last updated 19-03-2024

Mucus secretion

Mucus hypersecretion

Mucus is produced mainly by the submucosal glands of cartilaginous airways (off-whiteforms on graphic), and to some extent by the goblet cells in the airway epithelium. Mucus hyper-secretion can be caused by:

  • Chronic airway irritation
  • Infection
  • Sterile inflammation such as asthma
1

Mucus and lymphocytes can be present in infectious and non-infectious airways. 

2

Most airway mucus is produced in submucosal glands.