What Causes Build Up Of Mucus In Lungs

What Causes a Buildup of Mucus in the Lungs? Increased Mucus Production: Causes and Risk Factors Understanding Mucus in Your Lungs | American Lung Association Increased Mucus Production: Causes and Risk Factors Increased Mucus Production: Causes and Risk Factors Mucus (/ˈmjuːkəs/ MEW-kəs) is a slippery aqueous secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. It is typically produced from cells found in mucous glands, although it may also originate from mixed glands, which contain both serous and mucous cells. It is a viscous colloid containing inorganic salts, antimicrobial enzymes (such as lysozymes), immunoglobulins (especially IgA), and glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and mucins, which are produced by goblet cells in the mucous membranes and submucosal glands. Mucus serves to protect epithelial cells in the linings of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems, and structures in the visual and auditory systems from pathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses. Most of the mucus in the body is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.