Question 1

over-production of mucus for years. it  has never been clear, always thick and yellow. is this chronic sinusitis and what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Sinusitis: Greetings. Some of your symptoms surely sound like classic chronic sinusitis. The first thing to to try saline nasal irrigation (not just a mist) 3x/day. I also recommend drinking more fluids, consider Motrin as directed and a mucus thinner like mucinex (guaifenesin). See your ENT doctor for a full work up. A ct scan may be recommended as well as a long course of antibiotics with possibly a steroid nose spray.

Question 2

does mucus production in the body usually increase?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the need!: Mucus production is actually a defense mechanism to protect our body. When we get exposed to bacteria, viruses, fungus, and irritants in our airway, the surface immune cells lining the tubes of airway and sinuses produce the chemicals that assist in getting rid of the offending agents. If there is a recent need for expelling something from our airway, then our body produces more mucus.

Question 3

i have an ileostomy and have daily rectal mucus that is increasing. had weekly mucus last year. how can i slow mucus production or stop it?

Accepted Answer

Not much: As long as your rectum remains, i will continue to produce mucous, just like yourmmouthmakes saliva.

Question 4

does the increased production of mucus help our bodies get over an illness? if so then why do we take medications to decrease mucous production?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and...: ...In some cases (such as allergy) the mucus is produced inappropriately, and should be reduced.

Question 5

are there any chemicals proven to reduce mucus production?

no expectorants please. there must be something that "temporarily" stops it.

Accepted Answer

Mucus secretions: Mucus secretions can be minimized by taking drying agents like antihistamines with or without decongestants like sudafed. This would be the opposite effect of expectorants or mucolytic agents like mucinex or expectorant like guaifenesin.

Question 6

what neurotransmitter stimulates the production of tears, saliva, and mucus?

Accepted Answer

IT DEPENDS: Sympathetic nervous system release nor-epinephrine. Parasympathetic nervous system releases Acetylcholine and Substance P. The innervation scheme is complex and depends on the target gland.

Question 7

does ventolin inhaler help reduce mucus production ?

Accepted Answer

No.: Antihistamines and steroids reduce mucus production. Ventolin is a bronchial airway dilator.

Question 8

more mucus is produced if you have allergies. wouldn't more mucus production offer more protection against pathogens? since that is the job of mucus.

Accepted Answer

Good question: Although it is true that the mucous blanket which is  formed by secretion from goblet cells and mucous glands in the upper and lower respiratory tract move potential pathogens out of this respiratory tract, excessive mucus from allergy or other diseases that increase mucus production will inhibit this muco-ciliary movement and actually make you more prone to disease because of impaired cilia.

Question 9

do sinuses "shut down" when one is asleep, or do es production of mucus etc continue?

Accepted Answer

No shutdown: Sinuses do not shut down.

Question 10

i've been recovering from pneumonia for a month and half now and still am having exesive mucus production. should i mention this to my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes: I suggest a repeat exam and possibly  a chest x-ray and pulmonary function testing.

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Doctor answers about:

Over production of mucus

A member asked:

Over-production of mucus for years. it has never been clear, always thick and yellow. is this chronic sinusitis and what should i do?

A member asked:

Does mucus production in the body usually increase?

A member asked:

I have an ileostomy and have daily rectal mucus that is increasing. had weekly mucus last year. how can i slow mucus production or stop it?

A member asked:

Does the increased production of mucus help our bodies get over an illness? if so then why do we take medications to decrease mucous production?

A member asked:

Are there any chemicals proven to reduce mucus production? no expectorants please. there must be something that "temporarily" stops it.

A member asked:

What neurotransmitter stimulates the production of tears, saliva, and mucus?

A member asked:

Does ventolin inhaler help reduce mucus production ?

A member asked:

More mucus is produced if you have allergies. wouldn't more mucus production offer more protection against pathogens? since that is the job of mucus.

A member asked:

Do sinuses "shut down" when one is asleep, or do es production of mucus etc continue?

A member asked:

I've been recovering from pneumonia for a month and half now and still am having exesive mucus production. should i mention this to my doctor?

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