A major symptom of heart attack is chest pain. That’s why most people get nervous when they have chest pain. Whereas it can also be due to chest congestion or chest congestion. Know its causes and home remedies from an expert.
Chest congestion or chest pain is not always caused by a heart attack. Chest pain and feeling of heaviness are a major symptom of heart attack. But chest congestion can also occur due to many other reasons. Which also includes breathing bad air and pollution. If these days you get tired even after walking a little and feel difficulty in breathing, then both these are symptoms of chest congestion. Apart from this, you may also experience pain after chest congestion (Sign of chest congestion). If you’re already at risk for respiratory problems or heart disease, it’s time to pay even more attention. Know here the home remedies to deal with chest congestion (How to deal with chest congestion at home).
Breathing polluted air is dangerous (Pollution contributes in chest congestion)
Breathing polluted air, which has high levels of carbon dioxide and dirt particles, can be dangerous for your overall health. The AQI level of Delhi-NCR has reached very bad and dangerous level these days. Due to pollution in Delhi, schools and colleges have been brought to online mode. Whereas in offices, 50 percent work from home (Work from in Delhi-NCR) has been recommended.
These are the important measures which can prove helpful in protecting your health from pollution (Preventive measures for pollution). These days, the level of pollution has increased so much that even while standing on the balcony or terrace of the house, one feels burning sensation in the eyes and heaviness in the chest (chest congestion). Heaviness in the chest is a sign that your lungs are having to work harder than necessary.
Dr. Akshay Kashid is Consultant Cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune. They say that this season can be dangerous for heart health. Therefore you need to be extra careful.
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What are the symptoms of chest congestion?
Chest congestion is actually the accumulation of mucus or phlegm in the lower respiratory tract. It can also be caused by breathing polluted air and inhaling dirt particles.
- In case of chest congestion, dark yellow or light green mucus starts coming out.
- This mucus can come out when you cough.
- One starts feeling short of breath even after walking a little.
- The cough may worsen while lying down or sleeping.
- Sometimes you may feel wheezing or discomfort in your throat while speaking.
- The above symptoms may intensify when exercising, climbing stairs or doing any kind of physical labor.
Why are there more in this season? Feels like chest congestion (Causes of Chest congestion)
Dr. Akshay Kashid says, “Chest congestion, often called congestion, can occur due to many reasons. Its main causes are cold, flu, allergy, asthma, exposure to dust or pollution.
Apart from this, smoking, living in extremely cold environment or any lung infection can also cause chest congestion. In this condition, mucus accumulates in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing, cough, and a feeling of heaviness in the chest.”
How to deal with chest congestion
Some home remedies may be effective in getting relief from chest congestion. However, in any serious situation you should contact your doctor without any delay.
1 drink warm water
In fact, chest congestion is a term used for accumulation of phlegm in the chest. In this, excess phlegm, also called mucus, starts accumulating in the chest. Drinking warm water and taking steam is the easiest solution, which makes the mucus thinner and easier to come out.
Make 2 decoctions and drink them
Home remedies that clear your respiratory tract can help provide relief from chest congestion. If you are facing chest congestion due to pollution, cold or any infection, then start drinking a mixture or decoction of basil, ginger, and honey. This home decoction is also helpful in clearing the chest. But keep in mind that you should not overdo any home remedy.
3 Drink turmeric milk
Turmeric, known for its antiseptic properties, is another special remedy of this season. The antiseptic properties of turmeric reduce infection. For this, you can start drinking turmeric milk every day. Drinking raw turmeric boiled in milk clears the phlegm in the chest and makes breathing easier. It also helps in giving you relaxation and good sleep at night.
4 Gargle with warm water
Gargling with warm water is the easiest and most effective way to clear the upper respiratory tract. Especially when you live in a polluted area, or you have to go out every day for your work. Gargling with lukewarm water is a healthy habit to get relief from chest congestion. Which you can include in your daily routine.
5 eat spicy food
It may sound a bit strange to you, but eating spicy food clears the chest and nasal passages. Which provides relief from chest congestion. This is the reason why people in dusty areas like Rajasthan and cold areas like Kashmir eat very spicy food. It reduces the accumulation of phlegm in the chest and expels it naturally.
be careful
The above home remedies can help you in getting relief from chest congestion. You can try these during pollution and cold weather when you face blocked nose, sore throat and chest congestion. But if chest congestion increases or persists for a long time, it is important to consult a doctor.
Also read – Jaggery can help you in fighting increasing pollution, its benefits have been revealed in research studies.
