Remedies for Chest Congestion

Chest congestion is the inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by the accumulation of fluids and mucus in the lungs. That feeling of tightness, heaviness, or pressure in the chest region is chest congestion. Inflammation of the lower respiratory tract is the body’s way of responding to an infection or allergy. This leads to the accumulation of fluid, which causes congestion.

Causes of chest congestion

There are many causes of chest congestion. Chest congestion can be mild symptoms of common cold or flu. It can also be a symptom of a severe disease that will require medical attention. Some of the causes of chest congestion are:

• Common Cold
• Allergies
• Flu
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Lung cancer
• Heart failure
• Bronchitis
• Gastric reflux
• Tuberculosis
• viral infection

Symptoms of chest congestion

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Runny nose
• Loud noise while swallowing
• Throat pain
• Blood in cough

Remedies for chest congestion

For chest congestion that doesn’t require medical attention, you can do the following at home to relieve the symptoms.

Drink Warm Water

Drinking warm water helps relax the throat and dissolve mucus in the respiratory tract. Staying hydrated can help thin the mucus in your throat. Try sipping on tea if you don’t like water.

Steam inhalation

This is one of the best chest congestion remedies. Add some hot water in a bowl and mix some drops of eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is particularly useful as a chest congestion remedy. Peppermint and rosemary oil are also good alternatives. Now incline your face over the bowl and cover head with a towel big enough to cover the bowl and trap the steam.  You can also turn on a hot shower, sit in the bathroom, and inhale the steam.

Ginger

This has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which helps soothe the throat and relieve congestion.

• Add 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped raw ginger to a cup of hot water.
• Cover and allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
• Strain, then add a teaspoon of honey. Drink 3 cups of this warm tea daily.

Lemon and honey

Lemon contains citric acid, which helps to cut through phlegm.  Vitamin C in lemon helps to improve the immune system, which helps the body fight virus or bacteria, causing chest congestion. Honey is well-known as a cough suppressant and helps reduce chest congestion and cough.

• Mix a teaspoon of honey with freshly squeezed juice in a glass of hot water.
• Drink this mixture 3-4 times a day to get relief from chest congestion.

Hot pack

Applying a hot pack can be effective in relieving chest congestion. Lay down with the head elevated, put a warm cloth on your chest and throat, and leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes. Follow up with steam inhalation to drain loosened mucus.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural antioxidant, and it has anti-inflammatory properties, The active compound in turmeric called curcumin helps dissolve mucus. It is also helpful in curing several internal and external problems of the body.

• Add half teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of hot milk.
• Add two teaspoons of honey.
• Stir and drink.

Ways to prevent chest congestion

• Eating a balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• Avoid allergens that can trigger asthma
• Exercise
• Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluid.
• Reduce alcohol consumption