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Understanding chest cold symptoms and relief options

Whether it’s a cough, an ache or just feeling run down, at-home options can help lend much-needed relief. 

Published: January 22, 2024 |8 minute read

Written by: Jessica Sebor

Illustration of the cross section of a chest showing how the lungs work while a person is coughing from a chest cold.

Does this scenario sound familiar? A coworker, partner or kid has a hacking cough. Several days later you start to feel that nagging ache in your chest — and brace yourself for a rotten next few days.

Chest colds, also known as acute bronchitis, affect roughly one out of 20 Americans every year.1 They’re one of the most common reasons for visits to the emergency room, urgent care clinics and primary care offices.2 Even when they just keep you in bed, they’re no fun.

This article will cover what you need to know about chest cold symptoms, some products and practices that may help, and when to get yourself quickly to medical care.

In this article:

What causes a chest cold?

“A chest cold is the less technical term for bronchitis — a cold in the air linings in your chest,” says Seth Trueger, MD, MPH, an emergency physician based in Illinois and spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians.3 As compared to a head cold, which usually hangs out in the nose and throat, a chest cold typically affects the bronchial tubes.4

Chest colds are almost always caused by a virus. In fact, a whopping 95 percent of all cases of acute bronchitis in healthy adults are brought on by viral infection.5 “The most common viruses that cause chest colds are rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) and influenza viruses,” says Sukrut Dwivedi, DO, FACP, an infectious disease specialist with ID Care in New Jersey.6 Note that in some cases, however, chest colds can be caused by bacteria, allergens or irritating particles in the air.7

Chest cold symptoms

The hallmark symptom of a chest cold is an unpleasant cough.8 The cough may be dry, or it may be wet because of lingering mucus in the lungs and throat.9 Coughs are a powerful reflex — in addition to bringing up mucus and phlegm, they can propel particles out of the lungs at speeds of nearly 50 miles per hour.10 Because of that, it’s important to cover the mouth completely to avoid infecting others.11

Other chest cold symptoms include:

  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Sore or tight chest
  • Sore throat

Since chest cold symptoms can be similar to signs of COVID-19, you may wish to take an at-home test for COVID-19 or find a testing location near you.12

How long does a chest cold last?

“It’s not uncommon for the cough to last three to four weeks,” says Dr. Trueger. He explains that as long as someone is able to do their normal activities without having trouble breathing, a lingering cough isn’t cause for concern. If symptoms hang on for more than three weeks without improvement, however, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.13

Chest congestion home remedies

Modern medicine hasn’t found a cure for the common chest cold.14 But there are a lot of ways people can help themselves feel better, both through home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.15

“Hydration and rest can help,” says Melanie Carver, chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.16 She recommends drinking hot liquids to help relieve congestion and ease a cough. She also recommends using a humidifier.

More moisture can help thin and loosen mucus.17 Products that may help include handheld devices like Vicks personal steam inhaler or a unit that sits on a nightstand. Another bedtime tip: “Changing your sleeping position may help you breathe easier at night,” says Carver. “Sleeping on your back can increase postnasal drip. Try sleeping with your upper body elevated or sleep on your side.”

Other ways to help loosen mucus and ease a sore throat include taking a hot shower.18 Dr. Trueger recommends honey to address a cough, while Dr. Dwivedi notes echinacea may help shorten the duration of a cold.19

Chest congestion OTC products

“Over-the-counter medications, including decongestants, cough suppressants and pain relievers can help relieve the symptoms of a chest cold,” says Dr. Dwivedi.

To help feel better with bronchitis, try these OTC options: 

  • Cough suppressants. There are a few ways that cough medicine can help ease this symptom. A cough suppressant doesn’t treat the throat or chest but instead targets the area of the brain that causes the coughing reflex.20

Adults can try Delsym Adult cough suppressant liquid, CVS Health 12HR Cough DM cough suppressant or Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM. Only give children cough medication specifically labeled for kids, like Children’s Mucinex chest congestion expectorant and cough suppressant mini-melts — and make sure to ask your pediatrician first.21

  • Decongestants. A decongestant works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages to help with congestion.22

This kind of medication is available as a nasal spray (try Vicks Sinex Severe original ultra fine mist nasal spray decongestant or Afrin No Drip severe congestion nasal decongestant pump mist) or a nasal inhaler ( like the CVS Health® nasal decongestant vapor inhaler).

  • Lozenges. A lozenge can be comforting to adults suffering from a sore throat but should be avoided in young children due to choking hazards.23

Options for grownups include CVS Health cherry cough drops, Halls honey lemon drops and Ricola Max throat care cough drops.

  • Pain relievers. A pain relief product can help to reduce fever and the aches and pains that may accompany a chest cold.24

Over-the-counter options include CVS Health extra strength acetaminophen pain reliever and fever reducer, Tylenol 8 HR Muscle Aches & Pain tablets with acetaminophen, CVS Health ibuprofen pain reliever and fever reducer and Advil Liqui-Gels Minis pain reliever and fever reducer.

Preventing chest colds

Since chest colds are most often spread from person to person through air droplets or touch, you can lower your risk of infection with good health practices.25 This means washing your hands frequently — especially before a meal — and avoiding crowded areas or wearing a face mask while there, adds Dr. Trueger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends not smoking and staying away from second-hand smoke.26

And make sure you stay up to date on your annual flu vaccine, because the influenza virus can lead to a chest cold.27 Talk to your doctor or visit our website to learn more.

When to seek medical attention

In most cases, a chest cold will resolve on its own, notes Dr. Trueger, and prescription medications like antibiotics are unlikely to help.28 It’s a good idea, however, to seek medical care for any of the following symptoms:29

  • Bloody mucus
  • A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  • Troubled breathing
  • Your symptoms don’t improve after three or more weeks
  • You are immunocompromised.

Anyone who experiences repeated episodes of bronchitis should also see the doctor. This can be a sign of chronic bronchitis, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.30

Patients with other conditions or risk factors may also want to seek help sooner. For instance, Dr. Trueger recommends people with asthma call their doctor as soon as symptoms crop up. “A chest cold can be particularly challenging for people with asthma as it can make breathing difficult and trigger asthma symptoms,” says Dr. Carver.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.