Find more information about allergy symptoms. And you might have a cough at night or get short of breath. Over time, the shortness of breath gets worse. That mucus can make your chest feel congested. Pollen, dust, and pet dander (tiny flecks of skin shed by animals) are some common culprits. Sick doesn't fight fair, Sometimes it starts out as the flu. Usually, these particles are harmless and become trapped in the mucus membrane of your nose and airways. Chest Congestion: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies.

These conditions include: COVID-19.

It's a lung infection that you get from a bacteria, virus, or fungus. 2. tips and exclusive offers. The best thing you can do for your lungs is to quit smoking. One layer is for immediate release, while the other is for extended release. Your body may not be able to get rid of this excessive, thicker mucus in the usual ways, and the mucus gets stuck inside your lungs, which results in a congested chest. Chest pain that makes it difficult to breathe is one of them. Albert A. Rizzo, MD, senior medical advisor, American Lung Association. It often accompanies the common cold or other upper respiratory tract infections. This can relieve congestion, giving you a … he inquired, with an anxious politeness that reduced the colonel to a, From behind ever more water bore down, and ever more millions of tons of ice added their weight to the. See more. Creating more mucus can actually be a good thing! Get more information about pneumonia symptoms and causes. The texture and color of your mucus might change as your chest cold develops—it may start as thick, clear or white mucus. So may regular allergy shots. In this article, learn about the possible causes and how to treat them. This cough can start early and continue even after your other symptoms have subsided. You may have a cold, or it could be something more serious. ", American College of Gastroenterology: "Acid Reflux. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. When you have COPD, the airways in your lungs get inflamed and thicken, which means less oxygen comes in and less carbon dioxide goes out.

Here’s to your recovery and breathing more easily! An inhaled virus or bacteria can cause an infection, leading to chest congestion.

But it can make your lungs congested, too. Your doctor can give you medication to help you manage the symptoms.

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They'll want to know if you have other symptoms that can help pinpoint your condition. There are a few ways to get rid of chest congestion, but first let’s take a look at what causes it. It’s your body’s natural fighting response to an irritant.