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Mucus is excellent at trapping dust, bacteria, and other harmful particles before they reach the lungs. However, excessive mucus production can lead to breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and infections.
Various diseases and conditions can cause an overproduction of mucus , impacting comfort, daily activities, and how you feel. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of excessive mucus production and how they affect the respiratory system.
Learn about how Smartvest can expel excess mucus in the lungs.
What Disease Causes Excessive Mucus Production?
Just because you suffer from excessive mucus production doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. However, the first step of any treatment plan is identification. Wondering if you have a disease where mucus builds up in the lungs? Here are some of the most common causes.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 1 This condition can lead to persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, causing them to produce excessive mucus. This results in frequent coughing and difficulty clearing the airways, making breathing more challenging over time.
Learn more about COPD.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis happens when airways become permanently widened due to chronic infection or inflammation. 2 Because the damaged airways struggle to clear mucus properly, it can lead to mucus buildup, creating an environment for bacterial infections. This cycle, which can be hard to break, is sometimes referred to as the vicious vortex . Bronchiectasis can result in persistent coughing, chest discomfort, and recurrent lung infections.
Bronchiectasis vs. COPD: Understanding the Differences
Cystic Fibrosis
This genetic disorder affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. 3 It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the airways, making breathing difficult and increasing the risk of lung infections. People with cystic fibrosis often need effective airway clearance therapies to remove mucus and maintain lung function.
Is Bronchiectasis Related to Cystic Fibrosis?
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and mucus overproduction. 4 During an asthma attack, the airways become further constricted, and mucus production increases, making breathing even more difficult.
The Connection between Asthma and Bronchiectasis.
Other Diseases That Cause Excess Mucus Production in the Lungs
• Influenza and Respiratory Infections. The flu, common cold, and other respiratory infections often cause increased mucus production as the body’s immune system fights off the infection. 5 While temporary, excessive mucus during illness can lead to discomfort and prolonged coughing.
• Pneumonia. Pneumonia, caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, can fill the air sacs in the lungs with fluid or pus, leading to fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. 6
• Chronic Sinusitis. This occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swollen for an extended period. Chronic sinusitis can lead to postnasal drip, where mucus drains down the throat, which in turn can lead to irritation, coughing, and congestion in the upper respiratory tract. 7
Managing Excess Mucus
If you’re experiencing excessive mucus in the lungs related to a chronic lung condition, airway clearance techniques, such as high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy, can help.
This approach can help loosen and mobilize mucus, making it easier to cough out. This helps reduce the risk of infections, improve lung function, and enhance overall respiratory health. SmartVest is a respiratory vest that’s comfortable to wear and easy to use at home, with clinical evidence showing its efficacy against the chronic cycle of chronic lung infections.
Curious about the difference between phlegm and mucus? Read our article: Phlegm vs. Mucus.
The Role of SmartVest
SmartVest provides effective therapy for mucus clearance, improving lung function and overall respiratory health. Learn more about Smartvest and request an informational packet to bring to your next doctor’s appointment.
Resources
• Mayo Clinic. “COPD.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
• National Library of Medicine. “Bronchiectasis” Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430810/
• Mayo Clinic. “Cystic Fibrosis.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353700
• Cleveland Clinic. “Asthma” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6424-asthma
• Cleveland Clinic. “Common Cold” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12342-common-cold
• Mayo Clinic. “Pneumonia” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354204
• Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Sinusitis” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661