Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Definition

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), also known as chronic lung disease of infancy (CLDI), is a chronic form of disorder that affects the lungs. It most commonly occurs in extremely low birth weight infants and prematurely born children who have needed positive pressure mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy to treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). BPD can also be seen in infants who were born full-term.

One has to understand that BPD, which affects the development of the tissues in the lungs in an abnormal manner, is a serious medical condition, and infants with BPD need to be given intensive medical attention and care. One must note that infants with BPD were not born with the disease condition, but rather they can develop BPD from progressive and premature lung inflammation.

To further understand bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the medical term can be broken down into three word parts. Broncho refers to the bronchial tubes wherein the oxygen travels into the person’s lungs, while pulmonary medically refers to the alveoli (tiny air sacs that are found in the lungs) where anatomically the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. And dysplasia medically means the abnormal changes in the organization or structure of a group of cells.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Pathophysiology

Infants who suffer from BPD show abnormal findings on cardiopulmonary function testing, morphologic examination of the lungs, and chest radiography. In the initial stage of BPD, there will be an increased airway resistance and reactivity. As BPD progresses, there will be significant airway obstruction and visible expiratory flow limitation. When this happens, there will be an increased oxygen demand or oxygenation which will result in abnormalities in the ventilation perfusion matching and a decrease in pulmonary compliance.

One has to take note that there is an abnormality in the pulmonary circulation of an infant with BPD. There will also be hypertrophy of the medial part of the muscles, obliteration of the vascular aspect, proliferation and degeneration of the endothelial cell, and extension of the smooth muscles. BPD may also lead to the development of the disease condition called cor pulmonale.

The medical pathophysiology of BPD starts off during the prenatal stage where factors such as stress, infection, and antenatal glucocorticoids predispose and precipitate the infant’s intrauterine lung development. When this happens, ventilation is initiated to treat the affected infant with BPD. Another aspect of BPD pathophysiology deals with postnatal factors which include glucocorticoids, inflammation, and infection, and these parameters contribute to abnormal postnatal lung development and subsequent injury which results in the inhibition of lung development.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Symptoms

Infants who suffer from BPD will show the following symptoms:

• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing episodes
• Cough episodes
• Shortness of breath
• Irritable and fussy behavior
• Poor feeding
• Shallow breathing
• Bluish skin discoloration
• Poor posture of the shoulders, trunk and neck
• Sucked-in chest and ribs with each breathe
• See-saw breathing movement of the stomach and chest (i.e., movement of the abdomen and chest in opposite direction with every breath)
• Crackles
• Slower growth rate
• Retraction episodes per breath

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Causes & Risk Factors

The exact etiological reasons for why infants suffer from BPD are still idiopathic and unknown, yet research studies show  that there are possible causes of BPD:

• Immature lungs of infants
• Pneumonia
• Infections, both viral and bacterial in nature
• Long period of mechanical ventilation therapy
• Long period of oxygen therapy
• Presence of respiratory distress syndrome (also known as hyaline membrane disease)

Those infants who are at risk of having BPD are those who:

• Were born prematurely
• Have meconium aspiration
• Have been suffering from heart disease
• Are in mechanical ventilator therapy
• Are suffering from tracheomalacia
• Have atelectasis (collapsed lung)
• Have been suffering from subglottic stenosis
• Have hypertension (high blood pressure) episodes
• Are suffering from respiratory distress syndrome

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Treatment

One must know that there is no specified treatment for BPD. The suggested approach to treatment is symptomatically based which helps strengthen the infant’s lungs and help them mature in the long run. Basically, infants who are suffering from BPD are placed in the neonatal intensive care unit, and his or her hospital stay may be extended, depending on the physician’s assessment. The following treatments are recommended to people with BPD:

Supplemental oxygen therapy

This treatment, which is given via the use of nasal tube or oxygen mask, is usually done after mechanical ventilation has been given. This kind of therapy may continue for a week or months, depending on the condition of the infant.

Mechanical ventilation therapy

This is a breathing device or instrument helps the premature child to breathe. The irony of this treatment is that when it is used to long, the treatment will worsen the BPD. Hence, the risk of this treatment therapy should therefore be considered and understood by the patient’s loved ones.

Medical therapy

Medications that treat people suffering from BPD include:

Corticosteroids

This medication will reduce the inflammation and the swelling of the infant’s airways.

Surfactants

This medication is given to improve the aeration of the infant’s lungs.

Diuretics

This medication will remove excess fluid that is found in the infant’s lungs.

Antibiotics

This medication is given to control infections.

Bronchodilators

This medication is given to improve the airflow of the infant’s lungs

Supplemental feeding therapy

This nutrition therapy is done via intravenous tubing which connects directly to a vein or which is inserted via the infant’s feeding tube. A special formula is given to the affected infant to help the infant to get stronger and healthier and to prevent malnutrition. Usually parental nutrition is prescribed to infants with BPD.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is given to infants with BPD to help strengthen the infant’s muscles and keep lungs clear or mucus-free.  It will also help improve the infant’s well-being.

Aside from the mentioned treatments, the people or loved ones who are taking care of the affected infant with BPD are informed to maintain a healthy environment for the infant at all times. Smoking should be avoided inside the area where the infant is located, hands should be washed habitually, and the infant should be kept away from people with illnesses. Such precautions would help the affected infant to recuperate.

Interstitial lung disease or Diffuse Parenchymal lung disease is a large group of disorders that affects the interstitium (the tissue that surrounds and separates the air sac). It causes inflammation and progressive lung tissue scarring or Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Other parts of the lungs may also be affected, including: alveoli, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, blood vessels and pleura. This kind of damage in the lungs is generally permanent and irreversible. As a result, it affects a person’s ability to breathe and lowers the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream.

ILD is a rare disease, but nowadays it has become more common. In the United States, a study reported that 80.9 per 100.000 men and 67.2 per 100,000 women suffer from interstitial lung disease. It is most common among adults between the ages of 40 and 70, but it also occurs in children (Childhood Interstitial Disease).

Studies have found that ILD had spread throughout the world, in many different racial and ethnic groups. People with autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma are more often seen to have interstitial lung disease.

Types

Interstitial Pneumonia – caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses that infect the interstitium. The most common agent is mycoplasma pneumonia.

1. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis- is severe, progressive scarring of the interstitium. The cause is unknown.
2. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis- common to patients with autoimmune disease.
3. Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)- ILD with pneumonia-like symptoms, but without presence of infection.
4. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis- caused by exposure to different type of irritants, dust or molds.
5. Acute interstitial pneumonitis- chronic but sudden type of ILD.
6. Desquamative interstitial pneumonitis- most common among smokers and those with a history of smoking.
7. Sarcoidosis- inflammation affects organs of the body. Usually the lymph nodes and the lungs. Granuloma (abnormal masses) alters the function of the affected organs.
8. Asbetosis- caused by inhalation of asbestos.

Causes

Interstitial Lung Disease is caused by number of factors, including:

Environmental toxins and pollutants

Long term exposure to substances such as asbestos, silica dust, grain dust, gases, fumes, tobacco smoke, bird and animal droppings cannot be easily eliminated from the body and causes direct injury to the lungs.

Radiation therapy

Cancer patients undergoing long-term radiation therapy show symptoms of lung damage some years after the start of treatment.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disorders like Systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sarcoidosis and Scleroderma.

Medication

Some medicines are known to damage the lungs. Some drugs used for chemotherapy, heart diseases and antibiotics can also cause it.

Genes

Rare, about 8% of people suffering ILD get it genetically.

Idiopathic or unknown cause

Most common.

Cigarette smoking

Has been also associated with the disease development.

Symptoms

Interstitial Lung Disease involves inflammation and scarring of interstitial tissue. Tissues become thick and as a result, lungs can no longer function well.

Interstitial Lung Disease- Acute

Primary Symptoms includes:

1. Shortness of breathing, is a result of reduced breathing capacity
2. Non productive cough
3. Crackles (abnormal chest sound)
4. Cyanosis- this is a result of decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and may result in a bluish discoloration of the skin.

Interstitial Lung Disease- Chronic

In most cases, these symptoms become chronic. Signs are:

1. Clubbing of the fingers
2. Enlargement of the heart.

In some cases these symptoms are also involved:

1. Fever
2. Weight loss
3. Muscle pain
4. Joint pain

Diagnosis

In most cases, a number of diagnostic tests are used, since medical history and physical examination are not enough to confirm the disease. They are tools used by doctors to rule out interstitial lung disease. The following tests are necessary:

Chest X-ray

 Most of the time a chest x-ray is used as the first diagnostic step, and also used to detect the progression of disease.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Images are taken from different angles to visualize cross sectional images of the lungs, including their internal structure. A CT scan determines the severity of lung damage. It also distinguishes if fibrosis or active inflammation has already taken place.

Oximeters

It measures the oxygen level of the blood.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Is done to visualize the heart’s structure and to show heart function. It is also used to determine if the disease has  affected the heart.

Spirometry

Is to test pulmonary function. It measures the amount of air your lungs can hold, and the airflow in and out of the lungs.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage

This procedure is non-invasive. The doctor will introduce a solution into an area of your lung and create suction. The collected output contains cells from the air sacs. It identifies the causes of interstitial lung diseases (infection, auto immune).

Surgical biopsy

Is a procedure where lung tissue samples are removed and sent to laboratory to be examined by a pathologist. For accurate diagnosis, large amounts of lung tissue are collected.

Treatment

Treatment for Interstital Lung Disease depends on what causes the disease and the overall health status of the patient. The scarring of interstitial tissues (Pulmonary Fibrosis) is irreversible, and at this time no treatment has been proven effective to stop the progression of the disease. The intent of this treatment is to prolong life, temporarily improve symptoms and slows the progression of the disease.

Medications

Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease are treated immediately, however, potential side effects of medications are also observed. Take these medications under your doctor’s supervision.

1. Corticosteroid, like Prednisone, to reduced inflammation.
2. Immune suppressing drugs- sometimes a combination of these drugs are also given to suppress the immune system. Some medications are used to decrease fibrosis and prolong survival.
3. Antibiotics- your physician may prescribe antibiotics for infection.

Oxygen Therapy

Aids the client to have an easier time breathing and to prevent complications from Hypoxemia (lower level of oxygen in blood).

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Is a program with the purpose of improving daily function and well-being of patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. This therapy also teaches proper breathing techniques for lung efficiency and to relieve breathing problems. It also provides lessons on lung disease, and nutritional and psychological counseling.

Lung transplant

Usually with a single lung, a lung transplant is considered as a last option for a patient with severe Interstitial Lung Disease and has not recovered after medical treatment. It is possible for patients under the age of 65 years and for those without other significant medical conditions.

Prognosis

Interstitial lung disease has a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to lung injury and fibrosis. Patients usually live for less than 3 years after being diagnosed. Since it is irreversible and fibrosis causes permanent structural damage to the lungs, medications cannot actually treat the disease, but only slow down the symptoms. This disease is most often fatal.

Pregnancy is the state of being that only happens in a woman. It is the period of fertilization and the development of another human being inside the woman’s womb.  It happens when a sperm and an egg unite, creating  fertilization. It happens to fertile women who underwent coitus. When a fertile woman is expecting a child, her body undergoes changes to provide space for her baby. There are lots of changes in her body, including mood swings, changes in taste, and changes in walking.

Other changes pregnant women often experience are pains, aches in the abdominal region, and cramps, especially during the early period of their pregnancy. The occurrence of cramps in early pregnancy is due to changes in the way the body functions when a woman is pregnant. It is normal and not considered harmful when she occasionally experiences abdominal cramps. However, when a pregnant woman experiences intense cramping in the abdominal region as well as cramping in other parts of her body, it might be a serious sign of a condition that needs medical attention as well as intervention.

Causes for Cramps in Early Pregnancy

The intense cramps and the occasional cramps can happen suddenly without warning, leading to a source of concern and a great deal of stress for the pregnant woman who does not understand the cause of the condition. Hence, there is a great need to correctly inform the pregnant woman to prevent confusion between what is normal and what is abnormal. The etiological reasons for cramps in early pregnancy are the following:

• Implantation

Implantation occurs when a fertilized egg has adhered into the lining of the woman’s uterus, causing cramps in early pregnancy. Sometimes, episodes of light bleeding also occur.

• Ectopic pregnancy

Pains and cramps in early pregnancy which may be experienced in either of the pelvis sides can lead to dizziness, spotting, and nausea. When a pregnant woman is discovered to have ectopic pregnancy, it is considered to be a medical emergency which requires the attention of a trusted and experienced physician to treat the issue.

• Corpus luteum cyst

The corpus luteum, which is considered as a pregnancy cyst, is what is left of the follicle after a woman ovulates. The corpus luteum is responsible for hormone production and also maintains the pregnancy. Furthermore, the corpus luteum varies in size; when a person has a large corpus luteum, she may experience tenderness as well as cramps in early pregnancy. This kind of cyst is assessed during the early stage of pregnancy through the use of ultrasound. There is no need to worry for the cyst will normally resolve on its own.

• Hormones

When a woman is pregnant, the body will produce many hormones, causing cramps in early pregnancy.  This state of cramping is normal as the body prepares for various changes, including the expansion of the body to accommodate the baby’s growth and development stages.

• Uterus

During implantation, a significant change occurs  in the woman’s uterus. The ligaments that support the uterus stretch and expand, causing pain and cramps in early pregnancy.  The pain and cramps may also affect the hip and groin areas as well as the pelvic region.

• Gas and constipation

During pregnancy, there is an increase of hormone relaxin, which causes pelvic girdle relaxation and possibly  constipation as well as excess gas, eventually leading to pain, bloating, pressure, and cramps in early pregnancy.

Is It Normal to Have Cramps in Early Pregnancy?

There is no need to seriously worry about cramps in early pregnancy. This is the normal response of the body to the undergoing changes.  When a woman is pregnant, hormones will become erratic and the body twinges and cramps in the abdominal region, particularly when the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus.

Cramps in early pregnancy are not really the same as menstrual cramps for they are much milder in form. The cramps in early pregnancy happen because the ligaments that support the uterus grow and expand. Most often, there are strong cramps in early pregnancy, especially on the right side; when the baby gets much bigger, the uterus will anatomically tilt towards the right area. A visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist or physician can always help alleviate any concerns about cramping.

Cramps in Early Pregnancy Treatment

For those who are worried about experiencing cramps in early pregnancy, the good news is that they can be managed at home with home remedies such as the following:

Pharmacological intervention

Taking a mild medication such as Tylenol is a safe medication that will relieve cramping episodes.

Food consumption

Increasing the intake of fiber and water aid in the prevention of constipation episodes.

Heat therapy

• Placing hot compression on the lower back area will alleviate cramps.
• Indulging in hot showers or warm baths will also relax the ligaments and muscles of the uterus and relieve cramping episodes.

Relaxation therapy

• Getting sleep and rest is another good way to manage cramps.
• Doing meditation
• Enrolling in yoga exercise

Such recommended and effective home remedies will help prevent and manage cramps in early pregnancy. If cramps in the abdomen with heavy spotting episodes persist, then it is best to consult a medical professional for help.

What is Colonic Inertia?

Colonic inertia (CI) is also known as a slow transit constipation. When a person has this kind of condition, he or she has a problem or disturbance of colonic motility, causing further disability.

People with CI have ineffective colonic propulsion, especially with contractile activity. It occurs more often in women than in men. Other experts define it as a condition in which the colonic nerves or muscles malfunction.

It is called colonic inertia because fecal matter is prevented from passing through the colon. It most often results in the obstruction of the bowel. Others define it as a functional problem of the colon in which the colon holds on to the waste or fecal material for an extended period of time.

Colonic Inertia Symptoms

People who experience CI usually report the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating or distention
• Defecation difficulties or irregular bowel movements
• Hemorrhage
• Diarrhea
• Delayed gastric emptying
• Constipation

Colonic Inertia Causes

The causes of CI are still not yet determined. However, there are hypotheses which may point to certain reasons for the occurrence of CI in certain individuals. Such causes may be the following:

• Congenital problems – Studies have shown that children who suffer from recurrent problems of this kind of condition are the ones who suffer the most compared to those who don’t.
• Infectious agents – Infectious agents which may be due to the degradation of the enteric nervous system may disrupt the normal balance of  intestinal flora.
• Long-term usage of laxative – Some physicians believe that prolonged and continuous use of laxatives may lead to the neurological effect of the gut structure and worsen the condition.

Other theories include:

• The process of aging
• Family history and inheritance patterns

Other factors that lead to this condition may be as follows:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Depression
• Hypothyroidism
• Colon cancer
• Insufficient fiber and water intake
• Lack of exercise
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Medications like antidepressants and pain drugs
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease

Colonic Inertia Treatment

The treatments for people with CI include the following:

Diet modification – People with CI should consume foods that are high in fiber to aid propulsion of  fecal material. Fruits and vegetable will be beneficial, and an increase in water consumption may also be ideal.

Pharmacological medication – Osmotic laxatives are also prescribed to people with CI problems. Since they work through fluid exchange, they function well as they draw water from the colon into the stools.

Biofeedback mechanism – This kind of treatment is done to relax the patient’s pelvic muscles. It is often used with people who have dyssynergia (pelvic floor dysfunction).

Colonic Inertia Surgery

Surgery will only beneficial if the person is not relieved from the condition even when the diet has been modified and pharmacological medications have been given.

Depending on the assessment, the physician may perform ileostomy, colectomy, or antegrade enema. There are pros and cons whenever surgical treatment is involved, but it is best to discuss in detail with the doctor before undergoing such treatment procedure.

What is a Metal Taste in Mouth?

A metal taste in the mouth, medically referred to as dysgeusia, is a distortion of taste in a person’s mouth and may be due to variety of different factors. It can also be described as a foul or bitter taste. A metallic taste is denoted by a sour and acidic taste in a person’s mouth.

A person is born with 10,000 taste buds,  and as he or she ages or approaches old age, he or she loses them one by one.  When a person experiences a metal taste in the mouth, the symptom may be benign in nature or linked to a serious medical condition which needs medical attention.

What Causes a Metal Taste in the Mouth?

The most common causes for metallic taste in the mouth:

• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Dryness of the mouth, Glossitis
• Presence of infection
• Strep throat
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Pharyngitis
• Injury in the nose, head, or mouth
• Chemical poisoning
• Burning sensation on the tongue
• Dental appliances
• Bell’s palsy
• Dental health problems
• Nasal polyps
• Neurological disorders
• Radiation therapy side effect
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Deficiency in vitamin B12
• Deficiency in zinc
• As a Side effect of Antibiotics, Acetylcholine esterase, Captopril, Chemotherapy, Bronchodilator, Antithyroid, Lithium, Rifampin, Penicillamine, Procarbazine
• Cancer
• High levels of iron in the body
• Bleeding gums
• Hypercalcemia
• Disease in the kidney region
• Lead poisoning, Copper overdosaging, Selenium toxicity level, Cadmium poisoning
• Lichen planus
• Peptic ulcer
• Marine toxin
• Acute kidney failure
• Gastritis
• Consumption of pine nuts
• Mercury poisoning
• Amyloidosis
• Diabetes
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Tooth decay
• Intake of antidepressant medications
• Tooth abscess
• Chronic  alcoholism
• Hormone fluctuations in women (especially estrogen level)
• Prenatal medications
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Jaundice
• Heartburn episodes
• Tooth amalgams
• Periodontal disease
• Plaque build-up

Other reasons include the following:

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women will encounter hormonal fluctuations that are linked to pregnancy, and it is believed that the hormonal changes will lead to a  metallic taste experience especially during their first trimester period.

• Presence of allergies

The presence of allergies, which can lead to a metallic taste experience, may be due to the direct, local effect on a person’s smell and taste or the release of histamine in the body.

• Food poisoning (marine type)

When a person eats spoiled foods such as dark fish meat like mackerel, tuna, mahi mahi, and bonito, he or she will experience a metal taste in the mouth. This kind of food poisoning is referred to as histamine or scombroid fish poisoning.

• Inhaled substances

An example of inhaled substance is tobacco smoke which causes a metal taste in the mouth. Other examples are environmental chemicals which when inhaled over a long period of time will cause a metallic taste; examples include hydrazine, lacquers, chromates, cobalt, rubber dust, benzene, and gasoline.

• Menopausal effect

Women who are at their menopausal stage may experience a metallic taste as well as nausea, skin rashes, and weight gain.

• Idiopathic kind of dysgeusia

Sometimes the cause behind a metallic taste is unknown; hence, it is medically termed as an idiopathic kind of dysgeusia.

• Contrast medium for diagnostic evaluation

Sometimes when a person undergoes diagnostic evaluation which involves contrast medium, he or she may usually experience a metallic taste in the mouth due to the contrast medium.

How to Get Rid of a Metal Taste in the Mouth?

In treating people with a metal taste in the mouth, the exact cause must be first determined to specify the proper cure for them. The following treatment suggestions are effective:

• Consumption of citrus foods such as orange, lemonade, and lemon
• Use of baking soda as a neutralizer for oral acids
• Consumption of foods prepared in vinegar
• Consumption of herbal medications such as green tea extract
• Consumption of cat’s claw which is another herbal medication
• Intake of peppermint enteric-coated medications
• Maintenance of proper oral hygiene (brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day)
• Rinsing with mouthwash
• Intake of zinc supplement
• Intake of hard candies
• Consumption of cinnamon and cloves
• Use of plastic utensils when eating
• Gargling with a teaspoon of salt mixed in water
• Intake of turmeric 300 milligrams for at least thrice a day

The good news with people experiencing a metal taste in the mouth is that it can be cured if the underlying disease condition is diagnosed properly and treatment is provided. If the metallic taste is still not relieved by the treatments suggested above, the next step is to consult an expert physician in order to distinguish the exact etiological factors which cause the metal taste condition. Medical consultation is required because a metal taste in the mouth may be due to serious health conditions that warrant medical assistance and serious treatment procedures. Such serious health conditions associated with a metallic taste are lead intoxication and poisoning, cancer, or kidney failure.

Tell us, what is your most common cause of metallic taste among the list we mentioned?

What is Chest Congestion?

Chest congestion is a term that describes the presence of a heavy or tight feeling in the chest as a result of the presence of secretions or other substances in the lungs. Chest congestion, which can be due to respiratory conditions as well as heart ailments, causes a lack or impaired movement of gases in the lungs, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Chest congestion is usually severe; people can hear the patient’s harsh breathing. Chest congestion is not a disease but a symptom of most respiratory ailments.

Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of chest congestion usually include the following:

• Chest pains – Chest pains are one of the most common symptoms of chest congestion. This usually results due to an inability to breathe normally, causing an increased burden on the respiratory muscles. Consequently, the muscles become constantly contracted, leading to chest pains.
• Wheezing – Wheezing is the occurrence of a high-pitched sound during expiration. Wheezing arises due to the airway mucus obstruction as well as bronchoconstriction, causing a narrowed airway where air passes.
• Crackles and rales – These are abnormal breath sounds that are heard through pulmonary auscultation. Crackles sound like crumpling a paper, whereas rales sound like rubbing hair together. These sounds are heard during inspiration and are apparent due to air passing through thick secretions in the lungs.
• Coughing – Coughing is a common symptom as a result of the body’s mechanism to remove unwanted things that get into the lungs such as secretions. Patients may experience productive or non-productive cough. In the productive cough, there is expectoration of secretion while there is no discharge in a non-productive cough. Patients with productive coughs have the advantage because it allows decongestion of the lungs. Those with non-productive coughs tend to accumulate more secretions in the lungs.
• Difficulty in breathing – Difficulty in breathing is the result of having secretions in the lungs. The inhaled air is not able to pass effectively through the airways to reach the alveoli in order to generate diffusion in the blood.
• Cyanosis – Cyanosis may be a late sign of hypoxia or the lack of oxygen in the cells. When there is impaired diffusion, the blood becomes less oxygenated, thereby transporting limited oxygen to the cells.

Causes of Chest Congestion

There are a lot of causes of chest congestion, including the following:

• Bronchitis – Bronchitis is the presence of inflammation in the bronchus and bronchioles. As a result, thick secretions are produced, leading to congestion.
• Postnasal drip – Postnasal drip is the dripping of mucus from the sinus or the nasal cavity into the throat. It may slide down into the airways and cause congestion in the lungs.
• Pneumonia – Pneumonia is a bacterial infection of the lungs which involves accumulation of secretions in the alveoli.
• Heart failure – Heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively into the circulation, leading to blood accumulation as well as backflow of blood into the pulmonary secretions, thereby increasing congestion in the lungs.
• Hypersensitivity reactions – Hypersensitivity reactions usually cause airway inflammation that leads to mucus secretion. Severe allergic reactions lead to severe lung congestion.
• Asthma – The mechanism of asthma that causes chest congestion is similar to hypersensitivity reactions. When allergens or other conditions reach the lungs, they cause inflammation and airway narrowing, leading to accumulation of pulmonary secretions.

Those who smoke and have weak immune system are more prone to experiencing chest congestion.

Diagnosis of Chest Congestion

The diagnosis of chest congestion is done by using the following:

• Physical examination – Examining the chest involves auscultation of the breath sounds. The presence of abnormal breath sounds may indicate chest congestion.

• Chest X-rays – Chest X-rays are indicative of chest congestion due to the presence of lung consolidations in the X-ray films.

• Pulse oxymetry – Pulse oxymetry determines the oxygen saturation of the blood. When the oxygen saturation reveals less than 95 percent, itmay indicate chest congestion caused by low oxygen saturation in the peripheral areas of the body.

Treatments of Chest Congestion

Treatments for chest congestion aim at removing congestion in the lungs as well as preventing hypoxia. These include:

• Mucolytics and expectorants – These medications are often administered to enhance expectoration of mucus, thereby clearing the airways.
• Bronchodilators – Bronchodilators are also given to dilate the airways. These are administered in the form of inhalers or nebulizers. Dilating the airways allows for easier breathing as well as enhances respiratory mucus secretion.
• Antibiotic therapy – Antibiotic therapy, which is initially given via the intravenous route, is prescribed to patients with bacterial infections such as pneumonia.
• Suctioning – Suctioning is also employed for patients who are not able to expectorate the secretions. Suctioning is done for a maximum of 15 seconds to prevent hypoxia because it also causes the suctioning of oxygen.

• Oxygen therapy – Oxygen therapy is also essential when a patient is not able to inhale adequate oxygen due to airway obstruction. Oxygen therapy is more effective when suctioning is done to allow more effectively the entry of gas.

Home Remedies

Home treatments for chest congestion is also helpful to provide adjunct therapy for medical managements. These include:

• Adequate rest – Rest is essential to decrease oxygen demand by the body.
• Increased fluid intake – Fluid intake should be increased to liquify and loosen the secretions for more effective expectoration.
• Use of steam – Inhaling steam or vapor moisturizes the airways and allows for easier expectoration. Steam created by turning on a hot shower for a few minutes can be inhaled to help loosen the congestion.
• Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy using eucalyptus causes relaxation and dilation of the airways.
• Garlic concoction – Garlic is one of the most effective homeopathic treatments for chest congestion. Drinking a concoction made from garlic that has been simmered in boiling water for 5 minutes relieves congestion.

Chest Congestion in Babies

Chest congestion is most commonly seen in babies due to their inability to expectorate secretions. Babies who have chest congestion may manifest loss of appetite and poor sucking reflex. Babies who refuse to eat breathe through their mouth. Chest congestion in babies is life-threatening and may cause respiratory distress.