How to Clear Chest Congestion at Home
Chest congestion is a buildup of mucus in the chest. Allergies can produce chest congestion, and they occur mainly in the spring, summer, and fall. Other reasons for congestion are sicknesses such as the common cold or infections, such as a sinus infection or bronchitis. Chest congestion comes with heavy mucus, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. Take several steps to relieve chest congestion.
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Instructions
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Drink lots of liquids.The liquids will break up the mucus in the chest, making it easier to breathe and for the mucus to come out. Drinking liquids makes people urinate more often, helping rid the body of infection. Tea or coffee are the best choices as they are hot and help make an irritated throat feel better.
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Use steam. Steam is hot, moist, and when it gets into the chest cavity, it helps break down and loosen mucus. This step doesn't always work with everyone, so its effectiveness must be tested once or twice. The best way to produce a high amount of steam in an enclosed area is to take a shower with hot water, or to sit in the bathroom with the shower running.
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Take medicine periodically. Over-the-counter medicines are available at a local pharmacy or grocery store. The best medicine for chest congestion is cough syrup because it can best loosen up the mucus lodged in the chest. The most beneficial time to take a dosage of cough syrup is before bed because it will promote sleep, especially if it is a nighttime medicine.
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Make an appointment with the doctor. If all of these steps just aren't helping, the family doctor should be notified. She will be able to tell if a stronger antibiotic is necessary. Usually, if an antibiotic is prescribed, the chest congestion will clear up within a week.
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Go to bed. Sometimes a good night's sleep can help get rid of the sickness producing the chest congestion. Rest and sleep help naturally strengthen the body's immune system. If you're taking cough syrup or an antibiotic, sleep will help these medicines be most effective.
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Tips & Warnings
If you get a prescription from the doctor, don't stop taking it until it is gone. By taking the full dosage, it ensures that all of the infection will be eliminated.
Don't take too many over-the-counter medicines. Our bodies naturally build defenses to the medicines put into the body. So, the last time this medicine was taken, the body built up its defense to it, making it less effective next time.
Don't use cough suppressant because it tries to eliminate coughing. Cough syrup is a much better choice.
