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 ©http://www.rsdrx.com/images/UpperRespSketchLRes.gif

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 you are 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 ©http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/tons.gif

If tonsils become infected and do not heal, they are removed

Tonsillitis ©http://www.ozzy.f2s.com/tonsils2.jpg

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 ©http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachian_tube

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 ©http://content. revolutionhealth

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 ©http://www.cancerline.com/gUserFiles/lungs_detail.jpg

Common Symptoms of Respiratory Illness Coughing Coughing is beneficial What happens when you cough? Exaggerated inhalation

Force “stuff” out of your lungs Why is this beneficial? 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

Expectorants: targets the mucus making it watery and thin Easier to cough up

Runny/stuffy nose Dyspnea: breathlessness Pain (found in both upper and lower respiratory infections/diseases) Blood (in sputum or phlegm) Sneezing

Causes of Respiratory Inflammation Bacteria Examples: Acute bronchitis—chest cold Inner ear infection Sore throat (approximately 30%) Tuberculosis Pneumonia

Streptococcus ©http://media-2. web. britannica

©http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19694 ©http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19694.jpg

©http://www.microsweep.com/images/m.tuberculosis_labeled.jpg

Pneumonia Bacteria ©http://respiratory-research

Viruses Examples: Sore throat (70%) “Head colds” all of them Two families of viruses responsible: Adenovirus Rhinovirus

Allergen If a head cold last longer than a week, it is probably an allergy See an allergist and have a test done

Particulates/Chemicals Mainly environmental factors Can cause irritation → inflammation

Ex. Parasitic pneumonia Parasites Ex. Parasitic pneumonia Rare