The Respiratory System
The respiratory is a complex system made up of the lungs, sinuses, the nose, the
mouth, and the throat. Their purpose is to make it possible for one to breathe.
The first "organ" in the respiratory system is the nose. Each aspiration goes
through the nostrils. Within the nose are small hairs whose purpose is to
prevent debris from going further into the body and eventually into the lungs.
once the oxygen is through the nose, it travels down the esophagus and then into
the lungs. Once in the lungs, the oxygen is distributed to the deoxygenated
blood cells that are recycled and sent back throughout the body.
mouth, and the throat. Their purpose is to make it possible for one to breathe.
The first "organ" in the respiratory system is the nose. Each aspiration goes
through the nostrils. Within the nose are small hairs whose purpose is to
prevent debris from going further into the body and eventually into the lungs.
once the oxygen is through the nose, it travels down the esophagus and then into
the lungs. Once in the lungs, the oxygen is distributed to the deoxygenated
blood cells that are recycled and sent back throughout the body.
10 Diseases
Asthma
Asthma is the when the airways of the lungs constrict or swell up, blocking air flow in and out of the lungs. It is a chronic condition that can go away and develop over a long period of time. The most common treatment for this is the use of an inhaler. The inhaler is designed to help open the airways and reduce swelling at the opening of the lungs. Asthma can occur at any age. Some symptoms never go away but it is possible for the asthma's symptoms to reduce/go away over time, in some cases, not all.
|
Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be caused by several different factors. One of these is when inhalation of germs/bacteria occurs. When these germs get into the lungs they can cause irritation in the lungs, making you cough. This usually happens after you have the flu/cold. Another cause is getting fluid in the lungs. This can be detected by an x-ray. fluid in the lungs could be caused by the epiglottis not functioning properly and allowing fluids to pass through into the lungs rather than down the esophagus into the stomach. If mild, pneumonia can be treated at home.
|
Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, is typically a minor issue. On occasion epistaxis can occur on a regular basis. When medical assistance is needed it is commonly because of the reoccurrence or the severity of the situation. For most patients, treatment requires cauterization (burning the blood vessels stop the area form bleeding for no reason).
|
Chronic Bronchitis (COPD)
Chronic bronchitis is a productive cough that lasts about 3 months. Symptoms include: severe coughing, production of mucus, fever and chills, fatigue, and chest pains or discomfort. Chronic bronchitis's symptoms typically worsen over time. They seem to reoccur a lot within two years. within these two years, signs and symptoms will worsen. seeing a doctor is recommended highly if the symptoms reoccur often and worsen each time.
|
Flu/Cold
Both the flu and cold (all conditions of the cold) are caused by viruses. Flu and Cold symptoms usually start with a stuffy/runny nose and can then progress to soar throats, coughing, sneezing, and even vomiting. It can be treated by over the counter medicine or, by seeing a doctor if it continues to progress and getting shots or stronger medicine. It is rarely life threatening and can be treated at home.
|
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection in the lungs. It is caused by bacteria that is spread from one person to another by coughing or sneezing. Some strands of TB are nonresponsive to the treatment. Inactive TB is when the bacteria is still in your body but has no signs or symptoms of being there. Active TB has signs and symptoms and makes you very ill. It is easier spread as well. Signs and symptoms for Active TB are: sudden weight loss, cough, fever, fatigue, chills, and loss of appetite. Because of the spread of HIV, tuberculosis has become more popular. The risk of TB is higher if you live or have lived in: China, southern Africa, India, and Mexico. TB can spread to other parts of the body such as your bones, brain, and kidneys. Tests include: x-rays, blood tests, sputum tests, etc. The most common drugs used to help treat TB are: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.
|
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is the inflammation of the trachea. This disease, common in children, is very life threatening. The epiglottis is a flexible cartilage at the base of the tongue. When you swallow the epiglottis closes so that food does not enter the lungs. But when it gets inflamed, it does not function properly. Some symptoms of epiglottitis are: abnormal breathing sounds, cyanosis, soar throat, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Treatment includes ways to help the patient breathe easier. A breathing tube is commonly used. Epiglottitis is a very life-threatening disease, but with correct treatment, the outcome is good.
|
Croup
Croup, common in infants, is the swelling of the vocal cords resulting in a barking-like cough. The most common cause of Croup is by having a viral infection but there are other ways to get it: bacterial infection, allergies, breathing in objects that could irritate the vocal cords, and having acid reflux. Croup has one main symptom, coughing. It seems to be more effective at night and it typically last on average 5 to 6 nights. Acetimophine can help relieve pain and reduce fevers.
|
Pneumothorax (Late and Active)
Pneumothorax is when air leaks between the space of the lungs. The air then pushes on the lungs causing them to collapse. In most cases it is not that severe. It is usually caused by a penetrating injury to the chest. Sometimes there is no reason; the lung just collapses. When a lung collapses, there is a sudden shortness of breath along with severe pain in the chest. If the injury is severe enough, doctors typically will have to enter a small tube into the rib cage to drain the excess air in the space between each lung.
|
Emphysema (COPD)
Emphysema is when the air sacs in the lungs are slowly destroyed over time. The leading cause of this is smoking. Emphysema leads to severe chest pains. Over time, as the disease worsens, the lungs are slowly unable to let out the air in the lungs. There is treatment to help slow the process of emphysema, but emphysema is unfortunately irreversible.
|
Citation
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001630/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001955/
http://www.flovent.com/asthma-treatment/?bing=e_&rotation=12157&banner=90050&kw=326663
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/863220-overview
http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/pneumonia-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bronchitis/DS00031/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pneumothorax/DS00943
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/emphysema/DS00296
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/flu-cold-symptoms
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001955/
http://www.flovent.com/asthma-treatment/?bing=e_&rotation=12157&banner=90050&kw=326663
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/863220-overview
http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/pneumonia-topic-overview
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bronchitis/DS00031/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pneumothorax/DS00943
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tuberculosis/DS00372/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/emphysema/DS00296
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/flu-cold-symptoms