What is the term for the abnormal increase in the production of mucus in the airways?

The term for the abnormal increase in the production of mucus in the airways is bronchorrhea. This condition is characterized by excessive mucus secretion, leading to a cough that produces large quantities of sputum. It can be associated with various respiratory conditions, such as infections, chronic bronchitis, or asthma exacerbations.

In contrast, bronchiectasis refers to the permanent dilation and damage of the airways, often as a result of chronic inflammation or infection, leading to mucus retention but not specifically defined by an increase in mucus production. Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood, which is distinct from mucus production. Emphysema, on the other hand, involves the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs and is associated with air trapping and difficulty with expiration, but it does not specifically indicate an increase in mucus production. Thus, bronchorrhea accurately describes the condition of having an abnormal increase in mucus in the airways.