Chest Congestion: Clearing the Lungs with Home Remedies and Diet Changes
This condition, which can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, is usually caused by excess mucus and fluid in the lungs, often accompanied by coughing and may be audible. [a crackling sound] when the person inhales or exhales [air traveling through the airways of the congested lungs].
Symptoms of this condition
* cough
* difficulty breathing
* difficulty breathing
* chest pain or discomfort
* wheezing
* stuffy nose
*dizziness
* fever and chills
* body ache
* general discomfort
These symptoms can vary [all at once or mixed and matched] depending on what the underlying cause is [flu, bronchitis etc]
Causes
* common cold
*flu
* allergies
serious but not fatal
* asthma
* rump
* bronchitis
*pneumonia
more serious and life-threatening
* lung cancer
* cystic fibrosis
* heart failure
* pulmonary edema
Treatments vary according to the severity of the patient’s illness, but in this article I am only going to cover those that are not life-threatening. [but still serious] chest congestion [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] It will help relieve congestion and alleviate any chest discomfort as it helps to clear the patient’s airways by loosening phlegm, which is then easier to cough up.
Steam – this is also a great way to loosen any phlegm, boil a quart of water, pour into a container, add karvol [or any other decongestant med]have the patient lean over the steam and cover their head with a towel to keep the steam focused around the patient’s face while inhaling as deeply as possible.
Topical application: application of aromatherapy oils on the chest. [eucalyptus, Clary sage, pine or rosemary for example] it can also help relieve a congested chest.
Breathing exercises: there are yoga exercises that help strengthen the lungs and improve their capacity. Find an exercise that suits your needs and try to do it daily.
Diet
Make sure the patient eats a diet rich in all nutrients. [especially vitamin C and E] the body needs, this will help the immune system as it fights to clear blocked airways. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, etc. they are rich in vitamin C and this vitamin is very important to boost the immune system at this time. Have the patient drink as much herbal tea as possible [at least 3x a day] as they contain many essential nutrients and can also help strengthen the immune system.
Whatever the outcome of the home remedies you have tried, always get some medical advice and medication from your doctor, this is a serious problem and can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.