This article discusses the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic mucus.
It also looks at some potential treatments.
What Is Mucus?
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Causes of Excess Mucus
Mucus is produced by goblet cells.
These cells are found in the body’s mucous membranes.
Mucus serves an important purpose.
It traps debris, irritants, and bacteria.
Coughing clears these things from your lower respiratory tract.
In some cases, the cause may be an inability to cough up the excess.
This can happen because of weakening of lung or throat muscles.
Damage tociliacan also cause this.
Cilia are the hairlike structures that push mucus up and out of your lungs.
Respiratory Issues
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasisis a chronic (long-term) condition of the lungs.
People with this condition have wider-than-normal airways that are prone to excess mucus build-up.
This can put them at greater risk for lung infection.These infections can damage the lungs over time.
People with bronchiectasis have symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and frequent lung infections.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosisis a genetic disease associated with very thick, sticky mucus production.
It affects the lungs and other organs like thepancreas.
The sticky mucus makes it very hard to wipe the airways to breathe.
Cigarette smokers can have both chronic bronchitis and limited airflow.
Studies show that these people have an increased number of goblet cells and inflammatory cells in the airway.
Symptoms of Excessive Mucus
Severe mucus varies in how long it lasts and how severe it becomes.
Some people may have excess mucus production with chronicbronchitis.
This is defined as:
Other people may have a temporary increase in mucus.
This can happen with allergies or a viral infection.
Your doctor will ask you several questions about your cough and mucus levels.
You may also be asked to provide a sputum sample.
This is the best way to find out if your excess mucus has viral or bacterial causes.
To provide this sample, you’ll simply cough up about a teaspoon of mucus into a clean cup.
The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Complications Related to Excess Mucus
A small amount of mucus every once in a while is normal.
An increase in mucus thickness or stickiness is also a sign you may need to see a doctor.
Over the long term, chronic mucus production can impact your health.
It can damage airways and reduce lung function.
This can limit your ability to be physically active.
It can also decrease your overall quality of life.
In patients with COPD, too much mucus can increase the number of flare-ups, when symptoms increase.
It may also increase the risk of respiratory-related death.
If you smoke, quitting can help clear up your cough.
In fact, quitting smoking is the best way to improve many conditions, including chronic bronchitis and COPD.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) products can help relieve mucus buildup.
Prescription treatments can also help.
For example, people withchronic bronchitismay use inhalers to ease airway swelling and pop kick open the airways.
Oral prednisone is also prescribed for chronic bronchitis.
Physical Treatments
Physical treatments for excess mucus may also be helpful.
These include:
Summary
Excess mucus has many potential causes.
They can be long- or short-term.
Conditions that can contribute to excess mucus include allergies, asthma, and bronchitis.
Smoking and conditions like COPD and cystic fibrosis can also cause this symptom.
Your doctor may order a sputum test to find the cause of your excess mucus.
Treatment may include over-the-counter medicines or prescription medications like inhalers.
You may also find some home remedies helpful.
In some cases, physical remedies like airway clearance devices may also help.
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