Normal vs Abnormal Mucus
Lung health - why mucus matters
The lungs naturally produce a layer of mucus that protects them. In healthy lungs, mucus helps keep bacteria on the move so they don't linger and cause infection.
For people living with CF, however, the mucus is thicker than normal. The body also produces more mucus than usual. The thick, sticky mucus in the lungs obstructs airways and allows bacterial infection and inflammation to occur. White blood cells called neutrophils are sent to fight these infections.
When the neutrophils die (a normal process), they release waste products in the lungs, such as DNA. Ordinarily mucus would clear these “leftovers” from the lungs. When it can't, some of these leftover waste products can cause damage to the lungs. The DNA left behind makes the mucus even thicker and stickier…which leaves your lungs even more vulnerable to damage.
Sticky mucus contributes to the progression of CF over time
When neutrophils die, they release waste products, such as DNA
Leftover DNA makes the mucus even thicker and stickier
Thick, sticky mucus can build up and lead to blockages in the airways, leaving them more vulnerable to infection and inflammation
The airway clogging caused by thick, sticky mucus contributes to a continuous Cycle of CF Progression.
