Chest congestion symptoms

How to recognize chest congestion?

Chest congestion is a condition in which the fluid and mucus accumulate in the lungs, which is why the person with this condition will have problems to breathe normally. It can happen to everyone, regardless of the age, and the symptoms that indicate this condition sometimes seem to be insignificant or they are easily mistaken for symptoms of a common cold, for example. However, it is important to be very careful and to recognize them in time and visit the doctor, because even when mild and not so serious in nature, the symptoms of chest congestion can be fatal. It is also necessary to know that the symptoms might vary depending on the cause, but those that might develop besides problems with breathing are shortness of breath, chills, fever, coughing or even coughing up blood, pain and tightness in the chest, difficulty in talking and swallowing. As long as coughing is dry, the person’s condition is not getting better, but when phlegm is coughed up, then they can be sure that this indicates improvement. If by chance, in case of chest congestion the person develops blue lips, blue tongue or blue nails, these will be the signs that the person lacks oxygen and that medical emergency assistance is necessary.

How to deal with chest congestion?

The treatment will depend on the cause, because they may range from common cold or flu, pneumonia and bronchitis, all the way to cystic fibrosis, congestive heart failure, malfunctions of the heart valve, pulmonary edema and lung cancer. Surely, not all the cases of chest congestion will be treated in the same way, and besides the causes, the symptoms and the age of the patient will have to be taken into consideration as well. The medications that will have to be included in the treatment are certainly antibiotics, corticosteroids, and cough suppressants, although some cases might require the use of bronchodilators too.

As for the things that can help the patient besides the medications, warm tea and vitamin C are on the top of the list. Any tea, but particularly chamomile and peppermint tea are going to help in unblocking the air passages. The intake of fluids on a daily basis needs to be increased, and what might also be helpful is inhaling steam in which a drop or two of eucalyptus or peppermint oil is added. The patient will need a lot of rest and appropriate diet will have to be followed for some time as well.