Causes of Chest Congestion and How to Treat It
Chest congestion is a frustrating symptom that can greatly impact your body’s health. Because so many vital organs needed to live are located in the chest, it is important to identify the source of your chest congestion or pain and treat it as soon as possible. Most chest congestion is not serious and can be treated with over the counter medication or every go away on their own with time, but that is not always the case. Knowing what you’re dealing with the first step to solving the problem.
1, Bronchitis
Inflammation in the bronchial tubes—the passageway that air flower from the nose or mouth to the air sacs of the lung is known as bronchitis. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic, or in other words, short term or long term. If the bronchitis is caused by a viral infection, it acute—meaning that it comes on suddenly and is gone in a matter of weeks. Chronic bronchitis is most common in smokers. Symptoms include chest congestion, cough with mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
2. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis often referred to as TB, is a bacterium-based infection. Symptoms include a cough with mucus or sometimes blood, chest pain, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and fatigue. It is treatable with antimicrobial drugs. If you have tuberculosis, see a doctor and avoid being in close proximity to others.
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure occurs when a heart cannot pump enough of the needed blood to the body. CHF leads to blood or other fluid to back up in the lungs, feet, ankles, and legs. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest congestion, and fatigue. CHF is most common in those over the ages of 65, obese people, and other people who have experienced heart disease or are at risk for heart disease. Treatment usually includes treating underlying causes and can sometimes require a heart transplant.
3. Allergies
Allergies are triggered by pollen, dust, and pet dander. These harmless substances cause an allergic reaction in the immune system. Symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing, and wheezing. The annoyance of allergies can make breathing difficult. Sometimes avoiding what you’re allergic to is not an option and won’t always do the trick. Allergies can be relieved by many over the counter antihistamines and decongestants.
4. Common Cold
The common source of chest congestions is the cold. Symptoms include a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezy, and coughing. Because there is often a large amount of mucus involved in the common cold, it can lead to significant chest congestion. With a little rest, lots of water, and some time, the common cold will usually go away on its own in about ten days.
COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a disease that occurs when lungs are damaged, and a person is unable to get the needed air to their bloodstream. The most common cause of COPD is smoking. In the case of COPD, patients usually need oxygen therapy to get their needed oxygen for a healthy life.