How To Get Rid of Mucus in Your Chest - Health.com

Chest congestion is when you have a lot of phlegm in your chest that won't come up—no matter how hard you cough. You can get rid of this mucus in your chest by using home remedies like hot steam, soup, and certain medications.

These and other remedies can relieve chest congestion. However, it's important to note they are not cures for the infection responsible for the mucus production in your chest. Here's what you need to know, including when to see a healthcare provider about chest congestion.

Getting moisture into the air with a humidifier can be a helpful home remedy for chest congestion. It doesn't work for everyone, but it's worth a try as long as you use it safely, Alan Mensch, MD, a pulmonologist and senior vice president of medical affairs at Northwell Health's Plainview Hospital in Plainview, New York, told Health.

However, it's crucial to use humidifiers safely. Humidifiers can breed mold and fungi, which can cause other infections. Clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sitting up while you're awake may help you feel less congested. Additionally, changing how you lie down can be beneficial for clearing up any mucus in your chest. You might also opt to prop yourself up with pillows whenever you're ready to get some sleep, which can help you rest and recover from your illness.

Congestion relief may be possible if you cough up mucus. Mucus can remain in your airways when you're unable to control your cough. However, when possible, you can help loosen and move mucus through your airways by having more control over your cough.

Spending time in a hot shower can also be beneficial. Another option is to run hot water in your sink and cover your head and the faucet with a towel, breathing in the steam. "That warm steam helps the airways open up a little bit and helps you start getting stuff up," Alice Hoyt, MD of the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, told Health.

Viral infections most often cause colds and the flu. Although over-the-counter treatments won't cure you of those viruses, they can bring symptom relief.

Medications called expectorants contain an ingredient called guaifenesin, which may help break up the mucus in your chest. Common brands include Mucinex and Robitussin.

Chest congestion medications containing guaifenesin aren't always a hit with everyone. If you try them and they help your symptoms, they're generally fine to use, added Dr. Mensch.

Staying hydrated with enough water can help loosen mucus, as water makes the substance thinner. Additionally, a drink like hot tea might be soothing if you've been coughing due to chest congestion. It has the added benefit of inhaling some steam while you take a sip.

Warm soups, like chicken soup, may help ease chest congestion—though it's not a cure for an illness like a cold. Soup has two advantages. The first is that it can offer a decongestion benefit from the steam. The second is that it's a way to up your fluid intake to help thin mucus.

For an extra kick of relief, try adding some honey to a warm drink (e.g., tea) to help clear up chest congestion even further. Researchers noted that honey has nutrients to boost the immune system. When mixed with warm water, which can dissolve phlegm in the respiratory tract, honey can also help relieve coughing.

Honey shouldn't be given to children under one. Giving honey to children younger than one year increases their risk of botulism, a toxin-caused illness affecting the body's nervous system.

Some herbal products can help clear phlegm out of your airways. The products may include ingredients such as:

• Eucalyptus
• Ivy extract
• Pelargonium
• Primrose
• Thyme

However, the use of these products could have side effects like problems with your stomach or bowels. Always talk with a healthcare provider before using natural remedies.

Chest congestion is sometimes a minor nuisance that may not require more than home treatments. However, you should see a healthcare provider for severe or concerning symptoms, and if you experience:

• Bloody mucus when you cough
• Bothersome chest congestion
• Cough accompanied by a fever or lasting more than three weeks
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• No improvement in symptoms

It's also important to see a provider if you have chest congestion in general. Mucus in your chest can be a symptom of several chronic lung diseases, like:

• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis, an inflammatory condition related to the bronchi, or large tubes connected to the windpipe
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis, a genetic connection that can affect the lungs

If you have mucus in your chest, there are a few ways to get relief. Hot drinks, humidifiers, some herbal products, and medications like expectorants can all be helpful for chest congestion. Consult a healthcare provider if you have chest congestion and if symptoms like trouble breathing and fever accompany the congestion.

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