A general term that refers to impaired muscular and nervous system functions that may affect a person’s ability to naturally clear mucus from their lungs.
Diseases and conditions that can result in excess mucus that blocks the airways include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Diaphragm disorders
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy (MD)
- Quadriplegia
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)
Learn more at the MDA
1. Cole P. The damaging role of bacteria in chronic lung infection. J Antimicrob Chemother 1997;40 Suppl A:5-10.
2. American Thoracic Society. ATS Patient Education Series. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017:195;15-16.
