MUCUS: WHAT IT IS, WHY MUCUS FORMS, AND HOW TO TREAT IT

The human body is composed of nearly 50 to 75% liquid, including essential fluids like blood, plasma, lymph, saliva, tears, bile, gastric juices, and mucus.

Although often overlooked, mucus is essential for health, forming a thick, slippery barrier on mucous membranes in the nose, lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body where it grows.

Additionally, it is also essential for the body as a primary physical and immune barrier, as well as a natural lubricant. It lines the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive tracts to protect organs and trap foreign particles, helping to remove them. 

However, despite its importance, there is insufficient awareness of its role, and many myths and misconceptions about mucus have persisted over time, influencing how we perceive this vital bodily fluid.

Fret not, Mucinex^® Canada explains what mucus is, its causes, symptoms, and how to ease congestion. You'll understand your airways and how to respond to different environmental factors.

What is mucus?

Mucus is a smooth, protective fluid that quietly keeps your body’s delicate tissues moist from irritation. It attracts dust and germs before they can cause harm, acting as a natural filter. With antibodies and enzymes inside, it plays a silent yet powerful role in fighting infections.

The body produces about 1 to 1.5 liters of mucus each day, but we don't notice it when we're healthy. When sick or irritated, its texture or quantity changes, making us aware of this unnoticed helper. It plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and protection, helping to prevent future issues such as sinus congestion, throat irritation, respiratory infections, or worsening allergy symptoms.

What is the difference between mucus and phlegm?

Mucus is a clear, slippery substance found throughout the body that helps keep delicate tissues moist, protected, and functioning properly. It acts as a gentle barrier against dryness, safeguards surfaces from irritation, and supports the body’s natural balance.

On the other hand, phlegm is a thicker, often colored type of mucus produced in the respiratory system to trap germs and irritants. It’s the mucus you cough up from your lungs when sick, helping the body clear infections, germs, foreign particles, and inflammatory cells.

What areas of the body produce mucus?

Mucus is generated in several areas of the body by mucus-secreting glands found within the lining of different organs, including the following:

1. Lungs: The mucus produced in the lungs is commonly called sputum or phlegm.
2. Sinuses: Mucus generated in the sinuses drains through the nasal passages.
3. Mouth: Oral mucus helps lubricate the mouth and acts as a protective barrier.
4. Throat: Mucus present in the throat is also referred to as phlegm or sputum.
5. Nose: Excess nasal mucus can cause a runny nose, often described as nasal discharge.
6. Gastrointestinal tract: In the digestive system, mucus keeps the tissues moist and forms a barrier that shields against microorganisms, digestive acids, enzymes, toxins, and food particles.

What causes mucus production to increase?

Various conditions can trigger excess mucus. The most important are as follows:

1. Common cold

A common cold is a viral infection most often caused by rhinoviruses that irritate the upper respiratory tract. This triggers the body to produce more mucus, which helps flush out viruses, leading to a runny nose and frequent coughing.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become swollen and blocked, leading to the accumulation of mucus within them. As inflammation worsens, the body produces more mucus to attempt to clear the congestion.

3. Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens like dust, pollen, or smoke irritate the nasal lining. The immune system responds by producing extra mucus and removing the particles of the triggering substance.

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a long-term lung disease that narrows the airways and causes chronic inflammation. This irritation stimulates the mucus glands to produce thick sputum, which often makes breathing difficult.

5. Asthma

Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and overly sensitive to irritants. During flare-ups, the body generates excess mucus as a protective response, which can further obstruct airflow.

6. Pulmonary cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the body’s mucus glands, causing them to create thick, sticky mucus. This mucus builds up in the lungs and airways, making infections more likely to occur.

7. Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disorder characterized by damage and widening of the airways. The irritated airway walls produce large amounts of mucus, leading to persistent coughing and recurrent infections.

What are the symptoms of excessive mucus?

Excess mucus isn't usually a serious health issue; it can be uncomfortable and disruptive, especially when it thickens or increases, causing a heavy, clogged feeling in the nose, throat, or airways. Some symptoms are as follows:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Sinus pressure or headache
• Persistent cough

Mucus: Treatment

Here are the most effective home remedies and over-the-counter treatment options for managing mucus:

Home remedies

• Warm fluids: Drinking warm water, herbal teas, or broths helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear.
• Steam inhalation: Moist, warm steam loosens thick mucus and relieves nasal or chest congestion.
• Humidifier use: Adds moisture to the air, preventing mucus from becoming dry and sticky.
• Ginger tea: Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm irritation and reduce excess mucus buildup.
• Saltwater gargle: Helps clear mucus from the throat and reduces irritation.
• Honey with warm water: Soothes the throat and helps loosen mucus for easier expulsion.

2. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

When excess mucus becomes thick and sticky, it traps air in the chest, making coughing feel difficult.[1] Therefore, the body needs help thinning it so it can move out easily, and expectorants work by breaking down the mucus structure, helping it loosen, lift, and clear from the airways.

Try Mucinex^® Chest Congestion Guaifenesin 600 mg Tablets^*, an expectorant that uses guaifenesin to thin and loosen mucus. It helps relieve chest congestion due to the common cold and makes coughs more productive. It comes in a bi-layer tablet format that dissolves fast and releases medicine for up to 12 hours.

^*This product may not be right for everyone. Always read and follow the label.

FAQs

Is mucus the same as phlegm, or are they different?

No, mucus and phlegm are not the same; mucus is a protective fluid produced in different parts of the body, while phlegm is a thicker form of mucus created in the lungs and airways to trap and clear irritants.

Can allergies lead to increased mucus production, and how?

Yes, allergies can cause the body to produce more mucus because the immune system releases histamines when it reacts to an allergen, leading to inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which then triggers the production of excess mucus to trap and clear the irritant.

How does dehydration affect the thickness of mucus?

Dehydration causes mucus to become thick and sticky because the body lacks sufficient fluid to keep it thin, making it harder to clear and increasing the risk of congestion, irritation, and infection.

When is mucus a sign of a serious condition like pneumonia or asthma?

Mucus may indicate a more serious condition, such as pneumonia or asthma, when it accompanies other severe symptoms, exhibits persistent or worsening patterns, appears in concerning colors, or occurs in individuals with pre-existing chronic respiratory issues.