As everyone know, normal lung functioning is required for proper breathing. Mucus in lungs is important for protecting these vital organs from foreign substances. Mucus is produced by the mucous membrane which line the bronchial lung passages. Mucus in lungs assures that harmful particles such as pollen and dust don’t enter the lungs as well as case infection by filtering and trapping them from the airways. If foreign particles reach the lungs, mucous expels them in the form of cough.
Symptoms of Mucus in Lungs:
Few symptoms can be associated to the condition. The most common symptom of mucous in lungs is excessive coughing which discharges greenish-yellow substance. Coughing mucous is an evidence for some underlying disorder. Sore throat and shortness of breath are also caused by the presence of excess mucous. Excess mucous in lungs is not a good cause and can worry you. Several breathing problems may develop because of excess mucous in lungs. Generally, excessive mucus is because of other underlying diseases and factors.
Causes of Mucus in Lungs:
Numerous factors contribute to the cause of mucous in lungs. For example, viral infection and common cold may lead to accumulation of large amounts of mucus in lungs. Other causes include:
- Asthma: This condition is due to airways inflammation which is accompanied by surplus amounts of mucous production. Asthma attack may cause serious breathing disorders and even airway obstruction because of mucus accumulation, if serious.
- Bronchitis: This condition occurs when the lungs become swollen due to mucus in lungs. Besides narrowing the windpipe, inflammation results in surplus buildup of mucus in the airways.this condition needs urgent medical attention because it results in breathing difficulty.
- Sinusitis: Excessive mucus production is also due to sinus infections. Sinus are the hollow cavities which allow air flow from the nose to windpipe. Four pairs of sinus openings are connected with the nose. Mucous membrane situated in these sinuses secrete mucus that acts as a filtering system for dust and dirt. Mucous doesn’t allow foreign particles from entering the lungs. However, bacterial infections also cause sinus inflammation. Eventually, this results in mucous clogged sinuses. Surplus mucous which is being secreted in the sinuses travel down to lungs and disturbs the function.
