10 Ways To Get Rid Of Chest Congestion
Chest congestion can make life unpleasant and uncomfortable. It can also lead to serious chest infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. That is why you have to do everything in your power to get rid of chest congestion. The earlier you start doing things that are meant to help you with chest congestion, the easier things will be for you.
Fortunately, there are simple thing that you can do that can help you be free from chest congestion. Here are 10 best ways to get rid of chest congestion;
1. Keep Yourself Well Hydrated
Being well hydrated is extremely important when you want to get rid of chest congestion. Ensure that you are well hydrated by drinking plenty of water every time you get the chance. Lack of water in the body forces the mucus in your lungs and throat to coagulate and to thicken. This makes it a lot harder for you to get rid of it. When you drink a lot of water, your mucus will not get thick and it will be very easy for you to get rid of it.
2. Steam Can Be Very Helpful
Steam will help to break and dissolve the mucus that is sitting deep in your throat and lungs. Take a long hot shower so that you can inhale steam. You can also fill up a bowl with hot water and then place your face over it. Hold your face in front of the bowl for as long as you can so that you can inhale as much steam as possible. Try to breath as deeply as you can. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint into the water to make it more effective.
3. Check Your Diet
What types of food are you eating? Your chest congestion may be getting worse because of the types of foods that you are eating. Although food does not have a direct relationship with chest congestion, there are certain foods that increase the production of mucus. You have to minimize these foods when you want to get a relief from chest congestion. Salt, sugar, dairy products and fried food are some of the foods that lead to increased production of mucus. Reduce the consumption of these foods until the chest congestion problem goes away. Focus on eating foods that will help you clear the congestion. These are those foods that do not encourage the production of mucus. Garlic, citrus foods, ginger and spicy foods are good examples of foods that will discourage the overproduction of mucus.
4. Take Over The Counter Expectorants
Expectorants are drugs that help to break the mucus apart to make it easy for you to expel it from the body when you cough. There are many over the counter expectorants that you can use when you want to get rid of excess mucus. You can ask the pharmacist to recommend the best or you can seek recommendations from your doctor. Expectorants are not safe for children who are less than six years old. If it is a child who is suffering from chest congestion, you should talk to your doctor before using any type of expectorant.
5. Avoid Suppressant
Suppressant are good when you want to reduce coughing. Unfortunately, they thicken the mucus in your lungs and throat. You should avoid taking suppressants because they can make things worse for you when you are suffering from chest congestion. Keep in mind the fact that coughing is perfectly normal and helpful when you are suffering from chest congestions. Coughing is meant to help you get rid of the excess mucus. There is no need to try to minimize or to stop the coughing.
6. Drink Hot Beverages
Any sort of hot beverages such as tea and coffee can help relieve chest congestion. Even hot water can be very helpful. Tea not only hydrates the body, it contains caffeine, a stimulant that help your body to get rid of phlegm when taken in small amounts. Instead of drinking cold water to hydrate yourself, you should drink warm water.
7. Take Mixture Of Lemon And Honey
Honey and lemon are effective chest congestion home remedies. Honey is one of the best healing foods provided by nature. Consuming honey when you have a congested chest will help to reduce infections in the respiratory tract. Honey is able to reduce infections because of its amazing antibacterial properties. Lemon is a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to make your body more effective in fighting infections. Make a mixture of lemon juice, honey and hot water and take it just like hot tea. You can also add lemon and honey to your tea. Taking this mixture three to four times every day will be very helpful as far as chest congestion is concerned.
8. Use A Humidifier In Your Bedroom
Using a humidifier when sleeping can help to open up your nasal passages so that you can breathe better. This makes it possible for you to sleep well.
9. Try doing some Yoga
When you are not feeling well, exercise is probably the last thing in your mind. However, a little yoga can be very helpful when you have congested chest. This is because there are certain Yoga positions that will help you to drain out the excess mucus by opening up your air way. Do not put so much pressure on yourself when you are doing yoga. You just need to do small yoga moves to start feeling better.
10. Get Prescription Medication From Your Doctor
If you don’t get well despite doing most of the things that are listed here, you should talk to your doctor so that you can get prescription medication. Chronic or recurring chest congestion, or congestion that does not go away after a few days may be an indication of a much serious problem. Most problem’s that cause chest congestion can easily be treated.
Other Useful Tips:
- Drink ginger tea on a regular basis. Ginger tea can help to prevent and treat a host of respiratory infections.
- Try to spice up your food with garlic, black pepper and chilies. These spices relieve chest congestion.
- Elevate your head when sleeping. This position will help to promote the drainage of mucus.
