Respiratory Health Your name, title and date

Objectives What makes up the respiratory system Breathing/ Deep breathing exercises Discuss common disorders and diseases of the respiratory system Discuss ways to protect your lungs Smoking cessation Respiratory Health

The purpose of the respiratory system is to carry oxygen to vital organs and remove carbon dioxide from the body. The lungs are the main organ of the respiratory system and where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. The Respiratory System

Nasal cavities Mouth Larynx (voicebox) Trachea (windpipe) – Filters the air Bronchial tubes and their branches – Branch off of the trachea and carries air directly to the lungs The respiratory system is also made up of …

Cilia line the upper airways and help filter out particles and germs from invading the lungs Alveoli small air filled sacs that exchange the carbon dioxide for oxygen. The respiratory system is also made up of …

The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and helps with breathing. When we inhale, it expands the space the lungs are in and enables the lungs to bring in large amounts of air. When we exhale, it relaxes which decreases the space in the chest cavity. This increases pressure and forces the air out of the lungs. The respiratory system is also made up of …

Shallow Breathing The way one is taking a breath –“Chest breathing” The amount of air that is being inhaled Can be caused by hyperventilation, which can be triggered by anxiety attacks Deep Breathing The diaphragm is used and goes through the entire range of motion: – Moves downward when we inhale – Moves upward when we exhale Breathing

Can lower blood pressure Helps to clear the lungs of pollutants and contaminants Supplies the lungs with oxygen enriched air that the lungs don’t receive with shallow breathing Works to calm the body and mind and reduce stress Deep Breathing Exercise 1.Close your eyes. 2.Inhale deeply through the nose, using your stomach, while counting to 5. 3.Hold your breath for several seconds. 4.Exhale through your mouth for the count of 5 5.Repeat this exercise for a total of 10. Benefits of Deep Breathing Exercises

Coughing and Sneezing Coughing and sneezing are involuntary defense mechanisms that the body uses to get rid of harmful irritants. The lower respiratory tract has highly sensitive receptors that can detect the smallest particles and trigger the body to cough and expel these irritants. The irritants found in the upper respiratory system such as the nasal passages trigger sneezing. Remember to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your sleeve, to help avoid the spread of germs! Respiratory Defense Mechanisms

Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer! Get your flu vaccine every year. Avoid close contact with sick people or large crowds during cold and flu season. Stay home if you are sick to help prevent the transmission to others. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Disinfect surfaces such as telephones, keyboards, desks, doorknobs or other items that are handled by others. How to Protect Yourself from Respiratory Illness

Airborne transmission - particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time. Examples include tuberculosis, chickenpox and measles. Droplet contact transmission- transferred by contacting the surfaces of the nose, mouth or eyes. Examples of those diseases are influenza, meningitis and pertussis. Direct or indirect contact - occurs when someone has sneezed or coughed into their hand and has either touched another person, like shaking their hand, or an object such as a doorknob or keyboard. Transmission of Diseases of the Respiratory System

Bronchitis is an inflammation and infection of the bronchial tubes. – Acute - mostly caused by a viral infection but can be bacterial. Acute bronchitis can last up 10 days. – Chronic - commonly caused by smoking and is a constant irritation in the bronchial tubes which can lead to a long term productive cough. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

. Pneumonia- an infection in one or both lungs that can be caused by bacteria, a virus or fungi. The tiny air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid or pus. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

Treatment for pneumonia is based on cause and symptoms and may include antibiotics, cough medication, over the counter fever reducers and even hospitalization in some cases. Pneumonia is worse for young children and infants, adults 65 and older, people with other serious health conditions and those with a compromised immune system. Vaccination is recommended for all children under the age of 5 and all adults over the age of 65.

Flu is an infection caused by the influenza virus and is spread via droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. The easiest way to prevent the spread of flu is to get vaccinated! Signs and Symptoms Fever (not everyone will have a fever) Cough Sore throat Runny or congested nose Whole body achiness and fatigue Headache In children- vomiting and diarrhea is common Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

Pertussis or whooping cough is very contagious and most dangerous in infants. Early “cold-like” symptoms can last 1-2 weeks when one is contagious and then progresses into violent coughing fits. The coughing is followed by a high pitched “whoop” that can go on for many weeks to months. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection but hospitalization may be necessary, especially in infants. The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated! It is especially important for families and caregivers of infants to be up to date. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that is spread by droplets in the air, often from close contact with an infected person over long periods of time. Signs and symptoms of TB include chest pain and a cough with bloody mucus. It is possible to become infected with TB but not develop the disease because of the immune system’s ability to fight the infection. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a progressive disease that continues to get worse over time because less air flows in and out of the airways due to damage. Smoking is the #1 cause, many people who suffer from COPD either smoke or have smoked at some point in their life. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the diseases of COPD. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

Asthma is a chronic lung disease where the airways are always inflamed and become narrowed, making it hard for the person to breathe. Airways can become further inflamed when the person is exposed to a trigger such as pollutants, allergens or physical activity, causing an asthma attack. It causes periods of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness that can be mild to severe. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

Allergies are the immune system’s response to a trigger or foreign substance that doesn’t cause a response in most individuals. They are often a chronic condition causing mild to severe reactions. The body mistakes the allergen as an invader and sends antibodies that release histamine to remove it from the system. This is known as an allergic response and can be mild to severe. Common allergens include pet dander, mold, dust, pollen and smoke. Disorders and Diseases of the Respiratory System

Some areas are prone to sand and dust storms. When the dust and sand get picked up from the wind, the storms can contain particles such as bacteria, viruses, pollen, fungi, heavy metals, chemicals and toxins. Exposure to any of these irritants can cause allergies or various respiratory diseases and even serious illness. Protect yourself and family in these storms by: Taking extra precautions with the elderly and children Using a dust mask or wet paper towel over your nose and mouth to filter small particles Frequently cleaning your face, nose and mouth to remove the dust and contaminants Making sure the doors and windows are closed tightly if you live in an area prone to storms Limiting outside activities during a storm Sand and Dust Storms

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death Worldwide, around 5 million people die each year from direct tobacco use The effects of secondhand smoke cause around 600,000 premature deaths yearly, in non-smokers around the world. Globally, about 1 out of 5 teens, aged 13 to 15, smokes According to WHO Smoking Statistics

Smoking is very harmful to the body, especially the respiratory system. Smoke contains carcinogens and toxins that are inhaled and deposited in the respiratory tract, they weaken the tissue causing damage. Continuous smoking does not allow the lung tissue to repair itself. Smoking is the major cause of COPD, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema. Smoke narrows air passages causing chronic irritation to the lungs which leads to chronic bronchitis over time. Eventually lung tissue is destroyed which triggers changes that can lead to cancer. Harmful Effects of Smoking

There are many resources available to help you stop smoking. Check with your healthcare provider to see which option is best for you. Your healthcare plan may have resources available as well. These websites offer resources and plans to quit! Stop smoking!

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