Key takeaways
- Managing mucus from COPD involves strategies that can help loosen mucus and clear it from your airway, such as staying hydrated, exercising, and quitting smoking.
- Specific breathing techniques, including pursed-lip breathing and belly breathing, may help you strengthen your respiratory muscles and clear mucus more effectively.
- Your doctor may recommend medical interventions, such as medications and physical therapy, to make mucus thinner and reduce inflammation in COPD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase the production of mucus in your airways and make that mucus increasingly difficult to clear.
Mucus buildup, also called mucus plugs, can obstruct your airways and
But with proper care and attention, you can manage COPD-related mucus buildup. Treatments are also available to reduce congestion and other related symptoms.
If you live with
As the condition progresses, the mucus in your airways can become thicker, and the muscles you use for coughing can become weaker. As a result, your body will have more and more difficulty clearing out the mucus.
The buildup of thicker mucus that you cannot remove can lead to:
- chest tightness
- breathlessness
- lung irritation
- infections
Here are some steps you can take to help loosen mucus and remove it from your body.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water can make the mucus thinner so that you don’t have to cough as hard to remove it.
Exercise
Getting enough exercise is another way to clear out mucus. Staying as active as possible can help move the mucus through your airways, making it easier to expel.
Cut down or try to stop smoking
Tobacco smoking is one of the main causes of many respiratory diseases, including COPD.
Tobacco smoke contains toxic substances that may cause specific airway cells to produce more mucus. Quitting smoking is the primary and most effective way to stop increased mucus production.
Work with a physical therapist
During a physical therapy session for COPD, the therapist will typically teach you specific breathing techniques and how to cough effectively.
They may also perform chest percussion, which involves tapping your chest or back to loosen mucus. You cannot usually do this yourself, but a caregiver may be able to do it for you at home with a cupped hand.
A physical therapist may also recommend
Use handheld devices
Various devices can help clear your airways, and you can generally use them alongside other treatment methods. They vary in price, but the most cost-effective devices are handheld.
Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices — including the Flutter valve, which helps you cough up mucus — and other airway clearance techniques and devices are designed to:
- remove excess mucus
- reduce airway blockage and inflammation
- prevent respiratory infections
- improve your breathing
These devices may work well in the earlier stages of COPD but may not be as helpful as the disease progresses. Be sure to consult with your healthcare team regularly to ensure that you’re getting the right level of care.
You’ll probably notice that mucus can change color. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Here’s what each color means:
- Clear mucus is generally considered healthy.
- White mucus may mean you are slightly congested or have a common cold.
- Green mucus contains dead white blood cells. It’s usually thick, indicating that your immune system is fighting an infection.
- Yellow mucus contains certain cells that kill germs, so it may also mean you have an infection.
- Red or pink mucus usually indicates the presence of blood. This can happen if you blow your nose too hard or if something has hit your nose.
- Brown mucus may be a sign that old blood is being expelled from your body, or it may mean that you’ve inhaled something red or brown, such as dirt or coal.
- Black or gray mucus is most common in people who smoke or spend a lot of time around smokers. Alternatively, it may be a result of spending time in areas with heavy air pollution or may be a sign of another health condition, such as pneumonia or bronchiectasis.
A 2024 research review found that people with COPD may benefit from breathing exercises, which can improve their quality of life, their exercise capacity, and the strength of the muscles involved in breathing.
Pulmonary rehabilitation specialists consider pursed-lip breathing and belly breathing to be among the most helpful breathing techniques for people with COPD and other chronic lung conditions.
Pursed-lip breathing
Pursed-lip breathing decreases the number of breaths you take, which keeps your airways open longer and allows air to more easily flow in and out of your lungs.
To practice this technique, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth while pursing your lips. The exhale should be at least twice as long as the inhale.
Belly breathing
To practice belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, start by relaxing your neck and shoulders, and then breathe in through your nose.
Place your hand or something very light (such as a small empty box) on your stomach so you can be more aware of the rising and falling motion as you breathe.
Your exhale should be at least twice as long as your inhale.
Huff cough breathing
If you have COPD, the huff cough is a breathing exercise that can help you cough up mucus without straining and using too much energy.
To perform the huff cough, inhale as deeply as you can through your mouth, and then blow air out of your mouth in three shorter, even breaths, making a “ha” sound for each one.
Sometimes, a healthcare professional may recommend medications to help clear out mucus.
Over-the-counter medications, such as guaifenesin-dextromethorphan (Mucinex DM) or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), may help thin out mucus, but they may not work well for everyone.
Prescription nebulizer medications that contain expectorants, such as hypertonic saline, often combined with a bronchodilator to open your airways, may be effective at clearing mucus. Inhaling a corticosteroid can also help reduce airway inflammation.
Dry air, which has low humidity, can cause airway dehydration. This can lead to thicker, stickier mucus, which is difficult to clear. It can also increase inflammation and the risk of infection.
Moist air, which has high humidity, can promote the growth of microorganisms such as mold, bacteria, and viruses.
An optimal indoor humidity range of 40% to 60% may help minimize health risks.
There is currently no cure for COPD, but there are various steps you can take to help open your airways, manage mucus, and improve your overall quality of life.
Consider cutting down or quitting smoking
Smoking is the
If you smoke, your healthcare team can offer advice on how to quit. You can also visit SmokeFree.gov for step-by-step advice.
Improve your home’s air quality
Irritants inside your home
Opening windows to allow airflow, using an air filtration system, and vacuuming and cleaning regularly can help ensure the best air quality.
Follow your doctor’s orders
If your healthcare team has recommended exercises or medications to help you manage mucus, make sure to follow their directions and take any medications as prescribed.
Try to manage your stress levels
According to a 2023 review, people with COPD who also have anxiety or depression may experience more symptom flares and more frequent hospitalizations. Emotional stress can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of respiratory infections.
It’s a good idea to look for ways to manage or reduce the stress in your life. You might want to try setting aside some time for relaxing activities, joining a COPD support group, or asking others for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities.
Consider contacting your doctor if you:
- are producing more mucus than usual
- are producing green, yellow, brown, or black mucus
- notice changes in your mucus, such as a thicker or stickier texture
- experience shortness of breath
- have a fever
- have cold and flu symptoms
- are more tired than usual
Call 911 right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- blue lips and fingers
- confusion
- increased agitation
- increased sleepiness
Getting help from medical professionals as quickly as possible can lead to much better health outcomes.
Methods such as breathing techniques, certain lifestyle habits, medications, and physical therapy can help you manage excess mucus while living with COPD.
To ensure that you receive the right care and support for your condition, talk with your healthcare team regularly about your symptoms, including any changes in the amount of mucus buildup you’re experiencing.