Mucus is a slick fluid secreted from mucus cells that are located inside of the organs in the body. The main function of mucus is to provide protection. Mucus protects by coating the lining of organs and keeping them moist, as well as trapping foreign substances. In normal amounts, mucus aids in maintaining normal health. Certain conditions may cause excess mucus, which can cause irritating symptoms and difficulty breathing.
Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, which consists of the nose and throat. The rhinovirus is the virus that most frequently causes a cold, but there are over 200 viruses that can cause the infection, according to Mayo Clinic. The common cold can be spread through airborne droplets or direct contact and the average person gets a cold two to four times per year. Those with a cold experience congestion due to the production of excess mucus, sore throat, runny nose, cough, body aches, sneezing, watery eyes, low fever and fatigue. There is no cure for the common cold and over-the-counter medications and antibiotics do not decrease duration. There are medications, such as pain relievers, cough syrups and nasal sprays, that may relieve symptoms, but the best treatment for the common cold is rest and increased fluid intake.
Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease characterized by the inflammation of the airways in the lungs. When the airways swell, they narrow as well. In addition to swelling, the disease is characterized by the increased production of mucus by the cells in the airways. The combination of swelling and increased mucus production makes breathing difficult. The cause of asthma is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The most common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma cannot be cured so the goal of treatment is to control the disease and prevent inflammation. In order to do this, treatment of asthma consists of a combination of quick-relief and long-term medications. Quick-relief medications are used during an asthma attack and aim to provide instant relief by reducing inflammation of the airways. Long-term medications are usually taken daily and work by preventing airway inflammation.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic lung disease characterized by the increased production of mucus that is also thicker and stickier than normal. The mucus accumulates in the airways of the lungs and the pancreas. The excess mucus causes difficulty breathing and an increased risk of infection and serious digestive problems. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that is caused by a defective gene that must be inherited by both parents, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include coughing, delayed growth, decrease in bowel movements, stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath and sinus pain. Treatment for cystic fibrosis includes antibiotics, inhaled medications, enzyme replacement therapy and oxygen therapy. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be needed if transplantable lungs are available. Even with treatment, those with cystic fibrosis have a shortened life expectancy.
