The Significance of Different Sputum Types Chronic lung disease such as chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis cause mucus glands to multiply three to four times above normal levels, resulting in more viscous mucus that the cilia can’t easily clear. Chronic Airway irritation eg Smoking, COPD and asthma.A list of some of these causes of excess mucous production follows: Thus, a vicious cycle initiates, which invariably ends with an acute exacerbation of the condition. This condition is only worsened by the fact that this static mucus is invaded by bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Unfortunately, this only worsens the condition as mucus viscosity becomes increased, leading to further decreased clearance as well as the initiation of inflammation and fibrosis. The airways respond by secreting an excess of inflammatory mediators in an attempt to clear the obstruction. This leads to the formation of mucus plugs, which further decrease the clearance. Excessive mucus production overwhelms the mucociliary clearance mechanisms, thus leading to the accumulation of this excess mucus. There are many different reasons for the body to produce excess sputum. ![]() Cilia beat at ten to 12 times per second, propelling mucus at one millimetre per minute. ![]() The Muco-cillary escalator: Responsible for the clearance of mucus towards the pharynx, where it is eventually expectorated out by the cough reflex.Mucus-secreting cells: Goblet cells of the mucous membranes and the submucosal glands of the respiratory, GI, and reproductive systems are responsible for the secretion of mucus.The amount of mucus in our body is regulated chiefly by two mechanisms, which are the: The mucus layer also works as a physical barrier against respiratory irritants and prevents fluid loss as well. ![]() However, the pore size of the gel mesh means small viruses can easily penetrate it. The solid gel layer acts as a physical barrier to most pathogens and the constant flushing movement prevents the establishment of bacterial biofilms.Mucus strands form cross links, producing a sticky, elastic gel.Mucin droplets absorb water and swell several hundred times in volume within three seconds of release from mucus glands.Mucus is 95% water, 3% proteins (including mucin and antibodies), 1% salt and other substances.Mucus is the first line of defense for the various epithelia inside our body against harmful pathogens.
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