A mucus plug forms when excessive amounts of mucus, the substances that lines the lungs, nose, and female reproductive tract, begin to accumulate. While nearly every woman will experience a cervical mucus plug during pregnancy, mucus plugs in the respiratory system, especially the lungs, are more common for children or people with underlying respiratory diseases.
What is a Mucus Plug in the Lungs?
Mucus plugs in the lungs often form following surgeries, or in those with respiratory disorders and spinal cord diseases (such as spinal muscular atrophy or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Normally, mucus develops in the lungs to help trap dirt and pathogens; the cilia then clears this away, and life goes on as normal. When a blockage does begin to occur, most people can simply cough and force the mucus out of the way through the mouth. However, some surgical medications prevent the lungs from filling up like they normally do, so those secretions collect together and clog passages. For those with a spinal disorder, the lack of muscle strength to produce a good, solid cough may result in this blockage because of the inability to clear away excess mucus. Since some of these disorders also leave their victims unable to quickly communicate their distress, the mucus plug becomes that much more deadly.
Essentially, what is a normal amount of mucus for most people will build up into a hard ball from the secretions the body naturally exudes. It can occur far down in the lungs, and although it may not block the entire airway, it can be life threatening. In fact, some experts suggest that mucus plugs are one of the main causes of death during an asthma attack.
When a mucus plug develops in your lungs, you may feel some pain or have difficulty breathing; when the mucus comes out, it may be large, thick, and foul smelling. While a healthy adult should have no problems passing a mucus plug from the lungs, it is important for caregivers and parents to know what to do in the event of one.
What is a Mucus Plug in the Cervix?
A mucus plug during pregnancy is quite a different matter. The body forms this plug naturally, as a defense mechanism.This mucus plug, like one in the lungs, is a thick, gelatinous coagulation of secretions. It is generally somewhere from white to tan in color, but may have some blood in it from the cervix (which is not necessarily abnormal). However, rather than being life threatening, it forms in the opening of the cervix to catch pathogens before they reach the uterus.
As the time for labor draws nigh, the cervix begins to get thinner and wider to allow room for birth. The mucus plug may fall out at this point, but it is not necessarily a key indicator that labor is on the way. Some women may not even notice or see their mucus plug. If it falls out early enough, a new plug may even reform after a few days from new secretions. However, if it comes in tandem with other signs of labor, it might be time to head to the doctor.
