Mucus. Phlegm. Sputum. Whatever you call it, it can be a common problem for people with COPD and other chronic lung conditions, such as bronchiectasis. Extra mucus forms in the airways, from the lungs to the throat, and it might come out as you cough. For many people, managing mucus can feel like a daily battle.
Airway mucus affects people differently. This can lead to lots of questions about how to prevent and manage mucus. Today, we’ve rounded up some of the most common questions to help you find the answers you need.
What causes airway mucus?
Mucus is an important tool your body uses to keep you safe and healthy. For example, mucus in your nose traps dust, allergens, viruses, and bacteria. This helps prevent them from traveling farther inside your body. Then, when you blow your nose, your body gets rid of all those contaminants. Just like everyone has mucus in their nose, everyone has mucus in their airways. It helps trap and remove contaminants you inhale.
However, airway mucus can become a problem when there’s too much of it. Inflammation in the airways can lead to extra mucus, which is why people with chronic lung conditions may struggle with too much mucus. To make matters worse, limited lung function can make it even harder for the lungs to clear it out.1
What is the problem with too much mucus?
Most obviously, extra mucus in the airways can be uncomfortable. It can make it harder to breathe and cause a tight feeling in the chest. But when excess mucus isn’t cleared out regularly, it can also lead to more lung irritation and infection, as mucus-trapped bacteria stay inside the lungs longer. Over time, the extra mucus can also form mucus plugs. These plugs can block the airways and harm your health.2
How do you get rid of airway mucus?
There are many different strategies. Medications are one option. Some medications make mucus thinner or break it down so it’s easier to cough up, while others reduce mucus production. Certain coughing techniques can help you move mucus up out of the airways more effectively. Other strategies include postural drainage, airway clearance devices, and more.3 Learn more about each of these options.
Knowing which approach is right for you depends on the type and amount of mucus you’re dealing with, as well as other details about your condition. Talk to your doctor about coming up with a custom treatment plan.
What does the color of mucus mean?
Studies suggest that yellow, green, and brown mucus may be associated with infection. However, the color alone is not enough for a conclusive diagnosis.4 Someone could have an infection and still produce clear mucus, or they could have green mucus with no infection. If you are concerned about the color of your mucus, or if you notice a significant change in color, talk to your doctor.
Does consistently having more mucus mean worse COPD?
Often, yes. Studies show that people with COPD who have increased mucus over a long period of time are more likely to struggle with decreased lung function and lower quality of life.1 Actively managing airway mucus can help reduce these risks.
Can you do anything to prevent airway mucus?
Drink lots of water. Staying well-hydrated helps to thin mucus,5 making it easier to clear. Regular exercise also helps to move mucus naturally—just one of the many benefits to staying active as much as you can when you have COPD. Quitting smoking can also make a positive difference, reducing inflammation and improving lung function.1
Does milk cause more mucus?
One common tip is to avoid milk and other dairy products, as they are believed to either increase mucus production or thicken mucus. However, there is little evidence to support this idea.6
Milk is a great source of important nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. That being said, even though it might not increase mucus, milk may coat your throat in a way that makes the problem feel worse.6 If you are really struggling with airway mucus, you can try eliminating or reducing dairy from your diet to see if it makes any difference for you.
What does it mean if you notice a change in the amount or type of mucus?
A change in the color, amount, or thickness of mucus could indicate a change in your condition, such as a flare-up (exacerbation) or infection. To be safe, talk to your doctor any time you notice a significant change in your airway mucus, or any other symptoms.
Managing airway mucus can take some trial and error. Share your experiences in the comments below. What strategies work best for you?
Resources
- Ramos FL, Krahnke JS, Kim V. Clinical issues of mucus accumulation in COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2014;9:139-150. Published 2014 Jan 24. doi:10.2147/COPD.S38938
- Diaz AA, Orejas JL, Grumley S, et al. Airway-occluding mucus plugs and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. JAMA. 2023;329(21):1832–1839. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2065
- Shen Y, Huang S, Kang J, et al. Management of airway mucus hypersecretion in chronic airway inflammatory disease: Chinese expert consensus (English edition). Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2018;13:399-407. Published 2018 Jan 30. doi:10.2147/COPD.S144312
- Spies R, Potter M, Hollamby R, et al. Sputum color as a marker for bacteria in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2023;20(5):738-748. doi: https://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202204-319OC
- Balfour-Lynn I. Milk, mucus and myths. Arch Dis Child. 2018;104(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2018-314896
- Randell SH, Boucher RC. Effective mucus clearance is essential for respiratory health. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2006;35(1): 20-28. doi: https://doi.org/10.1165/rcmb.2006-0082SF