Chest congestion is caused by inflammation or increased mucus secretions in the airways. Chest congestion is commonly associated with asthma, chest colds and allergic reactions. Chest congestion can lead to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath and needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor. Chest congestion may be a sign of a more serious condition and should not be ignored if it lasts for more than three days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Asthma
Asthma is a common cause of frequent chest congestion. Asthma is a chronic lung condition where the lungs become swollen. Asthma is mostly known for its affect on the person's ability to breathe normally but can have an affect on congestion as well. When the lungs become irritated, the mucus membranes over-produce mucus, leading to congestion. The congestion can cause coughing and difficulty swallowing and breathing, according to MayoClinic.com. Asthma is treated with prescribed medicated inhalers that cause the lungs to return to their normal size. Asthma is also managed by identifying triggers and avoiding them. Common triggers are environmental irritants, exercise or stress.
Chest Colds
A recurring chest cold from a viral or bacterial infection can cause frequent chest congestion. Common bacteria and viruses are spread through human to human contact or airborne germs. For example, if someone sneezes and has a cold from a virus, the virus is thrust into the air and the person next to her can breathe in the virus particles and develop a chest cold. A chest cold that comes and goes needs to be evaluated by a doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral chest colds are treated with rest and increased liquid intake, while bacterial chest colds may be treated with antibiotics.
Allergies
Allergies causing frequent chest congestion are referred to as "allergic asthma." Allergic asthma is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation and mucus production in the airways, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergic asthma has similar symptoms to non-allergic asthma, but the cause is different. Someone with allergic asthma has a hypersensitivity to certain substances, called allergens. Common allergens that cause allergic asthma include pollen, mold spores and dust mites. The immune system overreacts to the allergen, fighting off the allergen with antibodies as if it was a harmful virus. The antibodies cause chemical reactions in the airways that cause them to become irritated and inflamed. Frequent chest congestion from allergies is best treated by avoiding allergens and taking an antihistamine.
