Respiratory Disorders

Asthma Condition where smooth muscle that lines the airways contracts, making it difficult to breathe. – Allergy-induced Asthma – Cold-induced Asthma – Exercise-induced Asthma

Asthma Medicine-containing inhalers (“puffers”) are prescribed to make breathing easier. – Bronchodilaters: chemicals that help open up the bronchioles – Steroids: to strengthen the lung tissue

Bronchitis Inflammation of the bronchial lining and excessive mucous production. Persistent cough, coughing up phlegm (mucous), which is often discoloured. Discomfort when breathing. – Acute Bronchitis – bacterial / viral infection (e.g., bad cold) – Chronic Bronchitis – allergens, airborne pollutants

Pneumonia Infection of alveoli: air sacs and terminal bronchioles become filled with mucous. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up discoloured phlegm/mucous. Shows up on X-rays.

Emphysema Alveolar damage: – Cilia that line the airways become damaged and cannot filter debris from air; – Debris and mucous build up in bronchioles causing them to; become constricted/blocked – Air pressure increases and causes thin alveolar walls to tear, creating empty spaces. Drastic reduction to surface area for gas exchange.

Emphysema A form of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – serious, fatal, and avoidable! Can be a result of chronic bronchitis or exposure to tobacco smoke. Body compensates by breathing harder, which puts a strain on the heart. Eventually requires assisted breathing devices.

Cystic Fibrosis Autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Abnormally thick mucous blocks airways – mucous so thick that it is difficult to remove debris and difficult to breathe. Mucous also blocks digestive tract pathways. Prone to respiratory and digestive difficulties. Shows up in early childhood. Medical advances have made it possible for affected individuals to live into adulthood.

Environmental Hazards Asbestos once used as insulation, now known to cause diseases of the pleura and often leads to lung cancer Silica major component of rock and sand, irritates in respiratory tract, causes lungs to become less elastic and more rigid Recycled Air causes “sick building syndrome” (nausea, headaches, fatigue, mucous membrane irritation) by recycling indoor air pollutants

Smoking & Second-hand Smoke Causes lung cancer and contributes to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals in its mixture of gases, liquids, and other particles, which linger in the air for a long time.

Smoking & Second-hand Smoke Tar is the most carcinogenic (cancer-causing) component of cigarettes, but is 70% more concentrated in second-hand smoke! Many tobacco companies claim their cigarette brands have built- in filters, but they do not filter out all the substances, and second-hand smoke victims have no filters!