Chest congestion has common symptoms with seasonal cold or flu, but it has different causes and can be a potential health hazard. This condition should be treated in time to prevent other complications.
Chest congestion happens when the mucus thickens in the lower airway, commonly in the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. This is commonly associated with a lung inflammation where a person experiences breathlessness and symptoms like coughing. Chest congestion also comes with nasal congestion and upper respiratory tract congestion.
Causes:
There are plenty of causes that can lead to symptoms used to describe chest congestion. A few of the common causes are mentioned below:
1. Infections
Infections are one of the most common causes of chest congestion. These infections are mostly caused by viral infections and are treatable within days.
2. Allergies
Chest congestion is often caused by allergies. Most of the common ones are allergic asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
3. Air Pollution
The presence of airborne pollutants can also lead to airways and lung infection without causing any allergic reaction.
4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is commonly caused due to long term addiction to smoking, and even other exposure to smoke or airborne gas. The two common diseases of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
5. Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis is caused by inhalation of airborne particles that ultimately lead to lung tissue damage.
Symptoms
Chest congestion is often accompanied by mucus thickening or wet cough and periods of breathlessness. There are also other symptoms depending on its severity:
- Abnormal breathing sounds accompanied with wheezing.
- Paleness or even a bluish tinge in severe cases.
- Fatigue, sometimes only after mild exertion.
- Rapid breathing rate (tachypnea).
- Breathing through the mouth.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
How to treat Chest Congestion
1. Salt Water Gargle
What you need?
- 1 tsp salt
- Warm water
How to do:
- Add one tsp of salt to one glass of warm water.
- Stir well until the salt dissolves.
How it works:
The salt is a natural remedy for removing mucus from the respiratory tract and the hot water reduces throat irritation.
Gargle with the salt water few times a day for clearing up chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Gargle using the solution twice or thrice a day until congestion clears up.
- Place one onion slice into a bowl.
- Pour honey over it.
- Cover it and allow it to set overnight.
How it works:
Onion is an effective remedy for chest congestion. It contains quercetin for allowing the mucus to dissolve. In addition, it can prevent mucus buildup in the chest and also prevent infection.
How frequent to use:
Consume the honey soaked onions four times daily. Take one tsp of honey each time.
Tip: You can also consume raw, cooked, and baked onions for allowing the mucus to flow easily.
3. Bay Leaf
What you need?
- Fresh bay leaves
- Water
How to do:
- Add fresh bay leaves into a pot of boiling water.
- Steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Drink it when warm.
How it works:
Bay leaf is a natural herb for treating chest congestion. This herb contains antimicrobial properties commonly used for treating symptoms like chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Drink two to three cups of bay leaves tea daily.
Tip: You can also dip a clean cloth into the infused solution, and place it over your chest to get relief from chest congestion.
4. Lemons
What you need?
- Lemon
- Hot water
How to do:
- Add one tsp of grated lemon zest to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the solution and drink.
How it works:
The citric acid in lemons prevents mucus forming bacteria in the respiratory system. In addition, the presence of Vitamin C in lemon can improve the immune system in our body.
How frequent to use:
Gargle with the solution twice or thrice a day.
Tip: Add one tsp of lemon juice and honey to a glass of warm water. Drink this solution several times a day.
5. Ginger
What you need?
- One tsp dry ginger
- One tsp black pepper
- Cloves
- Honey or mil
How to do:
- Grind one tsp of dry ginger, black pepper, and three cloves to turn into fine powder.
- Mix this powder with one or two tsp of honey or mil.
How it works:
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties helpful for chest congestion. It contains polyphenols which can help to slow down mucus secretion. Additionally, ginger can also help to fight off infection that causes chest infection.
How frequent to use:
Use this powder thrice daily mixed with honey or mil.
Tip: You can also chew few ginger slices throughout the day to ease your throat.
6. Thyme
What you need?
- ¼ half tsp thyme
- Cup of boiling water
- Honey
How to do:
- Prepare tea by adding one fourth of half tsp of thyme in one cup of boiling water.
- Soak for five minutes.
- Add one tsp of honey for taste.
How it works:
Thyme herb can allow making our lungs strong to prevent mucus causing bacteria.
How frequent to use:
Drink this herbal tea twice or thrice a day for relieving chest congestion.
Tip: You can also mix olive oil and thyme oil in 1:1 proportion. Rub this oil over your chest for best relief.
7. Lemon and Honey
What you need?
- Lemon
- Honey
How to do:
- Boil water in a vessel and bring it to boil.
- Add one tsp of lemon and one tsp of honey.
- Boil for 15-20 minutes in low flame.
How it works:
Lemon is a natural and effective remedy for treating chest congestion. It contains citric acids to reduce mucus thickness, while honey has antiseptic properties to help fight off infection
How frequent to use:
Drink this tea to get relief from throat and chest.
Tip: Do not give honey to children under one as it can lead to botulism.
8. Vinegar
What you need?
- One tsp vinegar
- One glass of warm water
How to do:
- Mix one tsp of vinegar in one glass of warm water.
How it works:
Vinegar is an effective remedy for healing chest congestion. It can loosen thick mucus from the body, thus allowing one to clear chest. Vinegar can also help to strengthen immune system.
How frequent to use:
Try this solution once or twice a day for effective results.
Tip: You can also boil vinegar and inhale its vapors for fast relief.
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9. Black Coffee
What you need?
- One to two cups black coffee
How to do:
- Drink one or two cups of strong black coffee daily.
How it works:
The caffeine found in coffee can help to clear off mucus and relieve one from shortness of breath. It is one of the effective remedies for preventing breathing problems related to asthma.
How frequent to use:
Do not drink more than two cups of black coffee in a day as it can lead to high blood pressure, and heart rate.
Tip: Do not make use of black coffee as a remedy for a regular cure for asthma.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
What you need?
- 2 tsp raw organic ACV
- One tsp honey
- Warm water
How to do:
- Mix two tsp of raw organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
- Add one tsp of honey to taste.
How it works:
Apple cider vinegar can help to fight off chest congestion. It can help to fight off mucus causing bacteria in the chest and throat. This remedy can also help to fight off congestion.
How frequent to use:
You can repeat this remedy twice or thrice a week to get relief from chest congestion.
Tip: You can also take one tsp of apple cider vinegar directly for fast relief.
11. Steam Inhaling
What you need?
- Few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
- Towel
- Hot water
How to do:
- Fill a bowl with hot water.
- Add few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil.
- Cover your head with a towel.
- Lower your head over the bowl.
- Inhale the steam and take deep breaths in between.
How it works:
Steam inhalation is an effective remedy to getting fast relief from chest congestion. The heat and moisture can help to break up the mucus.
How frequent to use:
Try this remedy twice or thrice a day until the congestion goes away.
Tip: Children, pregnant women, and those with high blood pressure should be refrained from trying out this remedy.
12. Herbal Tea
What you need?
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
- Mint
How to do:
- Bring water to boil in a vessel.
- Add desired herbs (chamomile, rosemary, thyme, etc)
- Allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Add a mint sprig for taste.
How it works:
Herbal teas can provide relief from chest congestion because of its anti inflammatory properties. It can prevent bacteria causing chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Have this herbal tea twice or thrice a day.
Tip: You can use this herbal tea for inhalation purpose.
13. Hot Pack
What you need?
- Cloves
- Carom seeds
- Muslin cloth
How to do:
- Roast few cloves and carom seeds for two to three minutes.
- Transfer it to a cheesecloth or muslin cloth.
- Tie the ends of the cloth.
- Place this cloth over your throat and chest for few seconds.
How it works:
Hot pack can work effectively to soothe chest congestion. It can provide immediate relief from chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Try this solution once in the morning and once before bedtime.
Tip: You can also add camphor essential oil and peppermint essential oil for fast relief.
14. Turmeric, Honey, and Black Pepper-added Milk
What you need?
- Turmeric powder
- Hot milk
- Honey
- Black pepper
How to do:
- Add half a tsp of turmeric powder to a cup of hot milk.
- Mix two tsp of honey and a pinch of black pepper.
- Stir the solution.
- Drink it warm.
How it works:
Turmeric is considered as a natural antioxidant to cure both various health concerns. It contains a compound known as curcumin that can help to expectorate mucus from the body and provide fast relief from chest congestion. While honey and black pepper can help to remove mucus from the respiratory tract easily.
How frequent to use:
Try this remedy twice a day.
Tip: Do not try this remedy on children.
15. Steamy Shower
What you need?
- Hot water
How to do:
- Take a hot shower to ease off congestion and also for a refreshing effect.
How it works:
A steamy shower can help to loosen mucus that is stuck in throat and lungs. It can provide instant relief from clogged nose and clear chest cold.
How frequent to use:
Try once daily.
Tip: Do not stay under the water for a long period of time.
16. Mustard Plaster
What you need?
- ¼ cup mustard powder
- One cup flour
- 2 pieces of cloth
- Coconut oil or olive oil
How to do:
- Make a smooth paste of mustard powder, flour, and water.
- Apply coconut oil or olive oil over your chest.
- Dip a cloth in hot water. Wring it and place the cloth over your chest.
- Spread a thin layer of the mustard powder and flour.
- Dip another cloth in hot water and place over chest.
- Leave the cloth for 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe the area using a clean cloth.
How it works:
Mustard powder can help to stimulate circulation and help to increase perspiration. It allows your airways to clear up and relieve chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Repeat this solution thrice a week for best effect.
Tip: If the mustard poultice irritates your skin, then you should refrain from trying it again.
17. Radish
What you need?
- Radish
- Lemon Juice
How to do:
- Wash and chop one fresh radish.
- Rub lemon juice over it.
- Consume the radish to fight off chest congestion.
How it works:
Radish is an effective remedy for clearing throat and relieving from chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Try this radish remedy twice or thrice a week to see noticeable results.
Tip: You can also drink fresh radish juice daily for relieving chest congestion.
18. Onion
What you need?
- Onion
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Water
How to do:
- Extract the juice of an onion.
- Add the juice of lemon, honey, and water.
- Heat this mixture until it is lukewarm.
- Sip this solution slowly.
How it works:
Onion is an effective remedy for chest congestion. It contains quercetin for thinning your mucus, and preventing buildup. Additionally, onion can also prevent infection.
How frequent to use:
Drink this solution three or four times a day.
Tip: Chew five or six onions with sugar before bedtime.
19. Oregano Oil
What you need?
- Oregano oil
How to do:
- Pour a little amount of oregano oil in a vessel.
- Heat in flame until lukewarm.
- Apply on chest and throat.
How it works:
Oregano herb is commonly used in the kitchen for cooking purpose but it also contains medicinal properties. This herb contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant benefits for strengthening immune system.
How frequent to use:
You can make use of the oregano oil twice a day for fast relief from chest congestion.
Tip: You can also consume oregano oil capsules to protect one from viral infections. Or add two to three drops of oregano oil to your vaporizer or diffuser to relieve from chest congestion.
20. Fennel
What you need?
- Fennel seeds
- Curry powder
How to do:
- Consume fennel seeds to get instant relief from chest congestion.
- Another remedy is mixing curry powder to fennel. This can be consumed to clear mucus from lungs.
- You can also mix few fennel seeds in a glass of hot water. Soak for few minutes. Consume after 15 minutes.
How it works:
Fennel is a great remedy for thinning mucus from lungs. It can help to clear off chest congestion without any side effects.
How frequent to use:
These remedies can be tried once a day.
Tip: You can also dry roast fennel seeds on low flame and inhale its vapors.
21. Licorice
What you need?
- ½ tsp of licorice roots
- Cup of hot water
How to do:
- Add half tsp of licorice roots to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for few minutes and strain the mixture.
- Drink the tea when warm.
How it works:
Licorice acts as an antiseptic remedy to relieve from cough and congestion. It can also help to soothe irritated throat and inflamed lungs.
How frequent to use:
Repeat this procedure thrice a day.
Tip: Do not try this remedy if you suffer from blood pressure.
22. Chicken Soup
What you need?
- 4 pound chicken pieces
- Coarse salt
- 2 celery stalks
- 6 carrot slices
- 3 medium chopped onions
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 cups of water
How to do:
- Add chicken, one tsp salt, and water to a pot. Bring it boil.
- Add onions, celery, and garlic. Cook in low flame for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Take off the meat from bones. Add carrots and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Stir well and season with salt.
How it works:
Chicken soup is a great treatment for lung infection. It contains nutrients and offers the body an anti-inflammatory mechanism. The soup can also ease symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
How frequent to use:
Have the soup once a day until you get relief.
Tip: You can also add black pepper to the salt to reduce the build-up of mucus.
23. Hot Water
What you need?
- Heating pad or hot water bottle
How to do:
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle over chest for 10-20 minutes.
- Place a cloth over chest to prevent skin burns.
How it works:
The steam or heat from hot water can allow one to breakdown mucus from chest.
How frequent to use:
Try this remedy twice or thrice a day.
Tip: You can also sip hot warm throughout the day for relieving from chest congestion.
24. Ginger Tea
What you need?
- 2 pieces ginger slices
- 1 tsp honey
- Hot water
How to do:
- Boil water to a vessel.
- Add the ginger slices to the boiling water.
- Allow it to boil for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Add honey for taste.
How it works:
Ginger can help to lessen inflammation in airways, and restore normal breathing.
How frequent to use:
Try the ginger tea twice a day for clearing off chest congestion.
Tip: You can take this herbal spice in its raw state or as herbal supplements.
25. Eucalyptus Oil
What you need?
- Two to three drops of eucalyptus oil
- One tsp of coconut or castor oil
How to do:
- Mix the eucalyptus oil with coconut or castor oil.
- Apply the oil onto neck, chest, and back.
- Leave the oil for few hours.
How it works:
Eucalyptus oil contains several medicinal properties to relieve from chest congestion. This oil can also reduce mucus buildup and provide relief to inflamed respiratory passages.
How frequent to use:
Try this remedy once a day before bedtime.
Tip: This solution can be stored in a cool place for up to six months.
26. Have Spicy Food
What you need?
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili powder
How to do:
- Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to your food.
How it works:
These ingredients can clear clogged airways resulting in chest congestion. Having spicy foods can also allow cleaning irritated chest to speed up healing process.
How frequent to use:
Consume spicy foods daily to relief yourself from chest congestion.
Tip: Spicy foods can also cause stomach ache and diarrhea; therefore do not over consume it.
27. Parsley
What you need?
- Parsley leaves
How to do:
- Chew parsley leaves to fight against chest congestion.
- You can also add parsley leaves to a prepared dish.
How it works:
Parsley can clear chest congestion by releasing body histamines and prevent infections.
How frequent to use:
Add parsley to your prepared dish on a daily basis.
Tip: You can also add parsley to chicken soup so that you get relief from chest congestion.
28. Gourd Root
What you need?
- One tsp of bitter gourd root paste
- One tsp honey or one tsp of basil leaves juice
How to do:
- Make a smooth paste of gourd root.
- Add one tsp of honey to the gourd root paste.
How it works:
Gourd root can allow one to treat inflammation and cough. It allows one to strengthen immune system if taken continuously for a month.
How frequent to use:
Have this gourd juice mixed with honey daily before bedtime.
Tip: Try basil juice instead of honey if you are trying this remedy for your child. You can extract out its juice from fresh basil leaves.
29. Rosemary
What you need?
- 5-10 drops of rosemary oil
- Warm water
How to do:
- Add five to ten drops of rosemary oil to a bathtub of warm water.
- Soak in this oil infused bath water for few minutes to relieve from chest congestion.
How it works:
Rosemary oil has anti-microbial and antioxidant properties to clear airways and relieve from chest congestion.
How frequent to use:
Try this procedure once or twice in a week.
Tip: You can also drink a cup of tea infused with rosemary and chamomile herbs.
30. Avoid dairy
How it occurs:
Chest congestion occurs mostly after ingesting dairy products and most common to asthmatic patients. Over consumption of dairy products can increase histamine levels and make airways inflamed. It restricts one to breathe normally.
Tip: You should call a doctor immediately if chest congestion is accompanied by high blood pressure and increased heart rate.
31. Yoga
What you need?
- Try Asanas
- Right Diet
How to do:
- Supported bridge pose can clear chest and boost blood circulation of upper body.
- The Cobra pose can clear stagnation around heart chakra and relieve spinal tension.
- Reduce your intake of dairy products as it can increase phlegm, and minimize use of salts, oils, and fats.
How it works:
Yoga can strengthen body and restore vitality. Asanas can help treat chest congestion by drawing energy to chest and upper torso.
How frequent to use:
Try these yoga poses and diet choices daily for healthy living.
Tip: Prevent over exposure to cold wintry air for your lungs, throat, and neck.
Foods to avoid with chest congestion
- Refined Sugar
- Spicy Foods
- Dairy Products
- Meat
- Tomatoes
- Soy milk
- Chocolates
- Wine & other Alcohol
- Gluten Foods
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Ice cream
- Red Meat
- Pizza
- Bananas, Papaya, and Strawberries
When to see your doctor
- If your chest congestion is accompanied with body aches, fever, malaise, and chills.
- If chest congestion is caused because of a flu.
- When you experience chest pain with breathlessness.
- When your fever does not drop down.
- If you cannot drink anything without vomiting.
- A severe cough that lasts for more than two weeks
- Your chest congestion and headache are not getting better.
These are few remedies for chest congestion. If your cold is persistent and worsens with time, then you should see your doctor for more treatment.
