Respiratory Diseases

Diseases & Disorders can:

Irritate Inflame Infect Tissue damage occurs which reduces the effectiveness of the bronchi & alveoli. Respiration becomes difficult

Asthma
Inflammation of the airways causing them to narrow & become very sensitive to inhaled substances. Muscles contract when certain things are inhaled making it worse Bronchioles also constrict, not allowing proper oxygen transfer Sx: Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness Shortness of breath

Asthma
Causes: Genetics Exercise Dust Mold Smoke (tobacco, wood) Pollen Weather changes Strong emotions (laughing hysterically) Airborne chemicals Management: Lifestyle modifications Medications Inhalers Steroids Nebulizers Allergy Pure oxygen Allergy Shots Avoid possible triggers

Bronchitis
Airways are inflamed & irritated Produce mucus in tubes resulting in coughing Can be caused from an upper respiratory infection or virus Sx: Dry hacking cough that may bring mucus Fever Fatigue
Treatment: Rest Fluids Healthy Diet Over the counter drugs Anti-inflammatories Honey or Ginger Humidifier

Emphysema
Tissue necessary to support the physical shape & function of the lungs are destroyed. When toxicants enter the lungs, the harmful particles become trapped in the alveoli, causing inflammation. In response to the inflammation a chemical is released which can completely destroy alveoli Causes: Smoking Second-hand smoke Long-term air pollution

Emphysema
Treatment: No cure Steroids Bronchodilators Lifestyle changes Antibiotics for infections Oxygen

Pneumonia
Infection in the lungs causing inflammation Causes: germs, bacteria, virus Breathing in an airborne germ Many upper respiratory infections can turn into pneumonia Sx: Mucus cough Sore throat Fever chills

Treatment:

See Doctor Antibiotics if infection is bacterial Fever reducers Fluids Breathing treatments

Lung Cancer
Cancerous tumor cells in the lungs Causes: Smoking Second Hand Smoke Family History Asbestos Exposure Radon Gas Air Pollution

 Sx: Some people have no sx! Coughing blood Wheezing Shortness of breath Weight loss Fatigue

Treatment: Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy

 Treatment: Pulmonary Tuberculosis Antibiotics Rest Bacteria that infects the lungs Fluids Alveoli lose elasticity decreasing effective
gas exchange Causes: Breathing in infected air droplets Sx: Fever Coughing up blood/mucus Fever Excessive sweating Weight loss