Respiratory Diseases
Purpose of the respiratory system? To exchange oxygen from the environment with carbon dioxide from tissue
Respiratory tract can be divided into an upper region and a lower region
Respiratory Tract ©
The entrance of the larynx is covered with a flap of tissue called the epiglottis Epiglottis prevents food from entering the airways
Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common acute illness seen in outpatient care Upper respiratory infections tend to be less severe than lower
Most of the upper respiratory tract has a “safeguard” against bacteria, viruses, and other particles Nasal cavity is lined with pads of soft tissue that “cleans” the air that your inhaling There is mucus on the surface of this tissue
Nasal Cavity
Mucous Cells of the Nasal Cavity
Tonsils and Adenoids Both are part of the immune system Tonsils: lymph nodes without a cap located at the back of the mouth Filled with lymphocytes (white blood cells) Adenoids: mass of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nasal airway Trap infection agents and produce antibodies
Tonsils and Adenoids ©
If tonsils become infected and do not heal, they are removed
Tonsillitis ©
If adenoids become infected, they may be removed or they may cause another infection….where? Ear infection The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the pharynx
Anatomy of the Ear ©
The Eustachian tube equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the outside world Multiple infections may lead to ear tube surgery (not uncommon in children) Ear drum is punctured, a tube is inserted to assist with drainage and decrease infection
Sinusitis: inflammation or infection of the sinuses Sinuses: hollow air spaces within the bones around the nose Creates mucus that drains into the nose
If the nose is swollen, it cause an infection or pain Causes include: allergens, bacteria, pollutants
Sinusitis © sinusitis_big.jpg
Lower respiratory infections/diseases tend to be more dangerous Lung diseases are often described by lobe –With lung cancer, entire lobe needs to be removed
The Lungs ©
Common Symptoms of Respiratory Illness 1. Coughing Coughing is beneficial What happens when you cough? Exaggerated inhalation
Build up pressure Force “stuff” out of your lungs –At extremely high speeds Why is this beneficial? It forces irritants out of the lungs
Most cough suppressants are more harmful than helpful in that they interrupt this process Should really only be taken if you have a dry cough or you cannot sleep
Read the ingredients in your cough syrup Codeine (prescription)—blocks the cough reflex in your brain –Makes you tired –Suppresses cough Suppressant (OTC)—contains ethyl alcohol –Makes you sleepy –Suppresses cough
Decongestant: vasoconstrictor –Have no affect on coughing –Dries up sinuses Acetaminophen: Tylenol –Helps with headache and sore throat –No affect on cough
Expectorants: targets the mucus making it watery and thin –Easier to cough up
2. Runny/stuffy nose 3. Dyspnea: breathlessness 4. Pain (found in both upper and lower respiratory infections/diseases) 5. Blood (in sputum or phlegm) 6. Sneezing
Causes of Respiratory Inflammation 1. Bacteria Acute bronchitis—chest cold Inner ear infection Sore throat (approximately 30%) Tuberculosis Pneumonia
Streptococcus © media/11/ C9F7FB0.jpg
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Pneumonia Bacteria © research.com/content/figures/ l.jpg
2. Viruses Sore throat (70%) “Head colds” all of them “Head colds” all of them Two families of viruses responsible: Two families of viruses responsible: Adenovirus Adenovirus Rhinovirus Rhinovirus
Adenovirus © content/uploads/2007/05/big-adenovirus-v3.gif
Rhinovirus ©
3. Allergen If a head cold last longer than a week, it is probably an allergy If a head cold last longer than a week, it is probably an allergy See an allergist and have a test done See an allergist and have a test done
4. Particulates/Chemicals Mainly environmental factors Mainly environmental factors Can cause irritation → inflammation Can cause irritation → inflammation
5. Parasites Feed on your blood Feed on your blood Ex. Hookworm Ex. Hookworm