Mucus lines the tissues of your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs and keeps these areas from drying out as well as protects them from infection. While some amount of mucus is normal, too much can cause discomfort.
Here are 8 ways to get rid of mucus in your chest at home and when to see a doctor.
8 ways to get rid of mucus in your chest at home
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, clear soups, and other fluids to keep your mucus thin and help drain your sinuses. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies may find that maintaining a healthy level of hydration helps them prevent congestion.
- Apply a warm, damp washcloth on your face. This can be an effective cure for sinus pain and help drain out mucus.
- Use a humidifier. Keeping the air around you moist can help you loosen mucus and clear up some congestion.
- Take a warm shower or bath. Mucus in the nasal passages and chest may loosen after a steamy bath, making the mucus easier to get rid of. Steam inhalation can also provide relief from sinus pressure or pain.
- Avoid cough suppressants. If you are suffering from a persistent cough full of phlegm, it may be tempting to take cough suppressants. Coughing, however, is your body’s way of clearing mucus from your chest and lungs.
- Use essential oils. Eucalyptus oil has been used to reduce mucus and alleviate coughing for many years. Applying some on the chest or putting a few drops in a diffuser or warm bath may help clear congestion.
- Use a vapor rub. Vapor rubs may help relieve some of the discomfort caused by congestion. You can massage it on your neck and chest to help with your symptoms.
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Both smoking and being exposed to secondhand smoke increase mucus production in the body. Quit smoking and do your best to avoid secondhand smoke.
What can cause mucus in your chest?
Some of the most common causes of mucus accumulation in the chest include:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Acid reflux
- Infections (bacterial and viral)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
When to call a doctor about mucus in your chest
If your symptoms do not subside, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. This is particularly important if you are experiencing a fever, chest discomfort, or difficulty breathing.
Seek medical attention if the following occurs:
- Congestion becomes much more severe and continues for more than 3-4 days
- Mucus shifts from liquid to a more viscous consistency
- Mucus has a green or yellow color, which is a sign of infection
QUESTION
Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See AnswerMedically Reviewed on 6/22/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image
Cleveland Clinic. Phlegm and Mucus: How To Get Rid of It. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mucus-and-phlegm-what-to-do-if-you-have-too-much/amp/
KidsHealth. Bronchiolitis. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bronchiolitis.html
Cleveland Clinic. Phlegm and Mucus: How To Get Rid of It. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mucus-and-phlegm-what-to-do-if-you-have-too-much/amp/
KidsHealth. Bronchiolitis. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bronchiolitis.html
Complete List
Top How to Get Rid of Mucus in My Chest Fast Related Articles
Can Congestion Be the Only Symptom of COVID-19?
Congestion can be the only symptom of COVID-19 in some cases.
Chest Pain or Heart Attack Quiz
What causes chest pain? If you have chest pain, does it mean you're having a heart attack? Take the quiz to learn what diseases and conditions may be responsible for pain in your chest.
Chest X-Ray
Chest X-Ray is a type of X-Ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X-ray can also detect some abnormalities in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area. A chest X-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid (fluid overload or pulmonary edema), fluid around the lung (pleural effusion), pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.
Cold, Flu, and Cough: How to Avoid Infectious Diseases
The right habits will lower your chances of catching an infectious disease. Learn what you can do to help yourself stay healthy.
Cold, Flu, & Cough: Symptoms of Immune System Problems
Your immune system is your main line of defense against infection and illness. Learn the warning signs that yours isn’t working the way it should.
Cold Medicine and Cough Syrup for Adults
Cough medicine and cough syrups can be taken to relieve a cough. Some people should not take cough medicine or cough syrups, for example, those taking SSRI antidepressants, and those with high blood pressure or heart disease. Cough suppressants relieve a cough by blocking the cough reflex. Cough expectorants thins mucus, so a person can cough mucus up easier. Often, a combination of a cold and cough medicine are necessary.
Common Cold
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.
Foods for the Flu
The best foods to eat when you have the flu soothe symptoms and help you feel better faster. Good foods to eat with the flu include popsicles, turkey, vegetable juice, chicken soup, garlic, ginger, hot tea, bananas, toast, meal replacement drinks, oranges, pumpkin seeds, and carrots.
Lungs Picture
The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax). See a picture of the Lungs and learn more about the health topic.
What Causes a Buildup of Mucus in the Lungs?
What causes mucus in the lungs? Learn the signs and symptoms of accumulation of mucus in your lungs and what to do if you have too much mucus in the lungs. Since not all cough medicines are the same, choosing the best treatment for you depends on your type of cough and symptoms.
What Is Mucus?
Mucus is a normal substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or mucus that is yellow, green, brown, or bloody may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat are present. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.
What Is the Best Medicine for Sinus Congestion?
Sinus congestion can be relieved with both over-the-counter medications and home remedies. Learn about the best medicines for sinus congestion.
Why Am I Coughing Up Bloody Mucus?
Coughing up blood may be caused by benign conditions such as a throat infection or very serious conditions such as lung cancer. Learn when to go to the ER.