New study investigates the role of mucus plugs in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 29 million people in the U.S. and is the fourth leading cause of death. Mucus plugging (mucus that accumulates in the lungs and reduces airflow) and chronic bronchitis are both related to dysfunctional airway mucus, which is common in people with COPD. Sometimes mucus plugging and chronic bronchitis co-occur, but it is quite common to have one or the other but not both conditions. Given the limited availability of disease-modifying treatments for COPD, understanding the underlying biology of mucus pathology is critical to identifying new therapeutic targets.

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