When To See A Doctor
Whether a cough and/or chest congestion needs medical attention depends largely on the cause of the illness, the accompanying symptoms, the age of the child, the severity of the symptoms, and the duration of the symptoms.
Generally speaking, call your childs doctor in cases where your child has:
- Persistent cough for more than three weeks or non-stop coughing spells
- Trouble breathing/fast breathing
- Coughing that makes your child unable to speak normally
- Signs of dehydration
- Ear or sinus pain
- Ear drainage
- Fever that lasts longer than three days, or returns after being gone for 24 hours or more
- Chest pain
- Coughing that causes vomiting more than three times
- More than three days off school/daycare
- A runny nose for more than two weeks
- Allergy symptoms
When To See A Healthcare Provider
Chest congestion can be a nagging effect of asthma. If you are experiencing chest congestion that does not seem to be improving, you should see your healthcare provider.
Since chest congestion in asthma can be a sign that you have an infection or that your asthma or allergies are not well controlled, you might need treatment to help relieve the underlying problem.
Symptoms: What Does An Allergy Cough Feel Like
Allergy-related cough is typically a “dry” cough, meaning you probably won’t cough up any mucus or phlegm. It can become chronic, lasting for several weeks at a time. Coughing can occur with several different conditions and illnesses. You’ll likely see a specialist, such as an allergist, for specific testing to diagnose your allergies.
Although coughing occurs with a variety of medical conditions, allergy cough occurs with other allergy symptoms, including:
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
Read Also: Snickers Allergy Information
What Causes Chest Congestion And How To Get Rid Of It
Written byBel Marra HealthPublished onJuly 7, 2017
Chest congestion is a common respiratory symptom that could be an indication of the flu or cold. However, there are also cases where it can be a sign of a more serious health issue, like an infection or heart disease.
Most people understand that chest congestion is a sign of excessive mucus in the lower airway. It is normally due to inflammation of the airways and lungs and involves some degree of restricted airflow. Chest congestion can be really uncomfortable. For some individuals, it can even be painful because the lungs fill up with excess mucus and other fluids. Coughing is the bodys natural way of getting rid of the mucus that has built up.
Why Is Seasonal Allergies Associated With Asthma And Wheezing
People suffering from both asthma and seasonal allergies experience symptoms because their immune systems are over-sensitive to substances normally encountered daily. This includes pollen which we typically associate with seasonal allergies.
When your body overreacts to pollen, respiratory airways become inflamed and more mucus is produced to trap the pollen particles. This causes your airways to narrow, in turn making it more difficult for you to breathe.
For many seasonal allergies sufferers this only affects the upper respiratory tract and symptoms are few and mild. However, in those who are prone to asthma, inflammation affects a larger part of the respiratory system. This leads to a greater and deeper degree of inflammation, worsening asthma symptoms.
This is when the sufferer experiences tightness in the chest. As they breathe, the air passes through these narrowed passages, and creates a whistling sound as it goes. This whistling sound is called wheezing.
Read Also: Can Allergies Make You Vomit
Avoiding Infection And Staying Comfortable
Help boost your immune system during cold and flu season or throughout the year by taking immune support supplements. To help you stay healthy, many of these immune supplements contain vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. If youve already come down with a cold, soothe a sore throat with lozenges or throat sprays that come in different flavors. Most contain oral anesthetics for fast relief.
*The total item count is approximate. The count will be inaccurate when sponsored products are displayed, when multiple sizes or colors of a product are grouped on a single product card, and when the in-stock filter is applied.
Remedies To Get Rid Of Chest Congestion
In some cases, it is best to leave treatment of chest congestion to health care professionals. There are people who do get the common cold every few years or they experience seasonal allergies that lead to chest congestion. Some are very much in tune with the signs and symptoms.
Sometimes all it takes is a little research into home remedies. There could be some items in your home that could relief your chest congestion.Lets look at some chest congestion treatments, including home remedies:
In addition to the remedies mentioned above, it is important when you have chest congestion to stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help clear out mucus. Warm water is best since it thins out mucus, allowing it to move. Eating healthy, nutritious foods such as citrus fruits, garlic, asparagus, and pineapple is a good idea. These food items have been known to help clear out the chest.
Having chest congestion can make you feel downright miserable. Every year in the United States, people suffer a total of one billion colds. While we are not suggesting everyone run off to the doctor when they get a little sniffle or cough, we do want people to take chest congestion seriously when the symptoms seem to appear for no reason or when they come on suddenly and are severe. Getting a quick, proper diagnosis can rule out and address any serious conditions and get you back to feeling yourself.
Recommended Reading: Allergy Relief Non Drowsy
What Does It Mean If I Have Chest Congestion But Im Not Sick
Chest congestion is generally a sign that something is off in your lungs. Even if you do not have other symptoms of illness, it is important to see your doctor if you have any chest congestion lasting more than 3 days. If you do not feel sick, other than your chest congestion, you could be experiencing symptoms of allergies, asthma, pneumonia, COPD or even lung cancer or heart failure. As such, chest congestion should be taken seriously, even if you do not feel sick. Take note of how you feel overall, noticing if you may also be experiencing symptoms you may have ignored, like fatigue or weakness, hoarseness, weight loss or gain, swollen lower extremities, chest, back or arm pain or shortness of breath. These symptoms may indicate more serious concerns with your heart or lung health. If you feel chest congestion, but not sick at all, it is still important that you get checked out by a doctor, just to make sure that nothing else is wrong.
Learn How To Manage Symptoms
The good news is that todays treatments for asthma and allergies mainly medication and inhalers are very effective.
Theyre relatively easy to use and have minimal side effects, Dr. Purcell says. When symptoms are more severe or do not respond to other measures, allergy shots is very effective.
One option that should not be on the table is letting allergic asthma ruin your quality of life. The goal is to manage your condition so that it never limits the activities you love because they trigger an allergic reaction, he says.
Working with your doctor will help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
You May Like: 24 Hr Zyrtec
What Are The Symptoms Of A Cold
When youve got a mild cold, the only symptoms might be a runny nose, mild sore throat and cough, and general fatigue. If your cold is more serious, you may also have body aches, and all over pains, a fever, trouble sleeping, and your cough and sore throat may be worse.
While some of these symptoms are the same as other conditions, you wouldnt usually experience aches and pains, or a sore throat with allergies.
Written byBel Marra HealthPublished onJuly 7, 2017
Chest congestion is a common respiratory symptom that could be an indication of the flu or cold. However, there are also cases where it can be a sign of a more serious health issue, like an infection or heart disease.
Most people understand that chest congestion is a sign of excessive mucus in the lower airway. It is normally due to inflammation of the airways and lungs and involves some degree of restricted airflow. Chest congestion can be really uncomfortable. For some individuals, it can even be painful because the lungs fill up with excess mucus and other fluids. Coughing is the bodys natural way of getting rid of the mucus that has built up.
What Are Risk Factors For Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
If you work in jobs such as the following, you may be more likely to get hypersensitivity pneumonitis:
- Farmers
- Paper and wallboard makers
- Inhaling certain chemicals produced in making plastic, painting, and the electronics industry
Most people who work in these jobs dont get hypersensitivity pneumonitis. If you work in one of these jobs and have a family history, however, you may get the disease.
Read Also: Zyrtec 24 Count
Are There Conventional Medicines To Help Me
If your congestion is causing you to suffer from sinus pain, then you may find that painkillers help to relieve this symptom. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to find a painkiller specifically for sinus pain.
However, decongestants and painkillers both ease the symptoms of congestion but do not target the seasonal allergies at the root of the problem. A doctor or pharmacist is likely to suggest anti-histamines to reduce the bodys production of histamine in response to the pollen allergen. Some anti-histamines cause drowsiness so should not be taken if you are driving or working machinery.
Wheezing Is Also A Symptom Of Whats Known As Allergic Asthma A Person May Be Allergic To Something That Sets Off Wheezing And/or Coughing Fishbein Said Every Once In A While Someone Will Not Have Asthma And Have Very Isolated Allergic Reactions To Things Mostly Seen With Pets Like Cats Or Dogs They Will Only Wheeze In That Scenario But Never Other Times
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, half of the 20 million Americans who have asthma have the allergic type of asthma, in which something specific sets off their attack.
Bronchitis, meanwhile, mostly occurs as the result of an infection. However, adult smokers who cough a lot are said to have chronic bronchitis. Again, this is semantics, and one physician might call something bronchitis that another calls asthma, Fishbein said.
Patients likely would need a methacholine challenge to discern whether they have asthma, said Fishbein. Physicians can administer the methacholine challenge test , which is widely used to evaluate for airway hyperresponsiveness, a hallmark sign of asthma.
Regardless of the diagnosis or the cause of the symptoms, patients with any difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing or chest tightness should see their primary care doctor for an evaluation. If their doctor suspects an allergic cause, patients may be referred to an allergist. If at any time breathing becomes extremely difficult, patients should head straight to the emergency room.
Also Check: Zyrtec Allergy 24 Hour 10mg Tablets
Which Conventional Medicines Effective
Most doctors or pharmacists would initially recommend anti-histamines to target your bodys over-reaction to pollen. These inhibit the release of the chemical histamine, so that your airways do not become inflamed or produce excess mucus, making it easier for you to breathe. However, some people develop tolerance to these medications or experience side effects.
In order to relieve congestion, there are various types of decongestants in tablet form or nasal sprays. However, many of these should only be used on a fairly short-term basis.
If it is suspected or confirmed that you are also asthmatic, you are likely to be prescribed an inhaler which can be used as both as a preventative measure and to relieve asthma symptoms. Your doctor will discuss treatment options available to you.
What You Can Do At Home
To control or loosen mucus at home, you can try the following remedies:
Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol.
Humidify. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.
Dont smoke or vape anything. Whether from tobacco or , smoke is an irritant and can cause your body to make more mucus.
Try a teaspoon of honey. Though honey doesnt get rid of mucus, it can calm your cough temporarily.
Check air filters. Other irritants in the air can make mucus production worse, so make sure your heating and cooling system filters are clean and up to date.
Take an expectorant. Some cough medicines contain guaifenesin, which loosens mucus so you can cough it up.
Also Check: Claritiin
Is There A Seasonal Pattern To The Congestion
- The cold and the flu tend to hit in the fall and winter.
- Recurring nasal congestion in the spring, summer or fall, especially if it happens every year, could indicate allergies to pollen from trees, grass or weeds.
- Chronic year-round nasal congestion could be a sign of allergy to dust mites or pets.
- Chronic nasal congestion can also be seen in children with enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
Despite Symptoms Its Not The Flu
COVID-19 is not the flu.
As one of a class of pathogens known as coronaviruses, COVID-19 is actually more closely related to the common cold than the seasonal flu.
However, despite some overlap, the typical symptoms of COVID-19 are more similar to the flu than the common cold .
The Delta variant, however, may have more cold-like symptoms.
In terms of differentiating between flu and COVID-19, it can be almost impossible to distinguish, Dr. Jake Deutsch, co-founder and clinical director of Cure Urgent Care and Specialty Infusion in New York. Thats why people are recommended to have flu vaccinations so it can at least minimize the risk of flu in light of everything else.
Fevers, body aches, coughing, sneezing could all be equally attributed to them both, so it really means that if theres a concern for flu, theres a concern for COVID-19, Deutsch said.
When and where you get sick might be the best predictor of whether you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, Yildirim said.
People living in communities with low vaccination rates and high rates of COVID-19 are more likely to have COVID-19, she said, especially outside of cold and flu season.
However, she said, differentiating becomes more difficult during the winter, when all three diseases may be widespread.
If you have a mild case of COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, treatment is geared toward management of symptoms, said Cutler.
Mild cases of COVID-19 are thought to last approximately 2 weeks, said Cutler.
You May Like: Zyretic
Can Allergies Cause Mucus In Lungs
4.1/5AllergiccausedallergyMucuslungscanmucus
Likewise, can allergies cause chest congestion and mucus?
One common overlapping symptom is chest congestion with a phlegmy cough. Allergies can also cause chest congestion and a bad cough due to mucus from the nasal sinuses dripping down the back of the throat .
One may also ask, can allergies affect your lungs? Allergic reactions can cause symptoms in your nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin. Allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma, making it more difficult to breathe. And pollen isn’t the only spring allergy and asthma trigger.
Secondly, can allergies cause mucus?
Seasonal allergies can lead to a runny or stuffy nose, as well as excess mucus and phlegm. 14. Chemicals, fragrances, and pollution can irritate the nose, throat, and lower airways. This causes the body to produce more mucus.
How can I get rid of mucus in my lungs naturally?
A person can soothe symptoms and get rid of bothersome mucus using the following methods:
Allergies Can Cause Chest Congestion Symptoms
ByBryan Burbank | Submitted On April 14, 2009
Allergies this time of year can cause a lot of major health issues so it is important to find a remedy that help you prevent it. You need to make sure if you have an allergy it is not from something like mold that can be inside your house. It is important that you take vitamin D because this is a natural way that you can prevent any allergies from occurring. If you contract a cough or congestion you need to go to your doctor so that you can treat it before it gets worse. The quicker you take action on the allergy the faster you will be able to get over it.
Certain times of year there is more things in the air that can cause you to have issues. Spring time is especially bad because there are many flowers and plants that are blooming. It is a good idea if you try to eat healthy foods and get plenty of liquids because this can increase your immune system and prevent you from getting any symptoms. If you feel like you have an allergy coming on then you need to be proactive because this will allow you to make sure your allergy does not turn into something worse.
Get Free: Chest Congestion Remedies
Find: Natural Allergies Methods
Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Health and Well Being.
Recommended Reading: Zyertec
Is It A Cold Or An Allergy Should You Call Your Primary Care Provider
Your child has a runny nose and a headache. You are worried it might be more than just a cold, but youre not sure. How do you tell the difference between a cold, allergies and a chest infection? Should you call your primary care provider?
Juhee Lee, MD, an attending physician with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia , offers guidance to parents on:
- Recognizing the symptoms of different conditions that cause nasal congestion
- When to call your primary care provider
- What specialists can help
