Mucociliary clearance in health and disease
Problems with mucociliary clearance
It is important to remember the mucociliary escalator is only present down to the level of the respiratory bronchioles. Below this level there is no protective mechanism for the airways. If pathogens reach this level they are likely to set up an environment for bacterial colonisation, resulting in the development of infections and potential lung damage.
There are a number of problems in disease and illness that may affect mucociliary clearance and its ability to preserve a sterile environment in the lower airways.
From the information you have gained so far on the mucociliary escalator list the conditions you think may affect secretion clearance in the box below (your answers will not be recorded).
What can impair ciliary movement? (your answers will not be recorded).
The following pages will explain the answers
