Mucus physiopathology, update and new therapeutic tendencies.

The knowledge of mucous secretions has advanced considerably with respect to their altered physiological properties in various ear, nose and throat disorders. We review the physicochemical properties of normal mucus and abnormal mucus present in the airways during sinusitis, otitis media with effusion, etc. We have adapted the mucoactive drugs classification to the up-to-date european situation, presenting a bibliographic review. We have attempted to reconcile the agreed findings in the literature with the most recent advances in research that have resulted in new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pathological hypersecretion in the airways.