In this explorative mixed-methods study we analyzed the symptom of thick mucous secretion in patients with ALS. Thick mucous secretion can complicate the use of non-invasive ventilation and be therefore life-limiting. Ten patients with ALS with the symptom of thick mucous secretion and ten patients without thick mucous secretion were compared. In our study we showed that not the duration but rather the progression of the disease has an impact on the development of thick mucous secretion. Possible pathogenic mechanisms were –amongst others- impaired coughing and respiratory insufficiency. Patients and caregivers reported a high impact on quality of life through thick mucous secretion.
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