it well. Gargle your throat with this mixture 3 to 4 times a day.
Since turmeric does not dissolve in water, it is good to drink it immediately after mixing, otherwise the turmeric will settle at the bottom of the glass.
Gargling with a water solution containing salt and turmeric is extremely beneficial because the lukewarm water soothes the throat and the antibacterial properties of the salt and turmeric suppress bacterial growth.
5. Steam inhalation Steam inhalation is another excellent way to loosen accumulated mucus from the bronchi and throat. Inhaling steam usually brings immediate results.
Water vapor moving down the airways softens the mucus and allows it to come out more easily.
This is helped if you add herbs containing medicinal essential oils to the water.
You will need: 4 to 5 glasses of boiling water 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary (antiseptic properties) 1/2 teaspoon of thyme (reduces mucus production) Procedure: Boil the water and add the herbs. Let them steep for a few minutes and at the same time wait until the water cools a bit so the steam is not too scalding.
Drape a towel over your head and place your head directly over the bowl of water so the steam goes straight into your nose and mouth.
Be careful not to burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, let the water cool more.
Breathe deeply through your nose (you can occasionally breathe through your mouth) for several minutes. Repeat the whole procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
Additional tips for getting rid of mucus In addition to the recipes mentioned, we have a few more tips for you to get rid of mucus from the bronchi and sinuses.
blow your nose regularly do not eat or drink cold foods and beverages do not smoke, because smoking irritates the mucous membranes and contributes to airway blockage avoid exposure to household cleaning products, fumes from paints, varnishes and other chemicals that irritate the mucous membranes do not swallow mucus; instead blow your nose or spit it out to speed healing and prevent the transfer of bacteria to the digestive tract It is also recommended to eat spicy foods such as chili peppers, hot peppers or garlic, which thin mucus and clear airway blockages.