How does mucus accumulate in the lungs. What are the common causes of excessive mucus production. How can one effectively manage and reduce mucus buildup in the respiratory system. What role does mucus play in lung health and disease prevention.

The Role of Mucus in Respiratory Health

Mucus, also known as phlegm or sputum when found in the lungs, plays a crucial role in maintaining respiratory health. This sticky substance serves as a protective barrier, trapping irritants such as dust, germs, and chemicals that enter the airways. By doing so, mucus helps prevent these harmful particles from reaching deeper into the lungs and causing damage or infection.

In healthy lungs, the movement of mucus is facilitated by tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These microscopic projections line the airways and work in a coordinated manner to propel mucus upward, allowing it to be expelled through coughing or swallowing. This process, known as mucociliary clearance, is essential for maintaining clean and healthy airways.

The Importance of Mucus in Lung Defense

Mucus serves as a first line of defense against respiratory infections and irritants. It contains various antimicrobial compounds and immune cells that help neutralize potential pathogens. Additionally, the viscosity of mucus allows it to effectively trap particles, preventing them from penetrating deeper into the respiratory system.

Common Causes of Mucus Buildup in the Lungs

While mucus production is a normal and necessary function of the respiratory system, excessive mucus buildup can be problematic. Several factors can contribute to an overproduction or accumulation of mucus in the lungs:

• Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis)
• Respiratory infections (viral or bacterial)
• Allergies and environmental irritants
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Genetic factors

Are chronic lung diseases a major contributor to mucus buildup? Indeed, conditions such as COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and asthma are often associated with increased mucus production. In these cases, the airways may become inflamed or damaged, leading to changes in mucus consistency and quantity.

Symptoms of Excessive Mucus in the Lungs

Recognizing the signs of mucus buildup is crucial for early intervention and management. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough, often productive with phlegm
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Frequent throat clearing
• Chest congestion
• Fatigue

Can excessive mucus production lead to more serious health issues? If left unaddressed, chronic mucus buildup can increase the risk of respiratory infections, exacerbate existing lung conditions, and potentially lead to further lung damage. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience persistent mucus-related symptoms.

Diagnosing Mucus-Related Respiratory Issues

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management of mucus-related problems. Healthcare providers may employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to assess the underlying causes of excessive mucus production:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Chest X-rays or CT scans
3. Pulmonary function tests
4. Sputum culture and analysis
5. Allergy testing
6. Bronchoscopy in some cases

Is it important to keep track of mucus-related symptoms? Dr. Irina Petrache, Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at National Jewish Health, emphasizes the importance of monitoring mucus production. She suggests using a diary to record when coughing up mucus starts and how long it persists. If symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Strategies for Managing Mucus Buildup

Effective management of mucus buildup involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and self-care practices. Here are some strategies that can help:

Controlled Coughing Techniques

Controlled coughing is an effective method for loosening and expelling mucus from the airways. Unlike uncontrolled coughing fits, which can trap mucus, controlled coughing helps move secretions through the respiratory tract for easier expulsion.

Postural Drainage

This technique involves positioning the body in specific ways to allow gravity to assist in draining mucus from different areas of the lungs. A healthcare provider can demonstrate the most effective positions based on individual needs.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is crucial for reducing mucus production and improving overall lung health. Nicotine paralyzes the cilia, hindering their ability to clear mucus effectively. Interestingly, some individuals may experience increased mucus production shortly after quitting as the cilia regain function and begin clearing accumulated secretions more efficiently.

Hydration

Adequate fluid intake helps maintain proper mucus consistency, making it easier to expel. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider.

Dietary Considerations

Some individuals find that certain foods, particularly dairy products, may increase mucus thickness. While scientific evidence on this topic is mixed, it may be worth experimenting with dietary changes under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Infection Prevention

Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, particularly those that prevent respiratory infections like influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, can help reduce the risk of mucus-producing illnesses.

Airway Clearance Techniques

Various methods and devices can assist in clearing mucus from the airways. These may include manual chest physical therapy, airway clearance devices, or handheld positive expiratory pressure devices. A respiratory therapist or healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate techniques based on individual needs.

Medications for Mucus Management

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage excessive mucus production or facilitate its clearance. These may include:

• Expectorants: These medications help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.
• Mucolytics: These drugs work to break down thick mucus, improving its clearance from the airways.
• Bronchodilators: Often used in conditions like asthma or COPD, these medications help open the airways, which can facilitate mucus clearance.
• Corticosteroids: In some cases, inhaled or oral corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce airway inflammation, which can contribute to mucus production.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter mucus-thinning medications? While some over-the-counter options are available, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen. They can provide guidance on the most appropriate options based on individual health status and potential interactions with other medications.

The Importance of Professional Medical Advice

Managing mucus-related issues, particularly in the context of chronic lung diseases, requires ongoing communication with healthcare providers. Regular check-ups and open discussions about symptoms are crucial for effective management and prevention of complications.

Preparing for Healthcare Appointments

To make the most of medical consultations, consider the following tips:

• Keep a symptom diary, noting changes in mucus production, color, and consistency
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns in advance
• Bring a complete list of current medications and supplements
• Be honest about lifestyle factors, including smoking habits
• Consider using resources like the American Lung Association’s “Getting Ready for Your Next Office Visit” guide

How can patients effectively communicate their mucus-related concerns to healthcare providers? Being specific about symptoms, their duration, and any factors that seem to worsen or improve them can help healthcare providers make more accurate assessments and treatment recommendations.

Support and Resources for Individuals with Chronic Lung Conditions

Living with a chronic lung condition that involves mucus-related issues can be challenging. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to provide support, education, and community connections:

• Better Breathers Club: These support group meetings offer opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges.
• Patient & Caregiver Network: This resource provides access to valuable information for managing lung diseases.
• Online Support Communities: Platforms like Inspire offer 24/7 connection with others living with chronic lung conditions.
• American Lung Association HelpLine: Staffed by medical professionals, this service (800-LUNG-USA) can answer questions about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of lung conditions.

Can joining support groups improve outcomes for individuals with chronic lung conditions? Research suggests that participation in support groups and educational programs can lead to improved quality of life, better symptom management, and increased adherence to treatment plans for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Mucus Management

The field of respiratory medicine continues to evolve, with ongoing research into more effective methods for managing mucus-related issues. Some areas of current interest include:

• Development of novel mucolytic agents with improved efficacy and fewer side effects
• Exploration of gene therapies for conditions like cystic fibrosis that involve abnormal mucus production
• Investigation of the role of the lung microbiome in mucus regulation and respiratory health
• Advancements in airway clearance technologies and techniques
• Research into personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic and environmental factors

How might future developments in mucus management impact individuals with chronic lung conditions? As research progresses, we may see more targeted and effective treatments that can significantly improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for those affected by mucus-related respiratory issues.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for mucus buildup in the lungs is crucial for maintaining respiratory health, particularly for individuals with chronic lung conditions. By working closely with healthcare providers, implementing appropriate self-care measures, and staying informed about the latest developments in respiratory care, individuals can better manage mucus-related issues and improve their overall lung health. Remember, persistent or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding Mucus in Your Lungs

by Editorial Staff |
July 14, 2021

Topics:

• Health & Wellness
• Science
• Asthma
• COPD

Mucus in the lungs is known as phlegm or sputum. It is a common symptom in chronic lung diseases such as COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease or asthma.

In undamaged airways, oxygenated air moves easily through tubes, helped along by tiny hairs that line the airways called cilia. Mucus has an important role in your lung’s immune response because it traps irritants in your airways and helps allow your body to expel them through coughing. This helps protect you from infection. You can see how this works in our new animation that explains how a cough works, and the important part that mucus plays in clearing your airways from smoke, germs, dust and chemicals.

More than just an unpleasant nuisance, mucus that collects in your airways can make breathing more difficult and increase your risk of infection, which can further damage your lungs. Living with a chronic lung disease means you are likely experiencing an excess of this thick and sticky fluid in your lungs. Learning more about how to prevent, treat and manage symptoms, including mucus, of your chronic lung disease can help improve your overall lung health.

“Many people living with COPD, especially those who smoke and may not have yet been diagnosed with COPD, develop progressively more cough and mucus and initially discount it as ‘normal, smoker’s cough’,” says Irina Petrache, MD, Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at National Jewish Health. “Coughing up mucus is not normal, and it should raise the alarm that something is wrong.” She suggests patients consider use a diary to record when coughing up mucus starts to track how long it goes on. If for more than a few weeks, Dr. Petrache recommends you seek answers as to what may be causing it from your doctor.

If you are experiencing excess mucus production, there are steps you can take to help prevent and clear the mucus in your lungs. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find a strategy that works for you, and together you and your healthcare provider can monitor the results.

• Cough it up. Controlled coughing loosens mucus and helps it move through the airways. Uncontrolled coughing fits may trap mucus in your airways.
• Postural draining. You can lie down in different positions to help clear the mucus.
• Quit smoking. Smoking produces thicker mucus and increases the amount of mucus in the airways. Nicotine, the addictive chemical found in cigarettes, paralyzes the cilia or fiber-like cells that help move mucus out of your lungs. Some people experience more mucus after recently quitting smoking because the cilia is now able to do its job more effectively.
• Keep hydrated. Water helps keep your mucus thinner.
• Watch your dairy intake. Some people may find that their mucus becomes thicker when dairy products, like milk or ice cream, are consumed.
• Prevent lung infections. Ask your healthcare provider if you are up to date on vaccines that prevent infectious respiratory disease such as flu and pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about airway clearance methods. This can be done using manual chest physical therapy, airway clearance devices, or handheld positive expiratory pressure devices.
• Your healthcare provider may recommend medication. Discuss the types of over the counter or prescription medications that may help you clear mucus.

It is important to have a frank and open conversation with your healthcare provider about your mucus production and any other symptoms of your chronic lung disease. It can help to write down your questions before your appointment and hand them over. You may also find it useful to print out Getting Ready for Your Next Office Visit to jot down your questions in a more formal way.

Living with a chronic lung disease can be challenging. The American Lung Association has a wealth of resources available to help you. You can attend a Better Breathers Club meeting to get support from others also dealing with similar issues. By joining the Patient & Caregiver Network, you have access to information that may help you better manage your lung disease. And you could also join an online support community on Inspire to connect with others at all hours.

The American Lung Association HelpLine (800-LUNG-USA) is staffed by medical professionals who can answer questions you have about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of your chronic lung disease.

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Blog last updated: February 1, 2023

See 8 Different Causes (And How to Remedy It)

Written by Kate Ashford

• Acid Reflux
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Bacterial and Viral Infections
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Cystic Fibrosis
• What You Can Do at Home
• When to Seek Help
• More

Your body naturally makes mucus every day, and its presence isn’t necessarily a sign of anything unhealthy. Mucus, also known as phlegm when it’s produced by your respiratory system, lines the tissues of your body (such as your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs), and it helps protect you from infection.

Your body makes about a liter of mucus a day. But too much of it, especially somewhere like your lungs, can be annoying and possibly a sign of a health problem. Here are a few situations when you might get mucus in your chest:

If you have acid reflux, the acid in your stomach comes up the esophagus to your throat. This can result in throat irritation and postnasal drip, along with chest congestion.

Allergies can cause a host of symptoms, from itchy eyes and sneezing to congestion, chest tightness, and coughing. A reaction that involves the lungs is more typical if you’re allergic to something airborne, such as pollen or dust mites.

Along with other symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, asthma can cause you to cough up phlegm. This may be a sign that your airways are inflamed, but small amounts of white or clear mucus aren’t worrisome.

Infections such as the flu, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia can cause your airways to make extra mucus, which you’ll often cough up. It may be green or yellow in color.

The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 doesn’t usually cause mucus in the chest. But complications from the virus can include pneumonia, which does involve chest congestion.

COPD includes several lung diseases that can make it harder to breathe, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes and more mucus, both of which make it harder for your lungs to work. COPD is generally caused by long-term exposure to things that irritate the lungs, such as cigarette smoke, but people with asthma can also develop it.

This is an inherited disease that results in thick mucus in the lungs and other organs. It can lead to worsening lung function as people age. Doctors test for cystic fibrosis (CF) in newborns, and 75% of people with CF are diagnosed by age 2. A parent can pass on the CF gene even if they don’t have the condition themselves, and about 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed annually in the U. S.

To control or loosen mucus at home, you can try the following remedies:

Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol.

Humidify. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.

Don’t smoke or vape anything. Whether from tobacco or marijuana, smoke is an irritant and can cause your body to make more mucus.

Try a teaspoon of honey. Though honey doesn’t get rid of mucus, it can calm your cough temporarily. (Don’t give honey to anyone under 1 year of age.)

Check air filters. Other irritants in the air can make mucus production worse, so make sure your heating and cooling system filters are clean and up to date.

Take an expectorant. Some cough medicines contain guaifenesin, which loosens mucus so you can cough it up.

On its own, mucus isn’t a worrisome symptom. If it comes with a cough that doesn’t go away after several weeks, it’s greenish yellow or blood-tinged, or you also have fever or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor.

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How to get rid of mucus in the throat and respiratory tract

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Mucus in the respiratory tract usually appears during the off-season, when the risk of getting colds and respiratory infections increases. At this time, immunity weakens, therefore, optimal conditions are created for the development of pathogenic microflora in the throat, nose, bronchi and lungs. The appearance of mucus indicates the development of the inflammatory process, so it is better to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Why there is a lot of mucus in the throat

Mucus or phlegm is produced by secretory goblet cells in the airways. It is always present in minimal amounts, because it moisturizes the ciliated epithelium lining the sections of the bronchial tree. But when pathogenic microflora begins to develop in it, it becomes more. So the body tries to evacuate disease-causing agents from the throat. But, as often happens, microbes develop faster. Then the sputum becomes thick, clogs the villi, which slows down the excretion of a viscous secret. It turns out that the formation of mucus exceeds the rate of its removal. A moist and warm environment is a great place for bacteria to thrive. This is how bronchitis begins, which can turn into pneumonia.

Causes of mucus in the respiratory tract

If the cause of sputum production is the entry of bacteria or irritants such as dust or smoke into the respiratory tract, then you need to cough. This is the easiest way to remove mucus. However, you should not make excessive efforts. If the sputum is not coughed up, and the cough is pressing and there is pain in the chest, then these are signs of an inflammatory process. As a rule, the clinic is supplemented by fever, weakness or fever. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

How to get rid of mucus in the throat

1. Gargle

You can rinse your throat. For this, any means or even warm water is suitable. Most often, a solution of baking soda, salt or vinegar is used. Ideally, you should gargle with an antiseptic solution.

2. Drink more water

Doctors constantly advise you to drink more water. The liquid stimulates secretion and makes it not so thick, so sputum is better evacuated from the respiratory tract. In case of illness, you need to drink warm water or tea with lemon, rosehip infusion, currant or raspberry tea, as well as any other fortified drinks.

3. Breathe over baking soda

If you can’t achieve liquefaction of sputum, then you need to breathe baking soda vapor. It reacts with mucus, destroys the chemical bonds between molecules, which makes the secret more liquid. Prepare a saturated soda solution, boil it. Remove from the stove and inhale the vapors covered with a towel. After a few minutes, if everything is done correctly, sputum will begin to move away.

4. Humidify the air

It is important that the air in the room is not dry, dusty or musty. To do this, you need to ventilate, do wet cleaning of rooms and use a humidifier. Often, after elimination of irritants, sputum passes by itself.

5. Do not smoke

It is advisable to stop smoking, because tobacco smoke dries and burns the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Delicate tissues are irritated and react with copious sputum. Approximately the same thing happens when a person inhales toxic fumes, dust, or works in hazardous industries. In such cases, you need to use personal protective equipment or change the scope of activity.

6. Drink decoctions of herbs

You can drink expectorant herbs – decoctions of coltsfoot, oregano, thyme or marshmallow. Licorice, psyllium or ivy root syrup is among the most effective natural cough and phlegm remedies.

7. Move more

When a person is subject to hypodynamia, mucus is not properly evacuated due to lack of movement, and therefore accumulates in the airways. Do a simple, and better breathing, gymnastics – and you will immediately feel relief, they advise on the Health and Longevity channel.

What the doctor advises for mucus in the throat

According to the therapist of the Yamal Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention Valeria Saprynskaya, the muconasal secretion is normally produced by the glands of the nasal mucosa and plays an important role in maintaining health. But in some cases, its production increases, which leads to excess mucous discharge from the nose.

Causes may be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious viruses include viruses, including influenza and SARS, as well as chronic forms of bacterial inflammation of the paranasal sinuses – sinusitis.

In the group of non-infectious causes – hypothermia, chemical irritants, chronic catarrhal rhinitis, nasal polyps, allergens, mucosal dysfunction after prolonged use of vasodilator nasal drops or sprays.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, the use of psychoactive substances, the initial stage of the development of bronchial asthma, a foreign body in the nasal cavity (especially in children) can also lead to excessive discharge from the nose.

If a person is bothered by this symptom, they should see a doctor to determine the cause and treat it. To reduce the likelihood of the disease, it is necessary to regularly undergo a preventive examination.

Can a cough go down into the bronchi and lungs: a doctor dispels myths

“Is it possible to suck in snot? Will they go down? When coughing, do not use a nebulizer – the infection will go down. ” The pediatrician talks about these and other misconceptions.

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The doctor answers

Children’s health

Myths about health

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Pediatrician Shulamith Wolfson explains how things really are.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Popular myths about “the infection will go down”

Is it possible to suck snot? Will they go down? This is a very common parenting myth. With any runny nose, with any cough – “Won’t cough / snot / infection go down ?!” Variants of the same delusion:

• “You can’t use a nebulizer – the cough will go down.”

• “You can’t do without drugs – the infection will go down.”

• “We have a viral infection, but I give antibiotics to keep the cough from going down” is just the pinnacle of this delusion, its extreme version.

However, if we look at the anatomical atlas, there will not be a straight and smooth staircase down from the nose to the lungs. There are no stairs at all. There is a normal respiratory system. It all starts with the nose. Further, passing through the nose and, looking along the way into the paranasal sinuses, the air enters the larynx, such a thin tube in the throat, approximately in the same place as the Adam’s apple in men.

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The vocal cords are stretched across the larynx. And there are a lot of cough receptors everywhere! If you have choked on water at least once, you know how a person behaves on the vocal cords, who got at least something EXCEPT for air! And this is from a small amount of water. Can you imagine what would happen to our children if mucus from the nose got there when they had a cold?!

A large tube, the trachea, begins behind the larynx. Two smaller tubes depart from it – the main bronchi, which then divide and divide – the bronchial tree. Alveoli are located at the end of the smallest bronchi. Bronchi + alveoli = lungs.

So. Snot does not enter the lungs. Never. A child can blow his nose – not blow his nose – suck snot through his nose, generally do anything. The runny nose never goes “below” or “into the lungs”. The very structure of the human body will not let him in.

Where does a runny nose go down

A terrible secret: mucus is constantly produced in our nose, this is a defense mechanism. It’s just that with ARVI, this production increases many times over, a runny nose appears. Snot, which the child could not or did not want to blow his nose, goes to the same place as the usual mucus from the nose of a healthy person. Into the stomach

Mucus from the nose enters the oropharynx, rolls down the back wall of the pharynx there – and enters the esophagus!

In the esophagus, not in the larynx (there, I remind you, the vocal cords). From the esophagus to the stomach and intestines, where it is safely digested. It is believed that this process with a cold is very useful, it stimulates the immune system. In very young children, who have fast intestinal motility and a lot of snot, parents can sometimes see mucus in the stool during SARS. These are the same snot that simply did not have time to be completely digested, it’s okay.

So, the snot doesn’t go anywhere. But can an infection do it? These are the viruses and bacteria that fly from person to person on the smallest droplets of saliva and dust?
No. Can not.

What happens if a child gets an infection

Why did my child have a common cold and then bronchitis? Why did we only have a fever and a slight cough, and then it turned out to be pneumonia? Why did my child immediately fall ill with bronchitis, was healthy – and then immediately, bronchitis?!

If it is a virus that “likes” to live in the nose, there will be a runny nose

If it is, for example, an influenza virus that “loves” to live in the trachea, there will be tracheitis. If it is an adenovirus, then there will be conjunctivitis and bronchitis, this is how the virus “loves” to “settle”. Well, etc. That is, in what form the infection will proceed – depends on the nature of the pathogen! Nothing goes down anywhere, from the very beginning – rhinitis or nasopharyngitis or rhinitis and bronchitis at once, etc.

A virus has settled in the child’s body

Usually it is “limited” to the common cold. But this particular child has its own characteristics. For example, he is a newborn. In this case, the virus can “break through” through the body’s own defenses and “settle” in the wrong place, provoking the development of bronchitis or pneumonia. This happens, for example, with the influenza virus.

Usually everything is limited to the usual SARS with tracheitis.

But this virus can also cause pneumonia quite often. It all depends on the type of virus, the characteristics of each particular person, etc. That is why no one vaccinates against ordinary ARVI viruses, but you can get vaccinated against the flu. Influenza can provoke the development of pneumonia.

However, we note that in this case, the infection does not go anywhere! Neither with snot, nor with inhalations. Either the virus will be able to “grab” where it doesn’t need to, or it won’t.

There was a viral infection, SARS. Against its background, the activity of the immune system has changed

And a bacterium managed to get into the body, undermined by the disease. This is called a bacterial complication of a viral infection. That is, the child was able to cope with SARS, but he suddenly developed bacterial pneumonia. A complication, but it could not be prevented. No, antibiotics BEFORE the onset of a bacterial infection do not help, on the contrary, they worsen the situation and increase the risk of complications. By the way, if you are interested in the advice of a pulmonologist about taking antibiotics for bronchitis, follow the link.