How to Clear Up Congestion Due to Emphysema

There are a number of causes for breathing difficulty, but emphysema is special because it is progressive and incurable. One symptom of emphysema is chronic chest congestion, with excess mucus building up throughout the lungs. To make everyday activity more comfortable, you should employ a set of therapies that can help you expel some of that excess mucus and prevent its buildup.

Things You'll Need

• Physician
• Respiratory therapist
• Peppermint or chamomile tea
• Guaifenesin
• Tincture of fenugreek seeds

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Instructions

• 1

  Stop smoking. Your doctor will be able to help you craft a smoking cessation program to help you break the habit and prevent relapse. Eliminating tobacco products is absolutely essential if you have emphysema.

• 2

  See your physician, who may refer you to a respiratory therapist. Practice the postures and breathing techniques the therapist teaches you.

• 3

  Take guaifenesin, an expectorant which can help you bring up and expel excess mucus. Your doctor may also add pseudoephedrine, corticosteroids and inhalers, but guaifenesin is readily available over the counter.

• 4

  Take tincture of fenugreek seed, which in small doses serves as a bronchodilator (opens your air passages) and in larger doses serves as an expectorant. Get this at a health food store or from an herbalist and follow the dosing directions.

• 5

  Most importantly, drink plenty of clear fluids including peppermint or chamomile tea, and especially lots of water. Fluids help to prevent the buildup of excess mucus and make it easier to expel.