Asthma can cause excess mucus buildup in the lungs, leading to chest congestion.
It usually worsens when you have a respiratory infection or when your allergies are acting up.
Luckily, many effective treatments are available.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Asthmatic Chest Congestion Symptoms
Chest congestion can be an uncomfortable and especially persistent effect of asthma.
Associated Symptoms
Chest congestion with asthma can be the result of allergies.
Chest congestion can be a nagging effect of asthma.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
However, if you experience congestion that does not seem to be improving, consult a healthcare provider.
Causes
Several aspects of asthma contribute to chest congestion.
With asthma, the lining of the lungs is altered, with a tendency toward inflammation and mucus production.
In addition, mucus may be hard to clear when you have asthma, which leads to accumulation.
Contributing Conditions
Infections and allergicrhinitisresult in more inflammation and mucus production throughout the respiratory system than usual.
This leads to chest, throat, and/or nasal congestion and may trigger an asthma attack.
Poorly controlled nasal allergies are, in fact, a common exacerbator of asthma.
Up to 80% of people with asthma also haveallergies or allergic rhinitis.
That fluid can cause you to feel congested.
Infections can cause severe chest congestion that makes it difficult to breathe.
Controller treatment options may include nasal corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilator inhalers.
Your healthcare provider might also recommend that you useN-acetylcysteine, an over-the-counter supplement, which helps thin mucus.
It is considered safe and has been used in the treatment of chest congestion in asthma.
Medications for Congestion
Mucolyticshelp decrease the amount of mucus in the respiratory passages.
Expectorantslike guaifenesin are mucolytics that work by thinning respiratory mucus.
Thinning mucus makes it easier to cough it up and out, helping relieve congestion.
Neti pots do not work for asthma exacerbations if there is no upper airway component.
Using a dehumidifier, especially when it’s very damp or muggy, can provide short-term relief as well.
This helps optimize airway opening so you might clear out mucus more effectively.
High-frequency chest oscillationis a procedure that involves using a vest to deliver vibration to the chest from the outside.
This technique helps loosen the phlegm and mucus so you could cough it up.
Summary
Asthma congestion can be due to mucus buildup in the lungs.
Chest congestion from asthma can cause symptoms like coughing, throat clearing, and fatigue.
There are many effective medications to alleviate asthma symptoms.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Allergy & Asthma data pipe.What is Allergic Asthma?
American Academy of Family Physicians.When a “chest cold” is something more.
2015;1(1).
doi:10.1186/s40733-015-0008-0
Zaidi SR, Blakey JD.Why are people with asthma susceptible to pneumonia?
A review of factors related to upper airway bacteria.Respirology.
2020;9(2):e17863.
2024;69(Suppl 10).
Accessed January 16, 2025. https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/69/Suppl_10/4137848
