Tracheobronchial mucus: abnormalities related to asthma and its treatment.

The presence of mucociliary dysfunction in bronchial asthma is suggested by clinical observations and has been confirmed by pathologic and physiologic studies. Since mucociliary dysfunction may play a considerable role in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma, currently available therapeutic measures which enhance mucous transport should be included in the treatment plan. It is expected that a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms will ultimately result in the development of more potent pharmacologic agents capable of improving abnormal mucociliary function.