Biology · Ch 8 — Respiration and Circulation
Common disorders of respiratory system
Common disorders of respiratory system
Because the respiratory tract is in constant contact with the outside environment, it is vulnerable to infection, irritation and long-term damage from inhaled particles, and a number of common disorders follow from that exposure. Emphysema involves the breakdown of alveolar walls and shortness of breath, most often caused by smoking or air pollution, and is managed by quitting smoking, avoiding polluted air, and administering oxygen to relieve symptoms. Chronic bronchitis causes persistent coughing and shortness of breath from the same causes (smoking, air pollution), and is managed similarly, sometimes with a move to a warmer, drier climate. Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi with shortness of breath and yellow mucus, caused by viruses or bacteria, and treated with antibiotics (if bacterial), cough medicine and a vaporiser. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses with mucous discharge, from the same viral/bacterial causes, treated with antibiotics and decongestants if bacterial, plus a vaporiser. Laryngitis inflames the larynx and vocal cords, causing a sore throat, hoarseness, mucus and cough, again from viral or bacterial infection, and is treated with antibiotics if bacterial, cough medicine, resting the voice, and avoiding irritants like smoke. Pneumonia is a lung inflammation ranging from mild to severe, with cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, sweating, chest pain and sometimes blood in the mucus, caused by bacteria or viruses, and needs prompt medical attention with antibiotics, cough medicine and staying warm. Asthma constricts the bronchioles and causes mucus build-up, periodic wheezing and difficulty breathing, triggered by allergies to pollen, certain foods, food additives or pet hair, and is managed with inhalers to open the airway and by avoiding the triggering irritant. Occupational respiratory disorders such as silicosis and asbestosis cause inflammation, fibrosis and lasting lung damage from long-term exposure to dust, silica or asbestos particles at work, and are prevented rather than cured, chiefly through protective masks and gear on the job.
| Disorder | Symptoms | Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emphysema | Breakdown of alveoli, shortness of breath | Smoking, air pollution | Quit smoking, avoid polluted air, administer oxygen to relieve symptoms |
| Chronic bronchitis | Coughing, shortness of breath | Smoking, air pollution | Quit smoking, avoid polluted air, if possible move to warmer, drier climate |
| Acute bronchitis | Inflammation of bronchi, shortness of breath, yellow mucous coughed up | Viruses and bacteria | If bacterial, take antibiotics, cough medicine, use vaporizer |
| Sinusitis | Inflammation of the sinuses, mucous discharge | Viruses and bacteria | If bacterial, take antibiotics and decongestants, use vaporizer |
| Laryngitis | Inflammation of larynx, vocal cords, sore throat, hoarseness of voice, mucous build up and cough | Viruses and bacteria | If bacterial, take antibiotics, cough medicines, voice rest, avoid irritants like smoke |
| Pneumonia | Inflammation of lungs ranging from mild to severe, cough and fever, shortness of breath, chills, sweating, chest pain, blood in mucous | Bacteria, viruses | Consult physician immediately, antibiotics, cough medicines, stay warm |
Think about it
Why is it difficult to hold one's breath beyond a limit? …