Disorders of the Respiratory System

Lung Cancer Lung cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells. The mass of cancer cells in the lungs greatly decreases the surface area for the diffusion of gases. Tumors may actually block bronchioles, reducing air flow to the lungs, potentially causing the lungs to collapse. Causes: genetic factors, lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, diet, and physical activity; certain types of infections; and environmental exposures to different types of chemicals and radiation. Symptoms: cough, coughing up blood or rusty-colored phlegm, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurrent respiratory infections, hoarseness, new wheezing, and shortness of breath. Treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy  

Asthma Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. Allergic reactions initiate the swelling of tissue that line the bronchioles. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Causes: Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites Respiratory infections, such as the common cold Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma) Cold air Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke Strong emotions and stress Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat Menstrual cycle in some women

Asthma signs and symptoms include: Shortness of breath Chest tightness or pain Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children) Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu Treatments: Steroids and Other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Bronchiodilators (inhalers) Avoid irratants Breathing techniques (pursed lips) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XohTFq14oX0

Emphysema Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the lungs' natural airspaces, called alveoli, become larger but decrease in number. The tissue surrounding the alveoli loses elasticity so that the airspaces can no longer expand and shrink as usual. This reduces the amount of oxygen transferred by the lungs to the bloodstream, making it more difficult for you to breathe. Cause: Number one cause is cigarette smoking. Another cause is toxic chemicals (tobacco smoke). Also infections of the respiratory tract can also destroy lung tissue and thus contribute to the development or worsening of emphysema. Symptoms: shortness of breath (even when resting). This can make simple tasks like eating difficult which leads to reduced appetite and weight loss.

Treatments: Oxygen therapy (increase the percentage of oxygen that the body receives on each breath) Bronchodilators (help to relax and open the airways) Corticosteroids (reduce inflammation) Antibiotics (if infections flare up) Exercise can help strengthen leg muscles so that less demand is placed on the lungs with activity. Lung surgery can be lifesaving in the small number of people who are candidates for it. In a newer type of surgery called lung volume reduction, the most diseased (20% to 30%) part of the lung is removed. This allows the remaining lung and muscles to work better, improving breathing. Research is ongoing to determine if the same benefit can be achieved by removing the emphysematous lung tissue non-surgically (i.e., by using valves or glue). Vaccinations against influenza and pneumonia, as recommended by your doctor to help avoid respiratory infections. This doesn't treat the emphysema but can prevent flare-ups. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfVDAAdo7Pw&safe=active

Bronchitis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO7FLvl6UPk

There are two types of Bronchitis: Acute Bronchitis: Comes on rapidly, usually after a virus has invaded the upper respiratory tract. Sometimes there is a bacterial infection as well. Viruses most likely to trigger acute bronchitis are those responsible for influenza (the flu) or the common cold. The germs that cause measles and whooping cough can also cause acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis: Mucus-producing cough that lasts for at least 3 months in 2 consecutive years. The most important cause by far is smoking. Exposure to some pollutants can also contribute to chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms: Treating and Preventing Bronchitis Persistent dry coughing (in the beginning) Excessive mucus or phlegm (yellowing green colour) Chest congestion Wheezing Muscle ache Tiredness Sore throat High temperature Treating and Preventing Bronchitis Antibiotics Cough medications used may be suppressants that control the cough drinking lots of fluids - this makes mucus easier to get rid of Inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids used regularly may open the airways, decrease inflammation, and improve health-related quality of life. Corticosteroids pills such as prednisone are sometimes given when chronic bronchitis suddenly becomes worse - these medications help reduce the inflammation and swelling of the airways. Regular exercise Oxygen therapy

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) COPD is a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It is caused by damage to the lungs over many years, usually from smoking. Usually this is a mix of two diseases: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is almost always caused by smoking. Over time, breathing tobacco smoke irritates the airways and destroys the stretchy fibers in the lungs. Other things that may put you at risk include breathing chemical fumes, dust, or air pollution over a long period of time. Second hand smoke also may damage the lungs. The main symptoms are: A long-lasting (chronic)  cough Mucus that comes up when you cough Shortness of breath that gets worse when you exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehh89UrZtZU Treatments: quitting smoking can help stop the damage to your lungs. Medicines can help you breathe easier (inhalers) A lung (pulmonary) rehab program can help you learn to manage your disease In time, you may need to use oxygen some or most of the time.

Pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by infection. With pneumonia, the air sacs in the lungs fill with liquid or pus, which interferes with the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen to the blood. Cause: Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling irritants such as vomit, liquids, or chemicals.  The most common causes of pneumonia are infections caused by: bacteria - the most common cause of pneumonia in adults viruses - often responsible for pneumonia in children mycoplasma - organisms that have characteristics of bacteria and viruses that cause milder infections opportunistic organisms - a threat to people with vulnerable immune systems

Treatment: Symptoms include: Cough Antibotics Shortness of breath Shivering Chills Headache Delirium (confusion) Severe bad breath Muscle pain Weakness Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply Blue lips and nail beds from lack of oxygen in the blood Viral pneumonia causes these symptoms: dry cough headache muscle pain weakness and fatigue moderate fever, up to about 39°C (102°F) chills shortness of breath blue lips and nail beds Treatment: Antibotics Antivirals Antifungals Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay physically fit, and get enough sleep. This will keep your immune system strong. Get vaccinated. There are no vaccines for most types of pneumonia, but the two most common types (influenza virus and pneumococcus) can be prevented with vaccines. See your doctor about any cough that's still getting worse after 3 or 4 days.  Limit the spread of the viruses and bacteria that can cause pneumonia is to wash your hands properly and frequently or use hand sanitizers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqwG-O3GR74

Cystic Fibrosis CF is a secretory disease (secrete excess mucus, sweat, mucus can block pancreas ducts) Cause: Genetic (autosomal recessive) Symptoms: poor growth/weight gain, excess mucus production, frequent chest infections, breathlessness (mucus blocks airway) Treatment: Proactively treat chest infections, good nutrition and active lifestyle, lung transplant, gene therapy (not very effective yet). Shortened life expected. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4U5wyPzxJE