The lungs consist of bronchial tubes and alveoli. When a person inhales, the air travels through the bronchial tubes and into the alveoli. The body absorbs oxygen into the blood through the alveoli and releases carbon dioxide. The exhaled air carries the carbon dioxide out of the body. The lining of the bronchial tubes secretes mucus to help trap dirt and germs from the inhaled air. Several conditions may cause an increase in mucus production and cause chest congestion.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection and inflammation in lung tissue caused by pollutants, bacteria, viruses or fungi. Some individuals develop pneumonia from choking on food or vomit. Symptoms of pneumonia include a fever, cough, chest congestion and difficulty breathing, but may vary between individuals and depend on the cause of the pneumonia. Staying well hydrated can help thin the secretions in the chest. Pneumonia caused by bacteria may require antibiotics to treat the infection.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes thick mucus secretion to block organs such as the lungs, intestines, gallbladder, liver and pancreas. The thick mucus may block the airways in the lungs, causing inflammation and lung infection, which may lead permanent damage to lung tissue, says the Merck Manual Home Edition. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and vomiting because of the chest congestion. Using body positioning to help drain the mucus and chest physiotherapy may help loosen thick secretions.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an infection in the small bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. An infection or inflammation causes swelling and mucus formation inside the tubes. Symptoms of bronchitis include chest congestion, shortness of breath, a cough producing phlegm, wheezing and a fever. Most often, a virus causes bronchitis. For viral bronchitis, treatment consists of rest, increased fluids and medications to reduce a fever and body aches, says FamilyDoctor.org. For bronchitis caused by bacteria, a physician may prescribe antibiotics.
Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition that has no cure, but has treatment options to help control the symptoms. Symptoms of asthma include tightness in the chest, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest congestion. The symptoms occur because of inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Conditions such as allergies, exposure to smoke and viral infections may trigger an asthma attack. Rescue medications can help alleviate symptoms of an asthma attack.
