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6 Main Chest Congestion Causes
Chest congestion – that annoying tightness you feel in your chest and under and around your breast bone when you have excess mucus you are unable to cough up. It is a common symptom of many respiratory ailments, but when could it be a sign of something more serious? Let’s take a look at chest congestion causes, common symptoms and how to get rid of chest congestion.
What Is Chest Congestion?
If you were to ask 10 different people to define chest congestion, you would probably get 10 different answers. Put simply, chest congestion is a non-medical term for a build-up of fluids and mucus in the lungs. Your chest may feel heavy and stiff. There may be pain when you try to take a deep breath. You may, or may not, have a cough that produces mucus. You may even have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.[1] But what illnesses or diseases cause these symptoms?
Chest Congestion Causes
The following are the six main causes of chest congestion. Some of these chest congestion causes include lung congestion with a cough, while others include chest congestion with no cough. Regardless, knowing the most common chest congestion causes can help you identify a problem before it becomes dangerous to your health.
Common Cold
Colds are the most common cause of chest congestion. They may be accompanied by a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing up large amounts of mucus. With plenty of rest and fluids, and perhaps some of grandma’s chicken soup, your cold symptoms will usually resolve on their own in about 10 days, although some colds can last longer.
Allergies
Pollen, dust, pet dander – triggers like these can cause allergies, another common cause of chest congestion. In addition to lung congestion, with or without cough, other symptoms may include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and wheezing. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is usually harmless to most people. Relief from allergies may be obtained through over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. Allergy shots may also help.1
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. You may start off with flu-like symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, chills, chest congestion and coughing up green, yellow or bloody mucus.. Some of the time, pneumonia can be treated at home. But for older adults and people with underlying health conditions, pneumonia can be quite serious and may have to be treated with intravenous antibiotics in the hospital. If there is concern that your chest congestion has become pneumonia, see a doctor. 1
Bronchitis
Bronchitis causes inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, the passageways by which air flows through the nose or mouth to the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs. There are two kinds of bronchitis: Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term). Acute bronchitis is caused by a viral infection, comes on suddenly and usually resolves itself in a matter of weeks. Chronic bronchitis is mainly caused by smoking, has an insidious onset and is irreversible, although treatment can help manage symptoms. Signs and symptoms of both types of bronchitis include chest congestion, cough with mucus production, wheezing, shortness of breath and fatigue.[2]
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, or TB for short, is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads from person to person through droplets in the air. Symptoms include cough with mucus production that is sometimes bloody, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. TB is a curable and preventable disease that is treated with a standard 6-month course of 4 different antimicrobial drugs.[3]
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
CHF, or heart failure, occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the continuous demands of the body. This causes blood and fluid to back up in the lungs, as well as fluid build-up in the feet, ankles and legs (edema). Additional symptoms of CHF include shortness of breath, chest congestion with no cough and fatigue. Common causes of CHF include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. This illness is most common in people over 65, African Americans, people who are overweight and people who have had a heart attack. Men are more prone to CHF than women. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause, medication, fluid restriction and heart transplant, if standard treatment options fail.[4]
Relief for Chest Congestion
If you are wondering how to get rid of chest congestion, or how to treat the discomfort associated with lung congestion, there are a few things you can do to alleviate your symptoms. Try the following to see if you are able to thin the mucus build-up in your lungs.Â
- Essential oils: Some studies have indicated that essential oils can be beneficial for certain bacterial infections, including some that cause lung congestion and chest congestion. Also consider a rub applied to the chest that includes camphor, menthol and eucalyptus to help alleviate chest congestion.
- Honey: If you are experiencing a cough with your chest congestion, studies show that a spoonful honey is quite effective for helping to reduce coughing at night and helping improve sleep quality.
- Medication: Expectorants that can be purchased over-the-counter (like Mucinex and Robitussin) can help break up the mucus causing your chest congestion, allowing you to cough up the mucus to clear your chest. Talk to your doctor about whether or not an expectorant is the right choice for your chest congestion causes.
- Steam: Use a humidifier or spend some time in a steamy shower to loosen the mucus in your chest, allowing you to cough it up. The shower has the added benefit of warmth, which can help open your airways a little, too (unless you have asthma).Â
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other decaffeinated liquids to help keep mucus from getting too thick and sticky. There is some evidence that chicken soup may actually benefit your health when you are congested as well, so a good old-fashioned bowl of chicken soup might be a good idea, too.Â
When you are ready to figure out how to get rid of chest congestion, it is a good idea to ensure that rest and hydration are incorporated into your treatment plan. If you have any kind of lung disease or breathing condition, it is likely you are already taking medication to treat your symptoms. If that is the case and you want to try medication for your lung congestion, check in with your health care provider before taking over-the-counter medicine, as it could cause unfortunate interactions or side effects for you.
When Should You Call the Doctor About Chest Congestion?
If your chest congestion is caused by the common cold, the good news is that, over time, your symptoms tend to improve. However, not all chest congestion causes begin or end with the common cold. One sign that you should see a doctor is when your symptoms get worse, not better. Other symptoms that warrant a call to the doctor include:[5]
- Chest pain or pressure that does not go away with rest
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
- Prolonged high fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Cough that lasts longer than 10 days
- Persistent vomiting
- Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint
- Cold symptoms that lasts longer than 10-14 days
If you are not sure whether you should call a doctor about your symptoms, err on the side of caution and call. Staff at your doctor’s office will be able to help determine whether or not you should see a doctor. If you already have a health condition that may be complicated by chest congestion, call sooner rather than later.Â
Frequently Asked Questions: Chest Congestion
How do you get rid of mucus in your chest?
The first thing you need to do to relieve chest congestion is make sure you are well hydrated. This will help ensure that the mucus is thin enough to cough up. Water is ideal, but many people find that warm tea is helpful, as is warm water with lemon and honey. Inhaling steam, from a humidifier or a shower, can also help loosen the mucus in your chest. Breathe the steam for as long as it feels comfortable and effective. Finally, you can use an expectorant to help break up the mucus, allowing you to cough it up. If you experience chest congestion lasting more than three days, or chest congestion that suddenly gets worse, contact your doctor. If your chest congestion causes you to cough up bloody mucus, or comes with a fever, wheezing, chest pain or breathing difficulties, seek medical attention right away.Â
Can you use home remedies to get rid of chest congestion?
Home remedies like chicken soup, steamy showers, hot water with lemon and honey and breathing essential oils like camphor, peppermint and eucalyptus can actually help alleviate your symptoms. These methods help thin and loosen your lung congestion, helping you cough it up.Â
What is chest congestion caused by?
Chest congestion can be caused by any number of issues, including acid reflux, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, tuberculosis and other pulmonary conditions. While some amount of chest congestion is normal for common conditions like a cold or allergies, it is a good idea to see a doctor if your chest congestion causes other symptoms or lasts longer than three days.Â
[1] WebMD. Why Is It Hard for Me to Breathe? February 20, 2018.
[2] WebMD. What Is Bronchitis? July 30, 2019.
[3] World Health Organization. Tuberculosis Fact Sheet. September 18, 2018
[4] U.S. National Library of Medicine. Heart Failure. July 22, 2019.
[5] Health Central. 8 Signs You Should See a Doctor About a Cold. March 27, 2012.
Additional Sources
Health. 7 Ways to Get Rid of Chest Congestion. January 19, 2018
WebMD. Congestive Heart Failure and Heart Disease. September 5, 2018
Mucinex. Chest Congestion: Causes, Symptoms and Remedies.Â
ExploreIM. An Inside Scoop on the Science Behind Chicken Soup and the Common Cold.Â
CNN. Does chicken soup really help fight a cold? March 9, 2018
Jama Network. Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents. December 1, 2007
NCBI. Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Oil on Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. March 13, 2016
Medical News Today. What causes mucus in the chest? April 19, 2018
I have a tightness in my neck near where my thyroid gland is. Have difficulty breathing fully, have nausea sometimes, b ut no vomiting. Feel light headed. This comes and goes sometimes in remissions for months only to reappear.
Hi Joanne, We're sorry to hear about the symptoms you are experiencing. Nausea and light-headedness can be caused for a variety of health reasons. Please consult your primary care doctor about your symptoms as she or he is familiar with your medical history and will be able to diagnosis you.
Very good information on COPD. May help a lot of us who have it.
Glad to get any info on COPD. I enclosed my e-mail for
future info.
Pneumonia should never be treated at home. The longer you go with out medical treatment the worse it gets.
I have a shortness of breath when I speak, especially when I speak a lot or feel exciting about something. I went to the hospital and did several inspection of heart disease and lung, but It did't find out any serious issue. A month has go by, but the symptoms still exist on me. GOD BLESS ME, WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY BODY!
Hi Owen, We're sorry to hear about your symptoms and we hope you find a diagnosis soon! We understand how frustrating it can be to have unexplained symptoms. Unfortunately we are not familiar with diseases that cause the symptoms you mentioned and because we are not your primary care doctor we are not able to offer you a diagnosis.
Hi..im experiencing episodic chest tightness. Dr. told me tht i hv inflammed nose lining. Im also experiencing headache and difficulty breathing at times. I dont hv runny nose, sneezing or coughing symptom. This has been going on for almost 2 months. But when i go to the doctor, they will only give me meds to treat allergic and gave me a saline nose drip but i still feel chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Should I be concern about my condition and refer to an ent specialist?
Dear Iqa,
We're sorry to hear you are in such discomfort. It is always a good idea to discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned and ask for a referral. The worst they can say is NO.
We hope you feel better soon.
I have been suffering with nasal congestion for over a year. When breathing I feel bubbles popping in my nose and lungs. I do a neti pot with no long term help. My doctor has me on Azthromycin and prednesone for 5 days I feel my nose swelling during the day. I also have advair disc and spiriva in the am and pm. HELP! I am 73.
I wake myself up with congestion that seems like in my throat; this lasts for about three minutes then goes away.I don't experience this any other time of the day. should i elevate my head?
Hi Errol,
We suggest you speak to your doctor about this issue, but elevation could help alleviate the symptoms.
I often get heavy chest congestion from a simple cold. I get bronchitis 2-3 times per year and it takes weeks to get rid of the heavy mucous congestion. I worry because my grandfather died in his early 50's from emphasima. He never smoked; however he worked on the railroads and steel manufacturing plants in the 1930's-1950's. I often wonder if I have lung problems. I am in my early 40's.
Hi Jennifer,
I suggest talking to your primary care physician next time you experience these symptoms and ask their advice. We have an article on mucus that you might find useful interesting.
https://www.inogen.com/blog/green-yellow-mucus/
I experience difficulty breathing. I also wheeze. When I close my mouth and force air into my diaphragm and exhale through my nose, I force myself to cough productively and some of the congestion goes away. This has been going on for at least 2 yrs. This condition comes and goes. It may last for 3 to 4 months and then suddenly disappear.
I have gotten this 3 times in 6 months, symptons are chest congestion, cough aches and pains ……I m only concern due to the fact that this is the 3rd time.
So I’ve had a stuffy nose and I been sneezing and I been coughing up yellow and clear mucus it’s definitely chest congestion should I be worried at all? It’s been 5 time me feeling like this
Hi Ian,
Sorry to hear you are feeling under the weather. I suggest you speak with your doctor if this continues to persist. Feel better soon!
What do you do with the extra cannula when shopping etc.
Hi Beverly, Are you referring to the extra tubing that attaches to the cannula? Some people loop and clip it loosely. We do offer a 4 foot cannula on our website under accessories if that would help your situation. Thanks!
Im 27 I woke up today to a pain in my chest and it herts to breath when I bend anyway my chest tightens up and herts I'm a smoker been smokin for about13 years and never felt like this what do u think it could be
Hi Steven, I hope you are feeling better today when you woke up. I suggest you visit a medical professional for an exam.
It feels as if I have congestion in my chest but I'm not coughing. My chest feels a little tight. I did have a little bit of sneezing with itching of the throat.
I've had chest congestion with some wheezing as well as frequent lightheadedness and fatigue for the past week. No chest pain or tightness noted but I'm bringing up some small bits of green phlegm and I've got a fair amount of sinus drainage that results in a cough. Two bouts of nausea but no vomiting. I'm wondering if it's walking pneumonia or pleurisy? Not thinking heart-related but possibly?
Hi Kim, Best to have a doctor check it out for you so you can effectively treat it. I hope you feel better soon.
Hello I have shortness of breath problems last two weeks .doctor give me sinucus spray .its give me some relief but again same I feel my chest not free with take breath not take deep breath .and many yawns some complete some not .when yawn and breath complete i free free otherwise irritate me.please help and let me know what i can do .
I tried also chest congestion and mucus syrup but not too much difference.
Hi Jatinder, I am not a medical professional, so cannot offer specific advice. The best route would be to discuss this with your doctor and maybe request to see a Pulmunologist for an examination.
I always have a severe tighness within my chest but I don't cough
Can you have walking pneumonia and run no fever?
Dear Barbara, Pneumonia is the result of a bacterial infection. It’s best not to try to self-diagnose yourself, it’s always best to contact your physician so he or she can guide you to the most effective treatment. Although Walking Pneumonia may be milder than other types, it’s still an infection which can worsen if not treated correctly. Here is a link to an article on the WebMD website. https://www.webmd.com/lung/walking-pneumonia#1.
Hi, if my chest is tight and my throat is Road and I have a increased heart rate and a mucus in my chest that is coming up but no actual coughing. Does this still mean I could have a chest cold with no cold and how do I know when medical attention is required? I’m setill participating in physical activity and after my chest feels more clear and better then before, so Is it something I should be worried about or will it simply go away due to me only having a these symptoms for a few days ?
Hi Nick,
It is always a good idea to get medical advice so you can properly diagnose this. Sometimes it takes more than a couple days and these respiratory issues linger. Best to check it out. I hope you feel better soon.
Had another ambulance trip to the ER today because I couldn't breath. I've long been diagnosed and am being treated for COPD emphysema. My O2 sat when the EMTs arrived was 78. 2nd time I've been down at that level needing a trip to the ER. But once I've been through the ER, I tend to get quickly back to high 90s and stabilize there. So my primary care MD says I currently don't qualify for an oxygen Rx because I'm not regularly below 84 (I think is the number he cites). So I'm wondering if I can purchase an Inogen One without a prescription?
Hi Eric,
Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, you do need a prescription to purchase an Inogen One. I hope you start to feel better soon.
HI Eric,
Unfortunately, we are not permitted to sell them without a prescription due to a FAA ruling.
I've been having reoccurrance of pneumonia. I have been given anti biotics to treat atypical pneumonia for like two weeks now instEad of getting better I've got cold with nasal congestion,chest pain,constant clearing off throat then mucus in the throat with frequent sneezing
Had a very bad cold with heavy coughing that produced heavy mucus. One occasion after two weeks of having this virus while coughing I felt a discomfort in my chest that will not go away.
I feel a lot better from sneezing and coughing but the discomfort persists. What do you recommend? Thank you
Hi Joe,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
We suggest you reach out to a medical professional with this question. We hope you feel better soon.
Best wishes,
Inogen
Great post! Your article on Chest Congestion is very informative. your content is helpful for me. Keep sharing such articles.
Thank you Deepa! We appreciate the feedback.
I have chest congestion with no cough or fever. Phelgm is clear when it comes up.