When Should You Consult a Doctor About Common Chest Congestion?

Many times, chest congestion is simply a symptom of a cold or the flu. However, there are other causes of chest congestion that can be much more serious if left untreated. One of the most common causes of chest congestion is respiratory disease. Properly, however, respiratory diseases is not the cause of the chest congestion, but rather chest congestion is a symptom of respiratory disease. Respiratory diseases include such things as Asthma, Bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD and even lung cancer. The other most common cause of chest congestion is heart problems. Normally, when chest congestion is a result of heart issues, it is referred to as pulmonary edema.

Treatment of chest congestion can vary as greatly as it's causes. From over the counter decongestants which help you to cough up the mucus that is trapped in your lungs, to chemotherapy and radiation to treat lung cancer, to heart surgery to combat pulmonary edema.

When should you contact a doctor about your chest congestion? Chest congestion that lasts more than a week and/or is not relieved by over the counter medication needs to be checked out by your physician. In children, it is especially important to see a doctor if over the counter medications offer no relief, as their systems are less able to combat the underlying cause of chest congestion.

In the case of asthma³, acute or chronic bronchitis⁴ and COPD⁵, the treatment may include the use of a rescue inhaler and/ or the use of a nebulizer machine to deliver a medication such as Albuterol⁶directly to the lungs, in the attempt to assist the body in reducing the swelling of the bronchial tubes and restore more normal breathing.

Pneumonia is most often treated with an anti-biotic, though in certain instances, hospitalization is necessary.² Often times, an oxygen tent is used with a patient who has pneumonia, to help deliver more pure air to their lungs, so that breathing with limited lung capacity can be more efficient.

A less common, though certainly no less important cause of chest congestion can air born dusts and particles. This is particularly true in and near areas such as coal mines, and where asbestos can be found. It is particularly important, under these conditions, to wear a breathing mask. If you live in one of these areas, it is vitally important that you visit a doctor to determine the exact cause of chest congestion¹.

^{1 NIOSHA Respiratory Disease
2 American Lung Association Pneumonia fact sheet
3 American Lung Association Asthma fact sheet
4 American Lung Association bronchitis fact sheet
5 American Lung Association COPD fact sheet
6 What is Albuterol?}