Chest Congestion in the Fall: Causes Treatments

Although a cold and its accompanying chest congestion can occur at any time of the year, the generally accepted start of the “cold season” in the northern hemisphere arrives in September. The start of cooler seasonal temperatures by itself, however, does not necessarily produce more colds and chest congestion. You can generally blame congestion and its associated symptoms on viruses or seasonal allergies. Rather than determining the cause, your greater interest may concern finding a means of relieving the symptoms, such as an over the counter flu medicine.

What Triggers Chest Congestion?

When harmful allergens, viruses or bacteria get into your respiratory system, your body’s immune system reacts. Part of the protective response is creating enough mucous to entrap the foreign particles so that your body can expel them through coughing. The buildup of mucous is what triggers the cough reflex. You typically experience the buildup of excess mucous as chest congestion, but the response could also involve the sinuses and nasal passages.

Chest or nasal congestion can become annoying when it shows up “wet.” A constant runny nose or a repeated need to cough-up phlegm can take its toll on your day’s planned productivity. A case of “dry” chest congestion, however, could become painful as the unproductive coughing spells linger. Although sufferers often turn to pharmaceutical decongestants, you may wish to consider a homeopathic medicine for congestion in chest, nasal or upper respiratory areas.

What Relieves Chest Congestion Fast?

Teas, broth-based soups and other hot beverages often provide quick relief from the dry cough that usually accompanies chest congestion. Overall, staying hydrated can counteract the dryness and may also loosen up dried mucous so that you can easily expel it. If tea is your choice of a hot beverage, adding some honey to it can also help soothe irritated throat passages and lessen the severity of coughing spells.

Simply adding a teaspoon of honey to hot water could bring on some quick temporary relief from chest congestion and a dry cough. Because of its antioxidant properties, honey may also help bring relief from seasonal allergies. Be sure, however, to monitor your blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic and you begin consuming honey. A regular routine involving honey, however, will most likely not prove helpful if you are allergic to bees or bee pollen.

What Makes a Homeopathic Remedy Better for Relieving Congestion?

Over-the-counter or prescribed pharmaceutical remedies may bring relief, but it could also come with side effects. Decongestant drugs may bring on dizziness, headaches or drowsiness. To reduce respiratory inflammation, a physician may prescribe corticosteroids. These are powerful steroidal medications that can go beyond your congestion and affect your entire body. The unwanted effects could include high blood pressure, upset stomach and mood swings.

Homeopathic medications can enable you to obtain the relief you need without the side effects associated with most OTC and prescription remedies. A reliable and effective homeopathic cough medicine, for example, can provide relief for both wet and dry coughs while it breaks up chest congestion, but without relying on harsh chemicals. You can also obtain clinically proven homeopathic remedies without a doctor’s prescription.