Chest Congestion – Cleanse the lungs with home remedies and dietary changes

Chest Congestion – Cleanse the lungs with home remedies and dietary changes

This condition, which can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, is generally caused by excessive mucus and fluid in the lungs, often accompanied by coughing, and may be audible [a crackling sound] when the person breathes in or out [air traveling through the airways of the congested lungs].

Symptoms of this disease

* Cough

* labored breathing

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain or discomfort

*Gasp

* runny nose

* Dizziness

* Fever and chills

* Body aches

* general malaise

These symptoms can vary [all at once or mixed and matched] depending on what the underlying cause is [flu, bronchitis etc]

Causes

* A cold

* Flu

* Allergies

serious but not life-threatening

* Asthma

* Croup

* Bronchitis

* Pneumonia

more serious and life-threatening

* Lung cancer

* Cystic fibrosis

* Heart failure

* Pulmonary edema

Treatments vary depending on the severity of the patient's illness, but in this article I will only deal with the non-life-threatening [but still serious] chest congestions [the more serious chest problems need medical treatment as soon as possible]

home remedies

Using a nebulizer [machine that warms a decongestant oil – karvol for example] helps relieve congestion and ease chest discomfort as it helps clear the patient's airways by loosening mucus, which can then be coughed up more easily.

Steam - this is also a great way to loosen mucus, boil a liter of water, pour it into a bowl and add Karvol [or any other decongestant med], have the patient bend over the steam and cover their head with a towel so that the steam remains directed at the patient's face while they inhale as deeply as possible.

Topical use – Applying aromatic oils to the chest [eucalyptus, Clary sage, pine or rosemary for example] can also help relieve chest congestion.

Breathing exercises – there are yoga exercises that help strengthen the lungs and improve their capacity. Find an exercise that suits your needs and try it daily.

diet

Ensuring the patient eats a diet rich in all the nutrients [especially vitamin C and E] the body needs will support the immune system as it fights to clear the blocked airways. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons etc. are rich in vitamin C and this vitamin is very important for strengthening the immune system at this time. Get the patient to drink as much herbal tea as possible [at least 3x a day] as these contain many essential nutrients and can also help strengthen the immune system.

Regardless of the result of the home remedies you have tried, always seek medical advice and medication from your doctor. This is a serious problem and may be a symptom of a more serious condition.