Overproduction of Mucus - where does it come from?

1. 52

   rhornickposted 14 years ago

   Overproduction of Mucus - where does it come from?
   
   Just wondering if it is possible for one Bartholin's gland to overproduce mucus if the other gland is blocked, or possibly to overproduce for no apparent reason?

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2. 60

   internett1t3posted 14 years ago

   Definition: Increased mucus, or sputum production, is the reaction of the lungs to a constantly recurring irritant such as cigarette smoke or air pollution. An overproduction of mucus is commonly associated with COPD.
   
   A change in the amount, color or tenacity of sputum is often extremely significant and may indicate the presence of a bacterial infection or other type of lung condition, such as pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis.
   
   Common relief measures include:
   
   * Increasing fluid intake to liquify secretions (unless contraindicated)
   
   * Avoiding respiratory irritants
   
   * Aerosol therapy
   
   * Expectorants
   
   * Postural drainage
   
   * Chest physiotherapy

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3. 67

   Stitchbugposted 14 years ago

   It is important to understand how the whole mucus production is staged within the body. There are a number of mucus glands within your body and they are all more or less interconnected. The sensation one gets from an enlarged, inflamed Bartholin gland does indeed feel as though the gland itself is malfunctioning in the sense that it is building up too much mucus (described as pressure) and not relieving it. A more appropriate question is: “Why is the gland not expelling the mucus?” If the gland were actually over-producing mucus, your problem would NOT be a clogged gland, if you catch my drift, this gland is designed to lubricate. It is possible for the gland, or any gland for that matter to over-produce what is being manufactured (be it hormones or mucus). Milk for example has been linked to triggering mucus glands in the body to ramp up mucus production. I have recommended in my Bartholin series that individuals who are experiencing glandular (of the Bartholin Glands) issues to avoid milk simply because it will exasperate (or can exasperate) the condition when the gland has already been blocked; i.e: more potential mucus production in a gland that cannot expel it.  Now to address the second half of your question: The body is an amazing thing, and I would not be surprised if your body is trying to compensate some how by triggering your other unaffected gland to over produce--however, be aware that this does not typically happen and may be a sign that your body is preparing for something. If your other gland is blocked, but not abscessed, it may be preparing to abscess. If you are finding that the other gland has become, for lack of better words "a spring", its seems to me that you body is trying to purge or cleanse its systems to remove whatever is irritating your gland. This action of cleansing, while good in nature can lead to more complications, so be advised and monitor your condition. I recommend a series of good sitz baths with Epsom salt and if you have it, some chamomile,lavender and yarrow (available in tea bags, tea shops and herbal shops, natural food shops ect.) 3-4 times a day for at least 10 minute intervals. Hope this helps!

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