Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in organs, including the lungs and pancreas. This mucus clogs the airways and makes it difficult to breathe, and also blocks the ducts in the pancreas, causing problems with digesting food. Other symptoms of cystic fibrosis include recurrent lung infections, sinus infections, and trouble breathing. Bronchiectasis is another condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can trigger persistent coughing and make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also associated with increased mucus production. In general, too much mucus is a sign of a chronic respiratory condition, acute illness, and some types of COPD.