CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 07 Feb 2023 05:55 WIB
Illustration. There are several characteristics of mucus in the lungs that should be known. (iStockphoto/utah778)
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Mucus can accumulate on paru-paru. There are a number of characteristics of mucus in the lungs that need to be known.
Mucus is a secretion from the mucous membranes in the form of a liquid. About 1 liter of mucus is produced by the body every day.
Mucus functions to keep internal organs moist and trap pathogens that cause infection and other unwanted substances such as smoke and dust.
Mucus in the respiratory system that ends up in the lungs is also commonly known as phlegm. However, phlegm that builds up in the lungs can be a sign of a health problem.
In some cases, the accumulation of mucus in the lungs indicates a number of lung diseases such as bronchiectasis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This condition causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs and triggers a cough with phlegm. All of these could indicate a problem in the lungs.
Characteristics of mucus in the lungs
Too much mucus in the lungs is not a healthy condition. Mucus buildup usually begins to appear with a cough accompanied by phlegm.
Launch Medicine Nethere are the characteristics of mucus buildup in the lungs that should be known in order to prevent disease.
1. Wheezing breath
Wheezing or noisy breathing can be a sign that mucus is blocking the lung passages or making them too narrow.
Increased mucus in the lungs can block the airways, making it difficult to take in and out breaths.
2. Chest tightness
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Too much mucus production also causes the lungs to feel full. A tight chest can be a sign of the flu or other infection.
3. Cough
Coughing is the body’s natural way of getting rid of excess mucus in the lungs. Cough will usually come out together with phlegm.
In healthy conditions, phlegm will be white or clear. However, if the phlegm looks yellowish or another color, it could be a sign of infection.
Those are some of the characteristics of mucus accumulating in the lungs that should be known. If mucus is accompanied by fever or shortness of breath, you should immediately contact a doctor.
(del/asr)
