Mucus plugs in the airways of asthmatic subjects and smoking status.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mucus plugs have been described in the airways of asthmatic subjects, particularly those with associated with type 2 inflammation and sputum eosinophilia. In the current study we addressed the question of whether smoking, neutrophilic inflammation and airway dimensions affected the prevalence of mucus plugs.

Methods

In a cohort of moderate to severe asthmatics (n = 50), including a group of ex-smokers and current smokers, the prevalence of mucus plugs was quantified using a semi-quantitative score based on thoracic computerized tomography. The relationships between mucus score, sputum inflammatory profile and airway architecture were tested according to patient's smoking status.

Results

Among the asthmatics (37% former or active smokers), 74% had at least o

SUBMITTER: Audousset C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10807136 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature