Accumulation of Thick and Sticky Mucus
You find that instead of the mucus membrane secreting thin and slippery mucus, it releases thick mucus that tends to block the passages in the respiratory system, including the lungs. The mucus contains antiseptic enzymes, inorganic salts, mucins, glycoproteins, and immunoglobulins to protect the epithelial cells. If all these secretions lack the fluid that makes it lighter to flow thus resulting in the sticky substance that tends to flow inefficiently on the way out, Individuals suffering from the illness may experience a hard time breathing where medical attention is necessary. [3]
