Cystic fibrosis: Helping your child cough up mucus

What does excess mucus do to the lungs and health?

Cystic fibrosis causes abnormally thick and sticky mucus, which can collect in the lungs and other organs. Normally, mucus in the body is thin and fluid. The function of mucus is to lubricate organ passages and help remove bacteria. In people who have cystic fibrosis, the mucus is so thick that it gets stuck in the lungs and airways. This makes it hard to breathe and easy to get infections.

Infections in the respiratory system and lungs cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems. Chronic respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis, can develop. Serious lung problems can eventually lead to disability or death.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Too much mucus in the lungs can cause:

1. Difficulty breathing.
2. Lung infections.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: June 26, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
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