Chest congestion can be a result of bronchi or inflamed air passages. However, chest congestion can also be a symptom of something serious like a chronic underlying health condition or an acute illness, necessitating different treatment approaches.
Chest congestion develops when mucus accumulates in the lungs and lower end of the breathing tube. The causes of chest congestion can include viral infections like flu or respiratory conditions like asthma, and COPD. If you feel that your chest congestion requires medical intervention, seeking advice from a specialist like Dr Saibal Moitra, the best pulmonologist in Kolkata, is advisable. Read on to learn what causes chest congestion, its treatment, and when to see a doctor.
What is Chest Congestion?
Chest congestion occurs when mucus accumulates in the bronchi and lungs.This excess fluid constricts the airflow, making it difficult to breathe. Chest congestion can cause a lot of discomfort as it can make taking full, deep breaths difficult. It may also result in crackling or wheezing sounds in the chest while breathing in and out.
Usually, cold and flu viruses are among the most common causes of chest congestion. Full recovery can take up to 2 weeks for a person in generally good health. The common symptoms of chest congestion are:
- Hacking or wheezing cough
- Production of dark yellow or green mucus
- Sore throat
- Body aches and headache
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
- The feeling of tightness in the chest
If these symptoms are caused by flu viruses or the common cold they usually disappear in a few days. However, the cough can last for weeks as it takes time for the bronchial tubes to heal. In case you suffer from a cough and chest congestion that lasts longer than 14 days, you should see a doctor. It can be a sign of some other serious illness like pneumonia that might need medical attention.
Causes of Chest Congestion
The major causes of chest congestion include:
- Common cold can lead to a sore throat, stuffy and runny nose causing phlegm to gather in the airway.
- Acute bronchitis usually starts as a dry cough that transitions into a productive cough (cough with mucus) where the mucus changes colour from clear or white to yellowish-green.
- Bacterial and viral infections can also cause a congested chest.
- Environmental and seasonal allergies can also cause respiratory reactions, leading to excessive mucus production in the airway due to exposure to irritants.
In certain cases, chest congestion is caused due to chronic health conditions. Some of these conditions are:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease
Treatment For Chest Congestion – Home Remedies
The treatment of chest congestion usually depends upon the severity of the symptoms and the underlying condition. Certain infections like cold or flu may not require medical intervention and can be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. You may try the following remedies:
- Drinking plenty of clear fluids
- Using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
- Taking a hot shower and breathing in the steam to ease congestion
- Using honey with warm water to thin out phlegm
- Using lozenges to keep the throat moist
- Sleeping with your head propped up on several pillows as it prevents the mucus from accumulating in your chest overnight.
When to Contact a Doctor?
As explained earlier chest congestion can sometimes indicate an acute illness or chronic health condition.In cases like these, it is better to contact a doctor. You must immediately see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- The symptoms persist for 3 weeks or more and include a bloody cough
- You have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- You have trouble breathing
- You experience pain or pressure in the chest
If a person suffers from a chronic health condition leading to chest congestion, talking to a doctor about treatment options is a smart choice. Experienced doctors like Dr Saibal Moitra, may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to help with underlying health conditions like COPD or asthma.
Chest congestion in most cases is not a cause of concern and not everyone will need to seek medical help for it. However, in case you feel that your symptoms persist or they are getting worse, it is better to seek professional help.
Need medical expertise to deal with your chest congestion? Book an appointment with Dr Saibal Moitra, the best pulmonologist in Kolkata, through Apollo today.
