Relief for Chest Congestion

Chest congestion occurs when excess mucus and fluid build up in the lungs. The common cold, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and air pollution are just a few reasons why you may feel congested. Medications and home remedies can help relieve your symptoms, but there are times when a doctor's healing touch is needed.

Drink More Liquids

By drinking liquids, such as water and juice, you help break up the mucus and clear the congestion. Hot liquids work even better, that's why your grandma may suggest a warm bowl of chicken soup when you're sick. The warm broth loosens the mucus, allowing you to breathe easier. Warm tea with honey and lemon is a great choice, because it soothes the throat.

Humidifiers and Steam

Humidifiers work wonders for chest congestion. Make sure to keep your bedroom door shut so you can build up a good amount of steam. You can still get the congestion-busting benefits of steam even if you don't have a humidifier. Simply go into the bathroom, shut the door, and turn on the shower. Make sure that the water is as hot as possible so the bathroom steams up quickly. You should feel your chest congestion breaking up in no time.

Medications

If home remedies don't work for you, it may be time to try some over-the-counter medications. Cough syrup will help thin out the mucus, giving you relief from your congestion. Avoid cough suppressants, because coughing is a natural reflex that helps you cough up the mucus. Many drugstores allow you to speak to the pharmacist. Ask him to recommend the best cough syrup for your congestion. Recurring chest congestion is not normal, so it is important that you see your doctor if your condition does not clear up. You may be experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, which can be deadly if left untreated. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure you take all of them even if you begin to feel better. If you don't finish the medication, your illness may not go away.

Good Hygiene

Hand-washing is important when you're sick because you don't want to re-infect yourself. Use disposable tissues when blowing your nose or coughing up mucus, and wash your hands after doing so. Use antibacterial hand soap whenever possible, and carry a pocket-sized bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you go out. Change your pillowcases every night when you are battling congestion, because a dirty pillowcase can aggravate your condition.