Mucus is a thick, sticky fluid that is released by the mucous membranes, which line the inner walls of numerous parts of the body, for example, the respiratory tract, stomach, and lungs.
This mucus contains a large number of antimicrobial compounds, which are very effective in fighting bacteria and other pathogens, acting as a mechanism for the body to defend itself against numerous threats. In a healthy person, approximately 1.5 liters of mucus are generated per day; However, an excess of it due to a disease can cause different disorders.
This is why you should visit a doctor if you have any alteration in your body, since it could happen that mucus accumulates and sticks in different parts. It is very common for this to occur in the respiratory system and can be a major disturbance if not treated promptly. For this reason, at FastlyHealwe want you to know everything about mucus in the lungs: symptoms, causes and treatment .
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Symptoms of snotty lungs
Mucus accumulating in the body and excess mucus in the lungs can be due to many factors. This is why the symptoms will depend on the underlying pathology; However, the most common symptom that usually indicates that there is a large amount of mucus in these organs is excessive coughing .
The cough is usually accompanied by excretions of mucus, which can vary in color yellow or green. This mucus in the respiratory system can generate other symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Fever.
Main causes of mucus in the lungs
The lungs are constantly exposed to suffering from numerous pathologies that cause an increase in mucus, many of them are due to the entry of microorganisms or substances through the air that is inhaled. Some causes of this alteration are:
- Asthma : This pulmonary pathology causes inflammation in the airways, which is accompanied by a large increase in the production of mucus in the body, which can lead to excess mucus in the lungs. An asthma attack can cause major breathing problems, as mucus can block the airways. Discover natural remedies for asthma at FastlyHeal .
- Bronchitis : This respiratory disorder causes the inhaled air not to pass to the lungs correctly, since the bronchi are swollen, so there is no passage of carbon dioxide out of the body. The mucous membrane becomes inflamed and releases more mucus to try to control the infection caused by a virus or bacteria.
- Sinusitis : Another cause of mucus in the lungs can be this infection in the paranasal sinuses, which are hollow cavities that allow air to flow from the nose to the windpipe. There are 4 pairs of sinus openings, and the mucous membrane found in them causes mucus and acts as a filter for dust and all kinds of dirt; however, when there is an infection at the site, there is an obstruction and excessive mucus. There are different natural remedies for sinusitis that can help you treat the disease.
- Pulmonary emphysema : in this pathology there is a progressive destruction of the alveoli, pulmonary diverticula that cause oxygen to be transferred to the blood and, at the same time, are responsible for expelling carbon dioxide. In this disease, the alveoli cannot do their job properly, mostly because they are exposed to irritants in the air for a long time, which causes the production of mucus in the lungs to increase, causing coughing and shortness of breath.
- Allergies and tuberculosis : allergies can irritate the lungs and, in this way, affect the production of mucus, causing an excess and accumulation in these organs. The pulmonary tuberculosis is a severe bacterial infection in the lungs, where there is frequent coughing, sometimes with blood, chest discomfort when breathing and thick mucus.
Treatment to decrease mucus in the lungs
If you notice any of the symptoms and think you have mucus in your lungs, it is essential that you consult a doctor . The specialist will offer you the most indicated treatment and it can be based on drugs such as a bronchodilator , which dilates the bronchi and allows better breathing, an expectorant , which helps reduce mucus or a decongestant , to reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane.
On the other hand, the doctor may advise you to inhale the vapors, which will help you significantly reduce congestion naturally, gargle with salt water, so that the mucus does not reach the throat and, it is likely, that it will indicate a diet far from dairy but in which you eat a lot of water. However, the treatment will also be closely related to the cause that is causing the excess mucus in the lungs.
How can I prevent increased mucus in my lungs?
Although mucus in the lungs can often be caused by viral or bacterial diseases , there are some factors that make you more prone to excess mucus in the body. For example, chronic smoking is a primary factor that can lead to frequent coughing and cause the mucous membranes to malfunction. This is why it is essential that you eliminate this habit if you want to have healthy lungs and body, if you cannot do it, you should seek professional help to help you with the process.
If you live in an area where the pollution in the environment is very high, it could be very useful to install air purifiers in your home, to guarantee a healthier and cleaner indoor environment, and thus avoid numerous disorders. Generally, when there is a high production of mucus in the lungs it is due to a virus or respiratory disease, so it is important to seek the cause soon with a doctor and that he or she indicates the best way to eliminate this.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Mucus in the lungs: symptoms, causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.