Chest congestion groups together a series of symptoms produced by the accumulation of fluids and mucus in the lungs. It is often a consequence of respiratory infections, such as flu, colds and bronchitis.. In combination with the main treatment you can use natural remedies to treat chest congestion.
In general, over-the-counter medications are helpful in dealing with this problem. Expectorants and decongestants are the most used, which use compounds such as guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine as the main agent. The remedies for chest congestion that we present complement their effects.
Causes of chest congestion
To begin with, chest congestion is linked to the attack of various types of viruses and bacteria that manage to escape through the respiratory tract. However, as they point out The expertsAlso It can be caused by allergies and inflammatory diseases.
In this sense, the conditions associated with its development include:
- common cold, pneumonia, asthma;
- respiratory or viral infections;
- exposure to toxic gases;
- bronchitis, sinusitis;
- excess fluid in the lungs;
- cystic fibrosis;
- airborne allergies;
- tuberculosis;
- lung cancer.
Finally, the treatment may vary depending on the severity with which it occurs, so always a specialist should be consulted. However, in addition to prescription drugs, some natural remedies can be used for chest congestion.
Symptoms associated with chest congestion
First, chest congestion is characterized by a feeling of a tight chest which can reduce your ability to breathe. Along with this discomfort, other symptoms may occur:
- severe cough;
- nasal secretions;
- heachache;
- chest pain, shortness of breath, or wheezing;
- sore throat, difficulty swallowing food;
- phlegm in the lungs.
9 Natural Remedies To Relieve Chest Congestion
If the cause of chest congestion it does not require hospitalization or medical treatment, some home remedies can be prepared. With these we will achieve minimize the severity of the symptoms with which it presents. We leave you with 9 natural treatments that you can use.
1. Onion and honey
To begin with, this remedy it has expectorant and mucolytic properties They help dissolve phlegm. In this way we were able to free the airways. It’s known that the onion has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, e experts suggest that honey is a powerful natural antibacterial.
ingredients
- ½ onion
- 8 tablespoons of honey (200 g)
Preparation
- First, you need to cut the onion into small slices and place them in a container.
- Then, cover them with spoonfuls of honey and let them rest for 10 or 12 hours, at room temperature.
- Finally, the next morning, remove the onion remains and keep the syrup obtained.
mode of consumption
- Take 3 or 4 tablespoons of remedy per dayuntil the chest is decongested.
2. Water with lemon
they also aim The experts lemon juice anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. These help fight the microorganisms that cause respiratory infections. In addition, its nutrients strengthen the immune system.
ingredients
- The juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cup of water (250ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
Preparation
- To start, dilute the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water. Then sweeten it with a spoonful of honey.
mode of consumption
- Drink the drink in the morning and before going to bed.
3. Bay leaf infusion
Studies Expectorant and antibacterial properties are attributed to the infusion of laurel. Also, these can help reduce airway irritation to relieve congestion.
ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of chopped bay leaves (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250ml)
Preparation
- To start, place the bay leaves in a cup of boiling water and cover the drink.
- Then, let it cool for 10 minutes and strain it.
mode of consumption
- Consume 2 or 3 cups of bay leaf a day.
- You can also apply it as warm compresses on your chest.
4. Infusion of ginger and black pepper
This expectorant and anti-inflammatory remedy helps clear the chest by decreasing excessive mucus production. It’s known that fresh ginger is useful for dealing with respiratory infections of a viral nature. For his part, It has been suggested that piperine, the most important alkaloid of pepper, has the same property.
ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger (5 g)
- 3 grains of black pepper
- 1 cup of water (250ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
Preparation
- To start, add grated ginger and black pepper to a cup of boiling water.
- Then, cover the drink and wait for it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Finally filter it with a sieve and sweeten with a spoonful of honey.
mode of consumption
- Drink the infusion 2 times a daywhen you feel very congested chest.
5. Thyme infusion
Studies They attribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the natural extracts that contain thyme. Also improve the body’s response against the attack of pathogens.
In short, its expectorant properties help eliminate excess mucus. In addition, they have a calming effect on irritated bronchi.
ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of thyme (5 g)
- 1 cup of water (250ml)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
Preparation
- First, add the thyme to a cup of boiling water and cover the drink.
- Finally let it rest for 10 minutes, filter and add the honey.
mode of consumption
- Drink the infusion up to 3 times a dayespecially if he has difficulty breathing.
6. Steam
Fluidizing the airways is the main goal of this simple therapy. We can achieve this with a cold air humidifier or a vaporizer. With having it in the bedroom with the doors and windows closed will help you breathe easier. Every time it is used, it should be cleaned to avoid the recirculation of pathogens.
If you don’t have the right equipment, a container is enough to store the hot water with extreme safety. Approach with a cloth covering your head and inhale; this will loosen the mucus. A warm shower or bath will help relieve symptoms of congestion.
7. Turmeric
Second the specialists Turmeric has properties that modulate the inflammatory response in the midst of a respiratory infection. It is an astringent and spicy root, a natural antibiotic, with a significant impact on the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems.. In this sense it relieves chest congestion and cough.
ingredients
- turmeric powder (2 teaspoons)
- Water (500ml)
mode of consumption
- Add turmeric in warm water and gargle.
8. Essential oils
A job Posted in Diary of flavors and fragrances in 2015 discovered that essential oils are useful in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract. In principle, they modulate the inflammatory response, especially if mediated by bacteria.. The best for this are those made from aniseed, eucalyptus, mint, tea tree and thyme.
There are many ways to take advantage of it: add them to your humidifier, infusions, or give chest massages with their help. Do not overuse them, as some may be irritating or itchy for some people. If the latter occurs, reduce the dose or opt for other natural remedies for chest congestion.
9. Warm milk
The discomfort caused by congestion is relieved by providing moisture to the airways, which is achieved by inhalation of moist air or steam, but also by ingestion. Water, broths, fruit juices and milk. And if honey, turmeric and black pepper are added to hot milk, the mucolytic effects will be enhanced.
Drinking milk with honey before bedtime, in addition to some of the above recommendations, will ensure restful sleep. Do you feel your chest tight and can’t breathe normally? Do you have congestion and phlegm? Don’t hesitate to try any of the mentioned remedies to control these discomforts.
More tips for treating chest congestion
The 9 natural remedies for chest congestion will serve as a complement to the main treatment. Together apply the following tips:
- Try to keep the height of your pillow when you sleep at about 5cm. It has been suggested that this is the perfect height to facilitate breathing and lung function.
- drink a lot of water. This can help make the mucus thinner so it can be cleared out of the lungs.
- Consider massaging decongestant gels and creams into your chest. there is evidence that these can help relieve congestion.
- Gargle with salt water if mucus builds up in the back of your throat. Some people may be predisposed to collect them there.
Recommendations to avoid chest congestion
The first thing you should pay attention to to improve immunity is to focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and being consistent with a daily exercise routine, at least five days a week. Furthermore, Check with your GP if he or she deems it necessary to take a vitamin supplement.
While no one is exempt from catching a cold or any other respiratory-borne virus on the street, there are a few things to consider to prevent these conditions from causing excess mucus and chest discomfort.
Ventilate the rooms you frequent, such as the bedroom and study, and keep them clean so that dust does not accumulate. Especially if you live with pets like cats or dogs. Do not use highly concentrated cleaning products as they can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms.
And if you see that the days go by and the feeling of congestion in the chest or stuffy nose does not go away, It’s time to go to a specialist to avoid reaching a chronic situation bronchitis, sinusitis or other respiratory diseases.
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