Chest congestion usually develops if you are suffering from either the common cold or bronchitis. Due to the cold, excessive phlegm and mucus gets accumulated in the airways and refuses to come out. This makes the chest feel heavy, which is commonly known as chest congestion. Chest congestion is very common, but if it is not treated immediately, it can lead to something as serious as viral pneumonia.
To break up the chest congestion, first get the phlegm out of the system. For this, you need get the phlegm to loosen up. Mind you, once the phlegm is loose, you will need to cough it out of the body. So be prepared to cough some more. The best thing that you can have, which will help to loosen up the phlegm, is a mixture of garlic and onion juice. Garlic has natural properties that helps fight the infection as well as increases the amount of white blood cells in the body. Onions help to break down the phlegm. If you find the taste offensive, you can add a little bit of honey to it. Take this mixture after every two hours for a fast recovery. Another thing that will take are of the congestion is steam inhalation. Take this steam directly on your face for at least 10 minutes or till your nose starts to run. If your nose starts running, it is an indication that your chest congestion has started to dissolve. During this time, make sure that you stay away from air conditioner; otherwise the phlegm will get solidified again
Drink chicken soup whenever you can. This will not only help to clear out the phlegm but will also take care of any inflammation that is present in the throat due to the cold. Before going to bed at night, drink a warm glass of milk after adding some turmeric powder to it. Turmeric has medicinal properties that will take care of any infection that is present in the chest or the airways. When you get up in the morning, before eating anything, have a teaspoon of ginger juice mixed with honey. Since you have to cough out the phlegm, chances are that your chest will ache. However, please do not take anything that will suppress the cough. The only way to get the phlegm out is to cough it out. You can take care of the chest ache by placing a warm water bottle or a warm heating pad on your chest.
answered by M W