Chest congestion is one of the usual ailments that does not hinder our regular lives. However, since the advent of COVID-19 pandemic, it has become one of the most worrisome illnesses. In this article, we will discuss: what is chest congestion, is chest congestion a sign of COVID-19, what other causes of chest congestion are, and how to treat this illness.
What Is Chest Congestion?
Chest congestion is a condition that occurs when mucus accumulates in your lungs and bronchioles (lower breathing tubes of the lungs). If you have chest congestion, you will suffer from a wet, productive cough that will bring up thick mucus. Moreover, when you breathe, you will hear the wheezing or crackling sound because mucus would hinder the airflow.
It can happen due to many reasons. But in this article, we will discuss: if chest congestion is a sign of COVID-19, or not. Let’s see, if it is true or just an assumption.
Is Chest Congestion A Sign of COVID-19?
Sars-Cov-2 is a respiratory virus, and it attacks your respiratory system as soon as it enters your body. Before we cover the topic in detail, let us tell you; how the novel coronavirus attacks your lungs.
The particles of the virus get into your air sacs, thus blocking the airflow from your lungs. The virus fills the lungs with mucus fluid, which hinders the flow of air and thus causes difficulty in breathing.
Chest congestion also occurs due to similar signs. Well, does this prove that chest congestion is a sign of COVID-19?
An answer to this question is, it can be. However, there is no black and white response to it. If you have symptoms of chest congestion and fear you might have contracted the virus, then consult a doctor before taking any specific measure.
You may have acute bronchitis, but not COVID-19. There can be many other reasons for this.
What are the Causes of Chest Congestion?
There are two common causes of chest congestion; airborne particles and bacteria or viruses.
Chest Congestion Due to Airborne Particles
Airborne chest congestion usually occurs due to allergens and dust particles present in the air. It is common chest congestion, which many of us get on a regular basis. It depends on where you live. The particles are so tiny that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. These particles enter your system when you inhale the air. As you inhale, the particles are stuck into the mucus membrane of your nose. Through this mucus, particles enter into your throat and are through to your lungs.
Chest Congestion Because of Virus or Bacteria
According to medical practitioners, when any virus or bacteria enters into your mucus membrane and slips down to your throat, it not only causes mucus to enter into your air sacs, but it also causes infection. Moreover, it produces more mucus that enters into your bronchioles and fills the air sacs, which makes it difficult for you to breathe.
Having said that, coronavirus is also a contagious virus that spreads through the air. It means, if you have chest congestion, then you may be a potential bearer of COVID-19. However, you must always consult a doctor for a final diagnosis, and if your medical practitioner asks you to get tested, then go for it.
How to Treat Chest Congestion?
There are multiple remedies to treat or avoid chest congestion. Here we will tell you about a few of them that will surely help you to fight back.
Keeping yourself hydrated is one of the most common remedies to get rid of chest congestion. Moreover, you can also take steam to moisturize your airways and lose dried mucus. If you can’t take steam, a hot shower can also work wonders. Other than that, you can get on your feet within no time if you take your prescribed medicines carefully, and on time.
