This symptom could be a sign of another illness that needs medical attention, such as pneumonia. Have a cough that lasts more than three weeks, Have weak immunity (you frequently fall ill), Are overweight and face difficulty breathing, Experience a chest pain accompanied by breathing difficulty, Have chronic or long-term health condition. Mucus and phlegm: what to do if you have too much. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It may be tempting to use suppressants when experiencing a nagging, phlegm-filled cough. Having a stuffy nose can be uncomfortable, but home and over-the-counter remedies can often relieve it. Chest cold (acute bronchitis). (2020). Under the doctor speak section, we have authentic articles by renowned doctors and medical experts from their field. Chest congestion is not always cause for concern. Chest infection. Allowing hot water to pulse on the face can also bring relief from sinus pressure. It is most noticeable when a person is acutely sick or has a longstanding health condition. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. Can I use jaggery to relieve chest congestion? Learn about the benefits of eucalyptus here. Common colds: Protect yourself and others. At PharmEasy, we take health very seriously and therefore, we believe in featuring authentic information on various health categories such as chronic ailments diabetes, thyroid, hypertension, anaemia, arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, etc. One of the most popular of these is known as an expectorant. After boiling, the cup of thyme water is covered, left for some time, and strained afterwards. However, coughing is the bodys way of keeping secretions out of the lungs and throat. Asst. Individuals experiencing ongoing allergies or infections should visit a doctor. Mucus keeps these areas from drying out and helps defend against invaders, including viruses and bacteria. Increase fluids- Increasing your intake of fluids prevent mucus from thickening. It can be a rather uncomfortable experience with symptoms including tightness in the chest, coughing, shortness of breath or a runny nose. ** Helping other medical staff in performing their duties. The common cold and chest congestion are the result of a virus. You have a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. To use jaggery, you can boil black pepper in water and put cumin and jaggery. Home remedies or OTC medications can help relieve symptoms. Cough Suppressant Herbal Drugs: A Review. The most common sign of chest congestion is the swelling of the airways and the buildup of mucus in the lungs, making breathing difficult.1 If you have chest congestion, you might also experience: Some home remedies for managing chest congestion that you can try are: Drinking plenty of fluids will help loosen up the chest mucus and also prevent dehydration. This is because PharmEasy believes that along with delivering 100% authentic medicines to their customers, it is up to them to inform and educate their customers about various diseases, health issues, and lifestyle modifications. People of all ages may experience chest congestion, but the elderly, children, smokers, and people who suffer from long-term illnesses are more at risk.1,2 There are many natural remedies that can help you get rid of chest congestion within the comforts of your home. Some chest cold remedies in children should be treated with caution. Cleveland Clinic. A diet rich in fruit and possibly soy fiber may lead to fewer respiratory problems that have a link to phlegm. Drinking milk or milk substitutes (like soy or almond milk) will coat the mucus in the mouth and throat, making it more pronounced. The drops are put in one nostril and allowed to flow to the other. Possible Causes and How to Get Relief, What to Expect When You Need an Expectorant. Seasonal allergies can lead to a runny or stuffy nose, as well as excess mucus and phlegm. The infection can also spread if the infected person coughs or sneezes onto his or her hand, any surface or object and other people get in touch with these surfaces.2. People at higher risk of developing chest infections need to take extra precautions. Phlegm and mucus may cause mild discomfort or annoyance in the short term, but they generally do not cause serious concern with suitable care. The lifestyle section talks about food habits, home remedies, psychology, fitness and much more. This excess fluid constricts the airflow, making it difficult to breathe. Expectorants increase the water content in your mucus (thinning out your phlegm), which makes it easier to cough it up and relieve chest congestion. If you have a cold, the congestion is likely to begin one to three days after the infection and clear within a week. To get the benefits of peppermint, you can drink peppermint tea or inhale peppermint vapours by putting a few drops of peppermint oil in a bowl of hot water.3, How to get rid of chest congestion Khadi Natural Peppermint Essential Oil. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. **Help in making different types of ayurvedic medicine. Inhaling steam- Pour hot water into a bowl, then bend over the bowl with a towel over vyour head. Learn more. Button, B. It is primarily a result of viral or bacterial infection. Lemon and honey- Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of honey and a glass of hot water and drink this as a tea. There are several types of chest infections, like bronchitis and pneumonia. Will Australias Twindemic Reach the U.S. In the majority of cases, people recover from a cold within about a week. AFP. Salt water gargle- Gargling with warm salt water helps remove mucus from the respiratory tract. They may cause the nose to run and the throat to itch, leading to excess mucus. You can drink this tea to get the benefits.3, Lemon is a valuable fruit with many health benefits. When the bronchi in your lungs are exposed to a virus, they swell and fill with a thick fluid called mucus. Pseudoephedrine is the common active ingredient, which is also used to make methamphetamines. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. This will help in reducing coughs and loosening the thickness of the mucus. ** In case of emergency giving basic treatment to the patients. When the buildup of mucus is particularly bothersome, it may help to sleep propped up on a few pillows or in a reclining chair. Diabetes and diabetes management is a core focus area for us. Can Vicks Vapo Rub on Your Feet Cure a Cough? Jaggery helps by aiding the expulsion of the mucus. You can try steam inhalation with a bowl of hot water. Fortunately, symptom relief is available. J Prev Med Hyg. OTC medications such as corticosteroids or antihistamines can keep allergy symptoms in check. What it takes for a cough to expel mucus from the airway. Therefore, it can be used to manage chest congestion.3, How to get rid of chest congestion Soulflower Lavender Essential Oil, Peppermint leaves have healing properties. Home Natural Home Remedies For Chest Congestion. You can use a dropper or gravity-based pressure through a vessel with a nasal spout, such as a Neti pot. Read more about the common foods that cause allergies here. A person can add one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times per day. Chest congestion may indicate a condition more serious than the common cold or bronchitis. Keep reading to learn more about home remedies and medications that can help. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention [Internet]. However, in most cases, it is possible to find long-term relief. [cited 2022 May 2]. Home remedies can help manage symptoms so you can rest and recover. Caffeine can offer relief for shortness of breath by expanding airways and the heat aids in clearing mucus. Tips to Get Your Lungs Clear After COVID-19, What Excess Mucus and Coughing Can Mean for COPD Patients, Lingering Cough After a Common Cold and How to Treat It, Baby Cough and Chest Congestion Home Remedies, Chest Tightness? You can swallow this mixture to get rid of cough and congestion. All of the medications above are available to purchase at local pharmacies. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Read our, Sanja Jelic, MD is board-certified in pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, critical care medicine, and internal medicine. You can drink this tea to get the benefits of liquorice.3, You can use lavender oil by inhaling its vapours. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. A saline spray or irrigator can clear mucus and allergens from the nose and sinuses. Saltwater can soothe an irritated throat and may help clear residual mucus. Although there are many remedies that you can try at home, natural herbs like thyme, lavender, and peppermint are quite effective in relieving chest congestion. You can chew on some fresh pieces of ginger to get relief from the cough. When mucus and phlegm are an issue, drink plenty of warm, noncaffeinated beverages. Peppermint contains menthol, which helps in breaking down the mucus. However, do not give honey to infants younger than one year because it can lead to a sickness known as, Try squeezing saline drops in your childs nose to loosen mucus, then insert a rubber. Individuals seeking mucus release can inhale this medication. People with more severe allergies can also benefit from regular allergy shots. Chest congestion should not be taken lightly, because your body is not receiving the proper amounts of oxygen. Saline drops, also known as salt water wash, are an effective way of managing symptoms related to upper respiratory infections. Acid reflux can lead to an increase in phlegm and mucus. Chest congestion happens when your lungs and lower airway passages (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and filled with mucus, also known as phlegm. You can also inhale the smoke coming out after burning dried turmeric root. To use lemon juice, you may combine it with honey to make a syrup. Flavonoids present in thyme leaves also help by reducing inflammation (swelling). Find out how to make a saline spray at home here. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. and Tech. It is generally advised to avoid drinking milk when you have a cold. (n.d.). Lying flat can increase discomfort because it may feel like mucus is collecting at the back of the throat. There are several home remedies that can be used to bring relief and treat chest congestion. Racing Against COVID-19: Were Here For You! https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chest-infections, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/chest-infection, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andleeb-Khan/publication/308369657_Cough_Suppressant_Herbal_Drugs_A_Review/links/5e8ba13692851c2f52866c8c/Cough-Suppressant-Herbal-Drugs-A-Review.pdf, home remedies for chest congestion in adults. Chest congestion is the result of inflamed air passages, or bronchi, in the lungs. MICROGEN IMAGES / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images. Master of Surgery (shalya ayurveda) Read more about the healthiest fruits to eat here. La Fauci V, Costa GB, Facciol A, Conti A, Riso R, Squeri R.Humidifiers for oxygen therapy: what risk for reusable and disposable devices? It aids in dealing with chest congestion by thinning the mucus and soothing the airways. Disclaimer:The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Dry Throat, Some of the home remedies to relieve chest congestion are steam inhalation and, drinking lots of fluids to ease the cough, using natural ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, jaggery, lemon, thyme, and essential oils like lavender and peppermint.2,3, Chest congestion is a common occurrence in people of all ages. Lavender oil vapour inhalation is an effective remedy for cold cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Turmeric presents many health benefits for humans. When phlegm rises from the lungs into the throat, the body is likely trying to remove it. A medical professional can recommend the best medication for each case. Severe allergies can require professional attention, and sinus infections may call for antibiotic treatment. In fact, steam inhalation is the preferred method of getting therapeutic agents (like water vapors) into your lungs. Read on about the remedies for sinus pressure here. If you have a cough that lasts longer than 14 days, you should see your doctor. Postnasal drip is extra mucus felt dripping down the back of the nose and throat. Both substances lead to dehydration if a person consumes them in excess. Hot liquids may offer additional benefit with their steam, which can enter your airways and add moisture. Jaggery provides several health benefits like aiding the expulsion of sputum that helps in dealing with chest congestion.3, 1. Eucalyptus. A good rule of thumb for hydration is to drink enough fluid to make your urine pale. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Chemicals, fragrances, and pollution can irritate the nose, throat, and lower airways, which causes the body to produce more mucus. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the readers situation. Time spent in a steam-filled bathroom will help to loosen and clear mucus in the nose and throat. Depending on the height of each pillow, you may want to make some adjustments to your pillows and sleep position. Follow the labels instructions, and check the active ingredients to ensure your child isnt taking more than the recommended amount. If your mucus is thick, it can be difficult to release from your lungs. Try these tips to aid in your relief, but if the problem persists; it is recommended that you see a physician. You can drink this solution to get rid of chest congestion.3, Jaggery is helpful in relieving cough and chest congestion. It is important to stay hydrated when you have a cold. Chest congestion might cause chest tightness and occurs because of swelling of the airways and accumulation of mucus in the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. In some cases, at-home remedies might not do the trick. A chest cold results from the same virus as the common cold and usually presents as a runny nose, sinus infection, or sore throat before settling into your lungs. You are showing signs of dehydration (chapped lips or dark urine). Learn more about getting rid of allergies here. NHS inform [Internet]. Staying hydrated keeps your cells healthy. It is the result of bacterial or viral infection. We investigate. Sultana S, Khan A, Alhazmi HA, Safhi MM. Find out about the tips for giving up smoking here. Chest congestion can be a symptom of chest infections. It may be caused by allergies, dry air, or an infection. Smoking and secondhand smoke cause the body to produce more phlegm and mucus. (n.d.). Positions to reduce shortness of breath. You cannot cure your viral infection with anything other than time and rest, but you may find relief from home remedies or OTC options. You have a fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens. Drink plenty of clear fluids to keep your body hydrated and thin the mucus inside your throat and lungs. PharmEasy's health blog section is an extension of the online aggregator business. This syrup provides 6 hours of relief from mucus, congestion, and throat irritation. Research J. Pharm. Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height, Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. Chest congestion is common during the winter season and can be caused by several ailments that affect the respiratory system such as the common cold, bronchitis, asthma or complications from heart disease. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also help ease chest congestion symptoms. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andleeb-Khan/publication/308369657_Cough_Suppressant_Herbal_Drugs_A_Review/links/5e8ba13692851c2f52866c8c/Cough-Suppressant-Herbal-Drugs-A-Review.pdf. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. You should also avoid giving children aspirin, which can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called Reyes Syndrome. They may be useful in cases of clogged nose and chest congestion because they add moisture and help remove excess mucus, making breathing less challenging. As you breathe in the water vapor droplets, they add moisture to your nasal passages and airways. Find out what are the common irritants and how to avoid them here. People with seasonal allergies may also find that staying hydrated helps reduce congestion. Allergy treatments or antibiotics may be necessary to address underlying conditions. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. You can make a syrup using lemon juice to help fight cough. Finally, regularly smoking tobacco can increase mucus and phlegm in the airways. Guaifenesin is a common expectorant that is particularly effective at relieving congestion in the chest. J Phys Ther Sci. prof at Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic research and medicine, Bhopal, MP since 2020 A loose mucus is easier to cough out.2 You can increase your fluid intake by drinking plenty of warm water. She is an assistant professor and attending physician at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. All these may signify something severe and require immediate medical intervention. Infections, allergies, and smoking can cause excess mucus to build up in the body. Cough syrup may help ease chest congestion symptoms in children. Placing a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom can promote better sleep by keeping the nose clear and preventing a sore throat. With bronchitis, chest congestion can last up to three weeks. Also, people suffering from long-term illness and smokers have a higher chance of having chest congestion.1, Chest infections are the leading cause of chest congestion. Treating acute sinusitis. That doesnt mean you have to suffer with symptoms of chest congestion, though. 2015;27(10):3085-3087. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3085. In short, the PharmEasy health blog is the go-to destination for all healthcare requirements. (2021). Adding drops of eucalyptus oil can also be beneficial. Also, if you are someone suffering from any chronic illness, you must take extra care. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ** Diagnosing the disease as per the symptoms. If youre struggling with chronic chest congestion from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), humidifiers can be particularly useful for preventing air dryness that irritates and dries out the tissues in your bronchial tubes. It is a substance known as phlegm, and it can be an. Although excess mucus is generally not a serious problem, it may indicate a more serious condition in rare cases. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Rotating intership in different departments like- kayachikitsa, shalya, shalakya, prasuti and stree rog, koumarabrithya, rog nidan and panchakarma. Guaifenesin is the only expectorant available for over-the-counter (OTC) purchases in the United States. Rabago D, Zgierska A. Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. If youve ever been diagnosed with the common cold or bronchitis, youve likely experienced chest congestion. This blog also features expert articles on health by health and fitness experts, doctors, celebrities, dieticians and much more. Look for sterile sprays containing only sodium chloride, and use sterile or distilled water when rinsing. If your symptoms get worse rather than better or you are having trouble breathing, are severely dehydrated, coughing up blood, or have a very high fever, seek medical attention. Drinking clear fluids may also help with chest congestion because it keeps your mucus viscous (thinner and easier to release from your lungs). Thyme can be used to manage a lot of respiratory problems, including cough and bronchitis. You have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or are breathing faster than usual. A study to assess the effectiveness of steam inhalation to relief chest congestion among post operative patient in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Bidens COVID Symptoms Continue to Improve, First U.S. Polio Case in Nearly a Decade Reported in New York, Poll: What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Their Work, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Artificial Intelligence to Spot the Red Flags ofSuicide Risk, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Remedies and Treatments for Chest Congestion, Personalized Treatments for Your Cold Symptoms, Hacking cough with clear, green, or dark yellow mucus. Find out what are the benefits of drinking water here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mucus is a slippery and sticky fluid that helps trap the viruses and other pathogens so they cannot enter your cells. In addition to guaifenesin, these tablets contain acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for fever reduction and decongestion. ** Learn to know about medicinal herbs and identification. 2018;11(10):4443-4446. doi:10.5958/0974-360X.2018.00813.2, Seo K, Cho M. Analysis of the pulmonary functions of normal adults according to pillow height. Dickey, B. F. (2018). Facts about the common cold. We avoid using tertiary references. Clear fluids you can drink to keep yourself hydrated while you have chest congestion include: Humidifiers add moisture to the air and help prevent dryness that can be irritating to those with chest congestion. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the PharmEasy health blog. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and surgery (BAMS) - Rani dullaiya smriti ayurvedic PG college and hospital, bhopal, MP Likewise, Robitussin offers an extra-strength syrup to treat phlegm and mucus. Research suggests the appropriate height (about 5 cm) helps air flow into the lungs and supports stable respiratory functioning. These infections are caused by: These infections are contagious and spread rapidly when the infected person coughs or sneezes and tiny droplets in the air are inhaled by other people. People prone to heartburn should avoid trigger foods and ask a doctor about proper management. You can use essential oils to treat cough and congestion. They are commonly sold OTC in a syrup (liquid), pill, or tablet form. Vapor rub is an ointment made of petroleum jelly and essential oils, including menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus. Chest infections Better Health Channel [Internet]. When a person is sick with a cold, drinking extra fluids can thin mucus and help drain the sinuses. If you have a reusable humidifier, be sure to clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. Ginger is a widely used herb that helps in various ailments, including cough, cold, bronchitis, and respiratory problems. Guaifenesin is available in multiple forms: Individuals taking medications with guaifenesin should stay hydrated and follow all doctor recommendations. Last updated on: 2021 Apr 1. ** Learning the diagnostic methods and equipment. Individuals who experience phlegm, mucus, and other associated symptoms should consult a doctor. However, for more mild cases, there are several OTC options. Continue reading to find out. Natural Home Remedies For Chest Congestion, Food Items To Include In Your Diet If You Have Varicose Veins, Suggested Home Remedies for Chest Congestion. If your child is older than one year, give them a teaspoon of honey or mix the same amount in a cup with warm water. Having chest congestion is quite common in people of all age groups. Time and rest are the only two things that can help with a viral infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sanja Jelic, MD is board-certified in pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, critical care medicine, and internal medicine. Maximum strength Mucinex extended-release bi-layer tablets. Seasonal allergies may increase mucus production. 10 Health Benefits of Giloy The Ultimate Is There Any Way To Keep Ourselves Safe From 5 Yoga Asanas You Should Know To Manage Your Diabetes, Monkeypox: The Latest Disease Gripping The World, Effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Dryness, Fever, accompanied by sweating and chills, Bluish discolouration of the skin around the lips.

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