COPD: Clearing your lungs

What does a lot of mucus do to your lungs and health?

Normally, mucus in the body is thin and fluid. Mucus protects and moistens the lining of body organs, such as the lungs, stomach, and intestines. It also helps remove bacteria.

But if you have COPD, your airways may make more mucus than normal. The mucus may be so thick that it gets stuck in your lungs and airways. This makes it hard to breathe and easy to get infections.

Infections in the airways and lungs cause coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems. An infection may lead to more mucus in your lungs that becomes thicker and harder to move. The mucus may also change color.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Too much mucus in the lungs can:

1. Make it hard to breathe.
2. Lead to lung infections.

Continue to Why should you use controlled coughing, postural drainage, and chest percussion to clear your lungs?
Return to COPD: Clearing your lungs

Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: November 16, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
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