Lower lobe mucus plug distribution and future respiratory exacerbations in tobacco-exposed individuals with and without COPD

Mucus plugs (MPs) on chest computed tomography (CT) are highly prevalent and are associated with increased respiratory symptoms[1], worse lung function[1], increased mortality[2] and acute exacerbations[3] among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether mucus plug distribution in the upper versus lower lobes differentially impacts future respiratory exacerbations (REs), both within established COPD and among non-obstructed tobacco-exposed individuals, has been incompletely explored.