Lisa,

First of all I am a health reference librarian with the foundational science courses, so take that into consideration. From what I understand mucin production is influenced by a variety of factors but post radiation the process changes. The bodies defenses are part and parcel of the mucus production as a a reponse.
Think of the radiation as a trauma and the mucus as the scab over the wound for lack of a better parallel. What I am puzzling over is: Are there any better ways to facilitate healing?