Understanding Chest Congestion and How to Manage It
Excess fluids (mucus and phlegm) accumulate in the lungs as a result of mucus membrane overproduction, causing chest congestion. When bacteria or viruses irritate the membranes, causing inflammation, they overproduce. When we try to remove the irritant and reduce inflammation, our body produces extra phlegm. This phlegm can build up and cause chest congestion.
What is Chest Congestion?
Chest congestion is a common condition where excess fluids like mucus and phlegm accumulate in the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Chest Congestion Symptoms
Here are a few symptoms associated with chest or lung congestion;
- Cough with clear, green, or dark yellow mucus
- Chest tightness, Chills
- Fever
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing
- Breathing difficulty
- When chest congestion accompanies a cold or flu, it often shows symptoms like body aches, fatigue, headaches, and sore throats.
Chest Congestions Causes
Chest congestion is a common condition that occurs when excess fluids (mucus and phlegm) accumulate in the lungs. The health conditions that release excess mucus and phlegm and cause chest or lung congestion include;
- Common cold
- Common cough
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Environmental or sessional allergies (Cold & Cough)
- COPD and other lung diseases.
When to Check with Doctor?
Consider visiting a doctor when you notice the following symptoms that last longer than three weeks:
- A temperature of 100°C or greater is considered foreign heat.
- Coughing up bloody mucus
- Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
- Bronchitis flare-ups regularly
Treatment of Chest Congestion
To reduce chest congestion, practice these crucial tips:
The first step in avoiding chest congestion is avoiding the colds and flu that cause it, and the best way to do so is to strengthen and maintain your immune system.
Consume a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense fresh fruits and vegetables. These meals provide your immune system with the vitamins and minerals it requires to stay healthy and combat colds and flu.
Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of good-quality sleep. Sleep is the time when your body restores and repairs itself from the previous day and prepares for the day ahead.
Perform 15 to 20 minutes of lung exercises every day, such as breathing exercises or yoga asanas. Cardiovascular activity improves your breathing muscles, lung capacity, and immune system.
Tips for the Prevention of Chest Congestion
To prevent chest congestion, follow some tips, such as;
The first step toward preventing chest congestion is to avoid the colds and flu that cause it, and the best way to do so is to strengthen and maintain your immune system.
Consume a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense fresh fruits and vegetables.
These meals give your immune system with the vitamins and minerals it requires to stay healthy and combat colds and flu.
Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of good-quality sleep. Sleep is the time when your body restores and repairs itself from the previous day and prepares for the day ahead.
Perform lung exercises daily for 15 to 20 minutes, such as breathing exercises or yoga asanas. Cardiovascular activity improves your breathing muscles, lung capacity, and immune system.
Home Remedies for Chest Congestion Recovery
Follow these tips when taking doctor-prescribed medications:
- Drinking a lot of water may aid in the loosening of mucus
- Take a hot water bath
- Rest in bed with your head elevated.
- Take steam
- Drink a cup of hot tea with ginger, lemon, and honey
- Apply a hot compress to your chest
- Avoid eating unhealthy foods
- Avoid or discontinue smoking
- Avoid drinking cold beverages like cold drinks, ice cream, etc.
Avoid irritants such as smoking, dust, and other contaminants.
Citations
Chest infectionWhat is Chest Congestion?
Chest infections
Treatment of congestion in upper respiratory diseases
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chest congestion a symptom of coronavirus?
Chest congestion can be a symptom of coronavirus when you also experience other symptoms, and it is a cause of concern if you have come in direct or indirect contact with a COVID-positive person.
How to get rid of chest congestion?
- Make sure to drink plenty of water: Water may aid in the loosening of mucus.
- Take a hot shower
- Rest in bed with your head elevated.
- Make a cup of hot tea with ginger, lemon, and honey.
- Apply a warm compress to your chest.
- Take steam
- Eat hot food
- Quit smoking
How much time does it take for chest congestion to go away?
Chest congestion usually clears up in seven to ten days. If it persists for more than that, consult a doctor immediately.
How do you understand if chest congestion is dangerous or not?
Chest congestion might be dangerous when you have symptoms like high fever, Cough with bloody mucus, and shortness of breath. And if these symptoms last longer than three weeks.
How is steam good for chest congestion?
Warm steam opens and moisturizes stuffy breathing passages, thins mucus, and allows you to cough and explode phlegm.