Download Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory Diseases
and Disorders
Difficulties due to Smoking
• Tar and other
carcinogens in Tobacco
can destroy cells
• High Temperatures,
smoke and Carbon
Monoxide (CO2) are also
harmful
• Linked to cancers of the
mouth, esophagus,
larynx, pancreas, kidney
and bladder.
Respiratory Infections
• Infections of the respiratory system can be
caused by:
– Bacteria
– Viruses
– Other Microorganisms
• Common infections include: Common
Cold, Influenza, Pneumonia, Bronchitis,
Emphysema, Lung Cancer, Asthma
The Common Cold
• Affects the upper respiratory system from
nose to pharynx
• The cold virus can cause irritation and
swelling of the larynx, trachea and bronchi
• Can cause damage to the cilia but they
heal quickly
• Usually associated with excessive mucus
production which leads to stuffy noses and
associated cough and sore throats.
Influenza (The Flu)
• Caused by a virus.
• Can affect many body systems.
• Grows in cells lining the alveoli and
damages them.
• Associated with high fevers, aches along
with stomach and digestive problems.
Pneumonia
• An infection of the alveoli that can be
caused by bacteria, viruses, or other
microorganisms
• Prior to the availability of antibiotics, many
people died from one of these disorders
• An early common cause of death in HIV
and AIDS patients
Bronchitis
• When bronchial tubes are irritated, swell
and produce too much mucus.
• Mucus build-up can allow bacterial
infections to develop as well.
• Characterized by excessive coughing and
phlegm (mixture of mucus and saliva)
• Can be treated with antibiotics
Chronic Bronchitis
• When bronchitis lasts for an extended
period of time
• The continuous coughing can damage cilia
keeping them from moving harmful
substances out of the airways
• Can lead to permanent damage of the
respiratory system
Emphysema
• When alveoli become enlarged, swollen
and red
• An enzyme is released causing the walls
of the sacs to break down, which makes it
harder for the alveoli to get oxygen to the
bloodstream
• Blood high in CO2 and low in O2 causes
shortness of breath
• Can lead to heart problems as well
Lung Cancer
• 3rd leading cause of death in men and
women in the US.
• Tar from cigarettes is the greatest
contributing factor.
• Characterized by uncontrolled growth of
cells in the lungs, caused by carcinogens
• Hard to detect in early stages
Asthma
• Lung disorder characterized by shortness
of breath, wheezing, and coughing
• Caused by a rapid tightening of the
bronchial tubes
• Inhalers that introduce a medicine that
relaxes the bronchial tubes can bring relief
• It is often an allergic reaction
• Can also be caused by breathing in smoke
or pollen, eating certain foods or stress