Chest congestion is an accumulation of fluids or phlegm in the lungs that causes coughing, chest pains and breathing difficulties. Chest congestion occurs from a viral, bacterial or fungal infection in the upper respiratory system. Home remedies are available to help relieve chest congestion but are not a substitute for medical treatment; consult with your health care provider to discuss any potential risks.
Fluids
Adding extra fluids to your diet might help with chest congestion. According to the MayoClinic.com, water, tea and juice are ways to increase your fluid intake; however, you should avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks because these can cause dehydration.
In addition to adding fluids to your diet, eating a bowl of chicken soup can help relieves your cold and flu symptoms. According to the MayoClinic.com, chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve congestion by drawing out mucus in less time and reducing the virus's contact time with the nasal lining.
A hot toddy is a folk remedy that dates back for centuries and helps relieve chest congestion. Slowly heat the syrup, made with lemons and honey, in a saucepan. Allow the hot toddy to cool to a warm temperature before administration, which is one to two tsp. at a time. For adults, a shot of rum or whiskey may be added, but this is not advisable for children.
Steam
Sitting in a bathroom full of steam might help loosen up chest congestion for both young children and adults. Dr. William Sears, and associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, and well-known for his website called AskDrSears.com, suggests sitting in a steam-filled room for 10 to 15 minutes in the morning and before bed or throughout the day as needed to help loosen nasal and chest congestion.
Expectorant
An over-the-counter expectorant is helpful with chest congestion but may make you drowsy. Guaifenesin is one type of expectorant that helps loosen the thick mucus build-up in the lungs and makes it easier to cough up. Expectorants should not be used for than three days, and the medication might masquerade an underlying condition. In addition, some expectorants are not safe for children and it is advisable to read the labels closely or contact a health-care professional.
Herbs
Herbal remedies are available to help clear up chest congestion, but consultation with a health-care practitioner is advisable prior to use. According to the Organic Facts website, using menthol, such as peppermint oil, helps to clear the respiratory tract and is an effective expectorant.
Eucalyptus oil is an alternative treatment that might help loosen the phlegm in the chest and help relieve nose congestion. According to the University of Maryland Medication Center, inhaling eucalyptus vapors helps treat bronchitis, coughs and the flu.
