Asthma causes excess mucus to build up in the lungs, which can lead to chest congestion. Symptoms are usually worse if you have a respiratory infection or allergies are worsening, but you may also feel stuffy if your asthma worsens or your asthma treatment needs adjustment. .
Chest congestion caused by asthma can cause symptoms such as coughing, needing to clear your throat, and stuffy nose. Thankfully, many effective treatments are available.
Symptoms of chest congestion due to asthma
Chest congestion can be uncomfortable and especially a lasting effect of asthma. You may cough up phlegm or feel like you need to, but you can’t (at least not without a lot of effort). Breathing becomes louder and you may hear the sound of noisy mucus coming from your nose, throat, or chest.
Breast congestion can also cause unpleasant problems, such as:
Sleep disturbances Fatigue Exercise intolerance (fatigue with minimal or moderate physical activity) Cough Frequent coughing Difficulty breathing Wheezing Tightness in the chest
If you have asthma, you may experience chest congestion, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip.
Associated symptoms
Chest congestion caused by asthma can be the result of allergies. In this case, a cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, rash, and/or red, itchy, watery eyes may also appear.
If you have a respiratory infection, you may experience all of these symptoms, usually accompanied by a fever.
When should you see a health care provider?
Because chest congestion in asthma can indicate an infection or that your asthma or allergies are not well controlled, treatment is recommended to alleviate the underlying problem. (or adjustment of current asthma therapy) may be necessary.
Chest congestion can be a persistent effect of asthma. However, if the redness doesn’t seem to improve, see your health care provider.
cause
Several aspects of asthma can cause chest congestion. Asthma changes the lining of the lungs, making them more prone to inflammation and mucus production.
Mucus in the respiratory system is also called phlegm. And while this sticky substance helps trap unwanted air particles and destroy infectious microorganisms, excess phlegm causes congestion in the lungs, throat, nasal passages, and other areas where phlegm builds up.
In addition, asthma can make it harder for your body to clear mucus, which can cause it to build up.
Mucus builds up due to several factors related to asthma.
When the bronchi are narrow and inflamed, mucus tends to build up in the lungs because mucus cannot be cleared from the narrow passages as it normally would.
Contribution conditions
infections and allergies rhinitis It causes more inflammation and mucus production than normal throughout the respiratory system. This can cause chest, throat, and nasal congestion, which can lead to asthma attacks. In fact, poorly controlled nasal allergies often make asthma worse. Up to 80% of people with asthma also have allergies or allergic rhinitis.
When an infection occurs, excessive inflammation can cause edema (fluid) in the lungs, which can be seen on diagnostic imaging tests. That fluid can cause congestion.
Mucus buildup in the lungs associated with asthma increases the risk of pneumonia. Infectious microorganisms (such as viruses and bacteria) become trapped in the lungs, where they can multiply and cause illness.
diagnosis
If you have chest congestion due to asthma, your health care provider will consider whether you may have allergies or an infection.
Diagnosis includes a medical evaluation including a physical examination and possibly chest imaging and/or sputum culture.
You will also be asked about possible increased exposure to substances that trigger asthma or worsening of other asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness.
diagnostic test
Sputum culture may help identify infectious organisms that require specific treatment (such as antibiotics or antiviral therapy).
A chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan can identify areas of fluid or lung infection (such as pneumonia or a lung abscess). Infections can cause severe chest congestion and difficulty breathing.
process
As with overall asthma management, treatment of chest obstruction in asthma focuses on avoiding asthma triggers and using asthma maintenance medications.
Treatment options for controllers may include nasal corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilator inhalers. For example, fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid. Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) both combine corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
If your main asthma problem is nasal congestion, nebulizer treatment may be prescribed. This method uses a mist generator to administer asthma medication more slowly and over a longer period of time than with an inhaler.
However, nebulizers require access to an electrical outlet, sessions take longer than using standard inhalers, and typically must remain in the same location until treatment is complete, which can be inconvenient .
Your health care provider may also recommend using N-acetylcysteine, an over-the-counter supplement that helps thin mucus. It is considered safe and is used to treat chest congestion in asthma.
medicine for congestion
Mucolytics help reduce the amount of mucus in the airways. These drugs are not usually prescribed long-term and are not indicated for asthma because they can cause bronchospasm. In some situations, if you are dealing with chest congestion, your health care provider may recommend using mucolytics for a short period of time until the cause is better controlled.
Expectorants like guaifenesin are mucolytics that work by thinning respiratory mucus. Thinner mucus makes coughing easier and helps relieve nasal congestion.
allergy treatment
If you have a lot of allergy symptoms, your health care provider may prescribe leukotriene regulators or antihistamines.
If persistent allergies are exacerbating your asthma and causing chronic nasal congestion, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may also be a long-term option.
antibiotics
If you have an infection, your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral therapy to relieve the infection and its associated symptoms, such as chest congestion.
Although you may feel better before the antibiotics are finished, it is important to complete the entire prescription to completely treat the infection.
lifestyle modification
If you have chronic nasal congestion, home remedies such as using a neti pot can temporarily clear mucus that builds up in your nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe. Without the upper airway component, a neti pot will have no effect on asthma exacerbations.
Using a dehumidifier can provide short-term relief, especially if it’s humid or hot.
Expert-led treatment
Your health care provider may also suggest pulmonary rehabilitation, such as breathing exercises to help you breathe more deeply. This optimizes the opening of the airways and allows mucus to be removed more effectively.
High-frequency chest vibration is a procedure that uses a vest to apply vibrations to the chest from the outside. This technique helps loosen phlegm and mucus and allows you to cough.
summary
Asthma congestion can be caused by a buildup of mucus in the lungs. This can be caused by a respiratory infection or allergy, but it can also be caused by worsening asthma symptoms or the need to adjust asthma treatment.
Chest congestion caused by asthma can cause symptoms such as coughing, coughing, and fatigue. There are many medications that are effective in reducing asthma symptoms. Depending on the cause of congestion, alternative treatment strategies may include allergy medications, antibiotics, or pulmonary rehabilitation.
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