Chest Congestion
Definition:
Chest congestion is a very common infection in the respiratory system. It involves inflammation of the lower tract of the respiratory system, which ultimately causes difficulty in breathing. It is followed by chest pain and discomfort. In simple words, chest congestion is the accumulation of excess mucus and fluid in the lungs. When we breathe, we inhale several particles, like dust, viruses, allergens, bacteria, etc. These particles get trapped by mucus, which covers the mucus membranes. The mucus is then transported to throat, from where, it is either swallowed or coughed out. Excess mucus results in chest congestion.
Signs & Symptoms:
When a person suffers with chest congestion, he/she experiences a lot of troubles, like chest pain, difficulty in breathing, etc. Some major signs of chest congestion are:
Shortness of breathe
Coughing
Dizziness
Runny nose
Chest pain
Loud noise while breathing
Blood in cough
Difficulty in swallowing
Thick tongue
Tightened chest
Swollen or discoloured lips
Phlegm in lungs
Throat pain
Cause:
The main cause behind chest congestion is deposition of bacteria and viruses on mucus membranes. Some other causes are:
Common cold
Respiratory infections
Heart diseases
Viral infection
Bronchitis
Croup
Excess deposition of fluid in the lungs
Cystic fibrosis
Lungs cancer
Airborne allergies
Pulmonary edema
Asthma
Exposure to poisonous gases
Tuberculosis
Post-nasal drip
Sinusitis
Pneumonia
How To Cure:
- Salt Water Gargle
One of the mostly used home remedies for chest congestion is salt water gargle. Gargling with saline water helps in removing mucus from respiratory tube. Put one glass of water to boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt in it. Stir it well and add a pinch of turmeric powder to it. Take a swig of warm water and gargle for 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process, four or five times a day to experience a soothing effect.
- Onion and Honey
Onion has anti-inflammatory properties. It is an effective remedy for curing chest congestion, when used with honey. Place a slice of onion in a bowl and cover it with honey. Let it stay for overnight. The next day, remove onion from it and consume this onion soaked honey, 4 times a day. Take one teaspoon of honey at a time.
You can also have raw, baked, or cooked onions to help mucus flow easily.
- Lemons
To get rid of mucus-forming bacteria in the respiratory system, lemons are the best remedy. You are advised to add some grated lemon rind or a lemon wedge in a cup of hot water. Let it steep for five minutes. Drink the water after straining it. You can also this solution for gargling.
