What is a cough congestion?

Congestion in the chest accompanied by a severe cough can be referred to, as cough congestion. Chest congestion & cough are generally seen when there is an excess of fluid or mucus in the respiratory system, which has not been expelled from the body.  The levels of mucus build up in the chest and the airways, thereby leading to congestion and a cough. There could be several factors that lead to a cough congestion in adults as well as children. While some of the reasons for this problem are fairly simple and harmless, it is also possible that cough congestion is the symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Moreover, a nasal congestion cough could cause a lot of discomfort and therefore, should be treated as soon as possible. However, in order to take the right treatment approach, it is important to understand exactly what is causing the congestion and cough problems.

Causes of cough and congestion in the chest

At times, a person can suffer from cough congestion problems, due to the common cold, a sore throat, the flu and so on. In such cases, it is more common to see cough congestion and fever too. While some instances of cough congestion with no fever could also be caused by simple and harmless factors, it is more common for respiratory illnesses to lead to such problems. Some of the most common causes of the buildup of mucus in the chest while suffering from a cough are:

• Bronchitis: This condition can be described as the inflammation in the bronchi, because of bacterial or viral infections. The symptoms that have been associated with this condition are pain and congestion in the chest, severe coughing, fever, sore throat and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis is quite a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible, or else it could turn to chronic bronchitis.
• Pneumonia: Quite similar to bronchitis, pneumonia is a severe respiratory disease, which is characterized by breathing problems, wheezing, sore throat, chest congestion and cough. This condition occurs when there is an inflammation in the lungs, as well as the bronchi because of an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. This condition is quite contagious and if left untreated, it could prove to be fatal too.
• Asthma: Several people all around the world, including children suffer from this common respiratory disease. The most common symptom of this condition is difficulties in breathing. However, other accompanying symptoms of asthma include, cough and congestion in the chest. Exposure to certain allergens can trigger off a bout of asthma, more commonly known as an asthma attack, which worsens the symptoms.
• Allergies: People can get affected by several forms of allergies, which is one of the most common causes of cough congestion. Exposure to allergens can aggravate the symptoms of allergies in most people.
• Sinuses: Although this condition usually leads to headaches, a runny nose and congestion, in some instances, it could be accompanied by a cough too. Sinus congestion and cough needs to be checked by a doctor and should be treated carefully.

Exposure to smoke can also lead to throat congestion and cough. Therefore, people who smoke may be required to cut down on the habit, till the coughing and the congestion in the chest and throat reduce.

Treatment of cough congestion

There are several people who consult doctors for treatments and options on how to reduce cough. However, if the cough congestion has been caused by some of the serious underlying factors mentioned above, then it is essential to first cure the underlying condition, after which the congestion and cough should reduce on their own. However, in case the factors that have lead to the cough congestion are simple colds, coughs, sore throats, the flu and so on, then there are many ways in which people can reduce coughing problems. Nevertheless, while most of the options on how to reduce coughing may help control one symptom, they do not treat the underlying condition. It is quite common for people to use prescription and over the counter medicines, for relief from symptoms like coughing. Once the cough reduces, it is easier to get rid of the mucus in the respiratory system.

Home remedies for chest congestion and cough

Many of the medications that help cure cough and chest congestion problems could lead to adverse side effects, like heartburn, drowsiness and so on. This is probably why most people prefer to use simple cough congestion remedies. Some of the most common remedies for curing a cough congestion are:

• Drinking a cup of warm tea, to which honey has been added. This is an excellent chest congestion cough remedy, as it loosens the mucus in the lungs and soothes the discomfort in the throat at the same time.
• Fill a glass with some drinking water and add around 15 drops of pepper sauce of a good brand to it. Drinking this solution not only loosens the mucus, but also gets rid of the coughing.
• Vitamin C works wonders in getting rid of a cough and other throat problems. A person can either chew on some Vitamin C tablets or can mix half a glass of orange juice in an equal amount of warm water and drink the mixture. This remedy should be used around three or four times a day.
• Steam inhalation helps break up the mucus within the chest, making it easier for the body to expel it. Taking a steaming hot shower can also help relief the chest and reduce the coughing.
• Using a humidifier to keep the environment moist can help reduce coughing and subsequently the congestion to a great extent. However, the humidifier should be cleaned on a regular basis, or else it could aggravate the problem.

Parents should consult a doctor or a pediatrician, as soon as infant congestion cough symptoms become evident. Self treatments or even home remedies should never be used on infants, without getting a go ahead from the doctor.

Causes And Remedies For Cough Congestion And Phlegm

A congested cough can occur due to common cold, respiratory disorder, bronchial asthma, sinus congestion, smoking tobacco or other substances and the presence of foreign matter in the throat. Another important cause for cough that most people tend to neglect is due to heartburn which is believed to be one of the leading causes.

Some tips to reduce the severity of cough include:

• Inhale steam from a vaporizer, hot shower, or from a vessel of boiling water. The hot damp steam will help in soothing the respiratory tract and weaken the accumulation of mucus and phlegm in the throat and lungs. To further weaken or thin the phlegm, you can also add a few drops of the oil of eucalyptus to the hot water in the vaporizer.

• Avoid smoking. Smoke contains a host of chemicals that can be one of the major causes for the production of phlegm and cough.

• Consume a good supply of water, approximately eight to ten glasses of water in order to prevent dehydration and loosen the mucus in the lungs. Water is believed to be a natural expectorant that can further thin the mucus and ease out the cough.

• Do not abuse over-the-counter cough suppressant remedies without addressing the underlying problems, as suppressing the symptoms with the medications will not solve the problem. Suppressing a phlegm ridden cough will not help the respiratory system, as it is imperative to get the phlegm out of the respiratory system, rather than contain it within the lungs.

• It is believed that consuming hot foods such as hot peppers, horse radish or spicy foods can loosen the mucus.

• Consume hot herbal teas in order to release thick mucus and clear or moisturize the airways.

• Take the help of cough drops or hard candy to prevent the sensation causing the cough in the throat.

• Do not consume foods that step-up mucus production, like milk, butter and cheese, meat and deep fried foods.

• Certain vitamin supplements containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are believed to be beneficial in easing cough.

• Some useful essential oils that can be added to steam include cypress oil, juniper oil, ginger oil, cedar oil etc.

• Also try a chest rub made from diluting a few drops of cedar oil in one teaspoon of base oil, like olive oil, almond oil or jojoba oil, and blend these oils as a massage on to the chest a few times a day.