Damaged bronchi in the baby

Babies are more susceptible to infections because of their not yet fully developed immune system. Particularly in the winter months, they often suffer from respiratory infections. Bronchitis is characteristically associated with the formation of mucus in the bronchi.

In babies and infants, this is often associated with a narrowing of the airways due to the strong mucus formation. The oxygen content of the blood in these children is slightly reduced. Bronchitis can also be triggered by smoking from people in the vicinity, such as the parents. If the symptoms occur repeatedly, the acute bronchitis can even develop into chronic bronchitis. Passive smoking for children should be avoided at all costs.

Mucus in the bronchi of hay fever

Mucusy bronchial tubes are not a typical symptom of hay fever. Hay fever is a seasonally occurring allergy to various pollen and grasses. It is mainly characterized by watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose.

In this case, the formation of secretions is increased in order to transport the alleged foreign substance, the allergen, out of the body. A similar reaction can also occur in the bronchi. This is because the mucus formed by the bronchial mucosa also serves to eliminate harmful substances. The symptoms of hay fever vary in severity and are associated with different symptoms. In some cases, there may also be an increased production of mucus in the bronchial tubes and coughing, even if it is not a typical symptom of hay fever.

Mucus in the bronchi without cough and cold

Even a healthy lung produces mucus to transport foreign bodies that get into the lung back out. With the help of the ciliated epithelium, the mucus is transported back into the throat, where we swallow it together with the spit, usually unnoticed. A typical disease in which there is increased mucus production in the bronchi is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Due to a chronic inflammation, many immune cells are located in the bronchial mucosa. In the same way, the mucus cells in the bronchial tubes multiply and hypersecretion (increased mucus production) occurs. The bronchial mucus actually serves to transport foreign substances, such as particles from tobacco smoke, out of the lungs.

In long-term smokers, however, this mucociliary clearance (purification) is overloaded and the mucus settles in the lungs. In COPD, the bronchi are also narrowed, making it difficult or impossible to cough up the mucus. Especially in the early stages of COPD, many affected people are free of symptoms for a long time.

Only in the course of the disease do coughing, sputum and shortness of breath occur. Cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis), a hereditary metabolic disease, also causes excessive mucus production. The viscous mucus seals the smaller bronchi and parts of the lungs can no longer participate in the gas exchange. The mucus in the bronchi is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Patients with COPD or cystic fibrosis are therefore very susceptible to infections.