Know Mucus Causes & Treatment at Home

Many of us suffer from inflammation associated with mucus build-up in our chest. While for most of us, it fades away quickly, for others, it might pave the way to other unpleasant symptoms such as sleep difficulties, wheezing, sore throat, etc. If the mucus build-up is beyond your control, it might even accompany chest congestion.

Acid reflux, cystic fibrosis, allergies, bacterial and viral infections, asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc. are often the reasons behind excessive mucus formation in our chest region.

Bronchiectasis is a long-term medical condition wherein the airways of your lungs shows a prolonged mucus build-up that culminates into abnormally widening in the lungs. A persistent cough accompanied by breathlessness are the visibly evident symptoms characteristic of bronchiectasis. 

Causes of Mucus Accumulation

Following are the causes of Mucus Accumulation in the chest:

1. Acid Reflux: All those who adversely suffer from the wrath of acid reflux complications, your stomach acid might rise up to the oesophagus of your throat region. Along with chest congestion, this can result in post nasal drip and throat irritation.

2. Allergies: From sneezing to itchy eyes, allergies contribute a lot to chest tightness, coughing, and chest congestion. This is defined as a reaction involving lungs that triggers response as soon as it comes across certain dust mites or pollen grains.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD makes it difficult for the concerned person to breathe. This is associated with the medical condition of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

4. Bacterial and Viral Infection: Infections related to acute bronchitis, flu and pneumonia obstructs your airways through mucus built-up. This mucus built-up may either be yellow or green in color.

5. Asthma: Asthma, along with other symptoms, may result in chest tightness and shortness of breath. This is a key indication of the fact that your lungs are now inflamed. This also causes excessive mucus production.

Mucus Build-Up Treatment at Home

We can treat excessive mucus production at home. Here are some commonly employed techniques to do so
 
1. Warm Fluids: Hydration is the key to flush out the excessive mucus build-up in your body. 

2. Steam: The moisture in the air can help you to loosen the mucus build-up in your body.

3. Honey: Several types of research suggest honey be a popular home remedy due to both its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

4. Foods And Herbs: Foods such as garlic, spices, ginger, lemons, etc. are known to alleviate cold, cough, and mucus build-up.

How to Prevent the Mucus Build-Up?

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are few tips to keep a check on the mucus build-up in your body:

• Avoid irritants and allergens such as pet dander, dust, chemicals, etc. If it is not possible to avoid contact with such agents, prefer wearing a mask. Also, increase the ventilation in that region.

• If you love smoking, you are on the wrong path. Make it a habit to quit smoking so that you can avoid exposures to all kinds of second-hand smoke.

• Wash your hands regularly before eating anything. Avoid coming into physical contact with those who are infected.

• Lastly, feed yourself on a healthy diet and maintain a good lifestyle.  

Conclusion

Mucus build-up is not a very major issue if handled at a nascent phase. If it is left unchecked, then it will grow and fester into various other issues.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.