Mucoactive drug delivery

Respiratory-tract secretions consisting of mucus, surfactant, and periciliary fluid are vital components of respiratory defenses since they trap, absorb, dilute, and, by virtue of their contained lysozyme, antibodies, etc., assist in destroying noxious biological and nonbiological invaders. Acute and chronic airway injury results in inflammatory changes, which are usually associated with hypersecretion from goblet cells and mucous glands. The resulting secretions can also be physically abnormal, particularly when they become infected, and this can lead to mucus inspissation, postobstructive atelectasis, and pneumonitis. A vicious circle leading to airway and parenchymal injury and/or destruction with bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis may result and can lead to severe pulmonary dysfunction and death unless the excessive and/or abnormal secretions are eliminated.