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Sputum or phlegm refers to the mucus found in the lungs. It is a typical symptom of long-term lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease, asthma, and COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

 

In healthy airways, oxygenated air flows smoothly through tubes with the assistance of microscopic hairs called cilia that line the airways. Because mucus retains irritants in your airways and aids in your body's ability to eliminate them through coughing, it plays a critical role in your lungs' immunological response. 

 

You'll be more immune to illness as a result. Mucus that builds up in your airways can worsen breathing and raise your risk of infection, all of which can worsen lung damage. This is more than simply an unpleasant annoyance.

 

Chronic mucus is a bothersome and painful condition. Coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms might be brought on by it, depending on the reason and degree.

 

Causes:

 

Goblet cells create mucus. The mucous membranes of the body include these cells.

 

The mucus has a crucial function. It holds dust, allergens, and bacteria in place. These are removed from your lower respiratory tract by coughing. A failure to cough up the excess may occasionally be the cause. Weakness in the muscles of the throat or lungs may cause this. This may also result from cilia damage. The hair-like structures called cilia force mucus up and out of your lungs.



Excess mucus can be brought on by several things:

 

  1. Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, smog, or pet dander may itch. By producing extra mucus to cough up, the body makes an effort to eliminate these toxins.
  2. Asthma: Asthma is characterised by swelling and airway irritation. Overproduction of mucus is another effect of this.
  3. Infection: A viral infection of the lungs causes bronchitis. Your immune system works to contain and eliminate the infection when you have bronchitis. Mucus production might increase as a result of this.
  4. Smoking: The leading causes of chronically increased mucus production are smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke. Smokers are more likely to get chronic bronchitis and airflow problems. According to studies, these persons have more goblet cells and inflammatory cells in their airways. 
  5. COPD: Some COPD patients produce more mucus than usual. They have more goblet cells than those who do not have COPD, which explains this. Additionally, they could have enlarged mucus ducts in their airways. A persistent cough is the result of this overproduction. Unfortunately, those who have COPD may find it challenging to discharge extra mucus. They can have coughing that is ineffective or other issues related to their illness.
  6. Cystic fibrosis: This hereditary condition causes the development of mucus that is very thick and sticky. It has an impact on the pancreas as well as the lungs. It is extremely difficult to open the airways and breathe because of the sticky mucus.

 

Diagnosis:

 

If you have a persistent chronic cough or an increase in the quantity or thickness of mucus, consult a doctor. Your doctor will question you extensively about your cough and the amount of mucus. Additionally, you could be required to submit a sputum sample. This is the easiest technique to use to determine if your excessive mucus is due to a bacterial or viral infection.

 

Simply cough up roughly a teaspoon of mucus into a clean cup to offer this sample. The sample is subsequently delivered to a lab for examination.

 

Medications:

 

Consider speaking with your healthcare physician for a complete diagnosis and a treatment program if excessive mucus production starts to occur frequently and causes discomfort. Your doctor could suggest drugs like:

 

Over-the-counter drugs: Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin), an expectorant, may thin and loosen mucus so it can drain from your neck and chest.

 

Medicines on prescription: Mucus thinners known as mucolytics are inhaled using a nebulizer and include dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) and hypertonic saline (Nebusal). Your doctor will probably recommend antibiotics if a bacterial infection is the cause of your excessive mucus.

 

Conclusion:

 

Your body continuously produces mucus. A small illness that you should let run its course is frequently the cause of excessive mucus production in your throat.

 

Excess mucus can occasionally be a symptom of a more serious ailment, though. Consult a physician if any of the following apply:

 

  • The amount of mucus you're making substantially rises 
  • If you have chronic overproduction of mucus, 
  • The above-mentioned signs are accompanied by other unsettling symptoms.

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