Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 14, 2025
Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer
Published on: April 21, 2022
Airway Mucus Plugs in Patients with Chronic Cough: A Single-Center Observational Study
Kyongmin Sarah Beck1, Dae Hee Han1, Hyun-Seob Jeon2
1Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background:
This study investigated the prevalence of mucus plugs and their clinical associations in patients with chronic cough.
Methods:
Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated in patients with chronic cough and healthy controls.
Results:
Among 82 patients with chronic cough and 71 controls, mucus plugs were identified in 31.7% and 5.6%, respectively. Higher mucus plug scores were associated with older age, elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lower total Cough Hypersensitivity Questionnaire (CHQ) scores (all P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed associations with higher FeNO and lower total CHQ scores (Model 1: R2 = 0.396, P < 0.001), and with higher immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels (Model 2: R2 = 0.388, P < 0.001). Mucus plug scores did not differ by 1-month treatment response.
Conclusions:
Mucus plugs were prevalent in chronic cough and associated with type 2 airway inflammation. Their clinical significance warrants further investigation.
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