Ever been bothered by a nagging cough or phlegm caused by bronchial congestion? Want to know how you can find relief? Read on for sound health information and advice to help you feel better soon!

Bronchial tubes: passages that can become blocked

Bronchi and bronchioles form a network of passages that link your trachea to your lungs. The air you breathe comes in through your mouth or nose, then passes the larynx and trachea before reaching the lungs, where it’s exchanged for oxygen. Bronchial congestion disrupts this vital process. Here’s how:

• The inner lining of your bronchi is coated with a mucous membrane that contains microscopic cilia, or tiny hairs. These cilia are in constant motion, creating a conveyor belt, if you will, carrying impurities like dust and debris, out of your airways. The mucus acts as a trap for the unwanted substances.
• When those impurities build up in your airways, your natural coughing mechanism is activated to expel the irritant-filled mucus, which can then be spat out or swallowed, clearing your airways.
• Under certain situations, the mucus produced by your bronchial tubes thickens or is produced in excessive quantities, obstructing your bronchial tubes.

The causes of bronchial obstruction

Bronchial congestion is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your respiratory system. The common cold and flu are common examples of viral infections that cause bronchial secretions and coughing. Bronchitis is the term given to a bacterial infection that causes similar symptoms, with the added presence of coloured secretions. Bronchial congestion may also be caused by other factors, including:

• Exposure to irritating substances (dust or chemicals);
• Certain chronic diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection;
• Allergic reactions (to pollen or animals, for example).
  
  

Symptoms of bronchial congestion

Here are the main signs of bronchial obstruction you should watch out for:

• A wet cough;
• Coloured bronchial secretions;
• A mild fever;
• Greater fatigue;
• An irritated throat;
• Bronchial inflammation.

How to treat bronchial congestion?

The first step in decongesting your bronchial passages is to identify the cause of your cough and congestion so you can get the right treatment. If it's caused by a cold or the flu, you need time for your immune system to fight the infection. Ask your pharmacist for advice on how to relieve your symptoms with over-the-counter medication and practical tips on how to improve your health.

Proper hydration is the best expectorant, because water helps make the phlegm looser and more liquid, so it’s easier to expel. The best advice is to drink plenty of water and increase your intake of warm liquids like herbal teas.

Guaifenesin: an effective expectorant

The drug most often found in syrups for wet coughs and/or bronchial congestion is guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, an active ingredient that promotes the release and expulsion of mucus, so you can better expel the phlegm or secretions. Guaifenesin is found in many products, in sold or liquid (tablets or syrup) form. Ask your pharmacist for advice on the treatment that’s best for you.

Phlegm and bronchial congestion: when to seek medical advice?

Consult a healthcare professional if your coughing and bronchial congestion last for more than 7 to 14 days or if you have the following signs and symptoms:

• High fever or a fever lasting more than 48 hours;
• Vomiting after you cough;
• Blood in the phlegm;
• Skin rashes;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Chest or back pain;
• Gradual worsening of your condition.
  
  

For questions about mucus buildup and bronchial congestion, speak to your pharmacist. They’re on hand to help!