A cold icy feeling inside chest is often experienced by people and considered normal. But what if it’s indicating a severe problem? A Cold sensation in chest and throat can signify that you are suffering from a chest cold. The other name for chest cold is acute bronchitis, and you should take it seriously. Before we discuss anything, let’s find out how this minty feeling in the chest is caused.
The swelling in the airways of your lungs leads to the production of mucus. The constriction of the airways will result in coughing that can be persistent. Acute bronchitis will take three weeks to recover approximately. But the menthol sensation in the chest is quite uncomfortable.
If the condition is not treated timely, then this can lead to chronic bronchitis. The minty feeling in lungs is not pleasant like you are chewing peppermint gum. It is associated with other symptoms as well.
Do you have sleepless nights due to a persistent cough? And cold icy feeling inside chest when breathing? If the answer is yes, this article is for you to understand the causes, symptoms, and how to get rid of the icy feeling inside chest.
Table of Content
What Causes Cooling Sensation In Throat And Chest?
A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract is the most common cause of menthol-like feeling in chest. The acute bronchitis cases sum up to 80 to 95 percent in adults. These viruses are no different than the common cold. Moreover, other than viral infection, bacterial infection can also be a leading cause of menthol feeling in chest.
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Viral bronchitis can lead to bacterial infection if it is not taken seriously. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Bordetella Pertussis commonly lead to bacterial infections. Sometimes, they can also cause a cold icy feeling inside chest and throat due to inhaling irritants like fumes and smoke. The irritation of the trachea and bronchial airways can lead to a cold feeling in chest and throat.
In rare cases, the cause of acute bronchitis is not an infection. But the cool minty feeling in chest is caused due to an underlying health problem like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
You might be clear about the causes, so let’s read about the factors that might increase the risk of acute bronchitis. You need to focus on these points if you have a history of asthma or your lungs feel like menthol.
- Passive smoking, i.e., you inhale cigarette smoke a lot
- Weak immune system
- Gastric Reflux
- Exposure to chemical fumes and irritants
- Age factor, most common in people above 50 years
- Negligence in Vaccine schedule of flu and pneumonia
Related: Do You Feels Like Hair In Throat?
Symptoms Of Cold Icy Feeling Inside Chest
The symptoms will mimic the common signs and symptoms of seasonal cold or flu. It would help if you looked out for these signs along with anxiety cold feeling in chest.
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Muscle aches
- Fever
You will develop a cough after the initial infection. The dry cough will transition into a productive cough slowly. This means that there is mucus. The productive cough is persistent, along with a weird menthol feeling in chest. It can last up to 3 weeks. You need to contact any healthcare professional if you experience chronic symptoms. These emergency symptoms are as follows:
- Weight loss
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent barking cough
- High fever
- Pain in chest
- Cough that doesn’t go away after ten days
Related: Weird Dropping Feeling in Chest?
Diagnosis Of Menthol Feeling In Lungs
Mainly, a specific treatment is not required to treat acute bronchitis. But if the symptoms are not bearable, then your doctor will recommend a physical exam. Your doctor will start examining by listening to the breathing sound via a stethoscope. The actual purpose is to rule out wheezing.
You will also note the frequency and type of coughs in your medical history. Your doctor needs to know if you have a dry or productive cough. If you have any underlying health problems, you need to inform your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will devise the treatment strategy according to the health of the patient. Asthma and existing breathing issues can pose serious concerns.
If the diagnosis is uncertain, a chest X-ray is mandatory to see if it is pneumonia. Moreover, if any other infection is suspected, your healthcare provider will recommend some blood culture tests.
Treatment Of Cold Icy Feeling Inside Chest
The treatment plan is only initiated if the symptoms are severe. Acute bronchitis does not have a specified treatment therapy. Home care is recommended to deal with minor symptoms. Now, if you are wondering what basic tips are useful, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here is the list of things you can do to relieve the symptoms of cold feeling in chest anxiety.
- OTC NSAID’s also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is highly recommended if your chest feels like menthol.
- A humidifier can help you breathe and open the nasal airway passages by boosting the moisture.
- The irritated bronchial tubes can be relieved by using ginger. You can add ginger to hot water or tea.
- Don’t forget to drink water. Plenty of fluid intake will help to reduce the mucus.
- To soothe your throat and continuous cough, use honey as it has natural antiviral properties.
Start to feel better by trying these easy remedies. However, it can help relieve the common symptoms, but problems like asthma or wheezing need to be treated with medication or pharmacological therapy.
Antibiotics are not recommended for acute bronchitis. The sole reason is that mostly these cases are linked to viral infections, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are prescribed if the patient is at high risk of pneumonia. People who are diagnosed with acute bronchitis have a high chance to suffer from pneumonia in cold weather.
Related: Are You Experiencing Chest Pain After Drinking Cold Water?
Conclusion
To sum up, acute bronchitis results in a cold sensation in chest. This condition is contagious and can transmit from one person to another. The short-term infection can spread easily. It is important to note that the symptoms might dissipate within a few days, but if it occurs again, then it may take a longer time to recover.
Taking proper care of yourself can help to prevent and manage cold feeling in the throat and chest. Washing your hands, getting enough sleep, avoiding touching your nose and mouth, getting flu shots, and eating a balanced diet can help to reduce the symptoms of acute bronchitis.
FAQ
What causes a cold feeling in your chest?
A Chest cold or acute bronchitis causes a cold feeling in your chest. It can cause this cold feeling due to viral or bacterial infections. It is often accompanied BY other symptoms like congestion, runny nose, persistent cough that can be dry or productive. A cough is usually dry at the start; then mucus develops with time.
How do I get rid of the cold feeling in my chest?
If you want to get rid of the weird cold feeling in the chest, you should rest as this can strengthen your immune system. The symptoms can be relieved with the help of OTC painkillers. If acute bronchitis has transformed into bacterial pneumonia, then antibiotics will be prescribed.
Why do I feel a cold sensation in my body?
Cold sensation in the body can be due to a variety of reasons. If you’re suffering from a common cold, this can lead to high fever and chills. Moreover, acute bronchitis can lead to cold sensations in the chest, throat, and whole body.
Cold sensation in the body can be accompanied by shivering and high fever. There is no need for medicines to treat this condition. Hot beverages, keeping yourself warm can be helpful unless it is the case of hypothermia.
