Adhesiveness and purulence of respiratory secretions: implications for mucociliary transport in patients with bronchiectasis.

Objective: To analyze and compare the transport properties of respiratory secretions, classified by selected parameters, in individuals with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis.

Methods: We collected mucus samples from 35 individuals with bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis. The samples were first classified by their surface properties (adhesive or nonadhesive), as well as by their aspect (mucoid or purulent).