1 Mansel Nelson, ITEP

2 Outline Normal anatomy and function of lungs Natural defenses of airways Common pollutants can injure lungs Common lung diseases Special considerations for young children Ways to protect lungs

3 Lungs

4 Lungs (cont.) People breathe a lot, depend on constant gas exchange in lungs Oxygen & carbon-dioxide pass through very thin walls of alveoli But, any gas (poisonous ones, too) can pass through alveoli walls And, very small particles can also pass through alveoli walls

5 Cardiovascular Connection Gases distributed widely after entering bloodstream If lungs aren’t functioning properly, heart must work harder

6 Defenses of Lungs Air enters body through nose or mouth, which wets and warms air Nose hairs, mucus and saliva filter some particles and germs Air travels down windpipe (trachea) Windpipe splits into two bronchi that enter lungs

7 Defenses (cont.) Airways have special hairs called cilia, coated with sticky mucus Cilia trap germs and other foreign particles Cilia sweep particles up to nose or mouth Particles are swallowed, coughed, or sneezed out

8 Particles PM 10 (10 microns and smaller) Inhaled into lungs Accumulate in respiratory system PM 2.5 (2.5 microns and smaller) Fine particles Can lodge deep in lungs Pose greatest health risks

9 Poisonous Gases Poisonous gases pass through lungs easily and quickly, directly to bloodstream Common pollutants Ozone Carbon monoxide Pesticides VOCs (gasoline, other) Outside air

10 Impacts of Air Pollution Increased levels of air pollution Emergency hospital admissions for heart attack, chest pain, congestive heart failure Potential death from heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiac arrest (includes exposure to ETS) Elderly, patients with heart disease or diabetes particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular effects of air pollution

11 Impacts of Air Pollution (cont.) Air pollution has both short- and long-term toxic effects Injure heart and blood vessels Increase hospitalization rates for cardiac illness Can cause death Scientists once thought air pollution primarily affected lungs Also bad for the heart

12 Common Diseases of the Lungs Asthma Many triggers Inflammation Blocking, narrowing airways, mucus

13 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic breathing difficulties Airways and air sacs lose elastic quality Walls between air sacs destroyed Airways become thick and inflamed Airways make more mucus Air pollutants damage airways and air sacs

14 Infections Influenza Pneumonia (bacterial, viral, fungal) Tuberculosis Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Pertussis Diphtheria

15 Lung Cancer Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in lungs Smoking Radon ETS Asbestos Occupational exposure

16 Keeping Lungs Healthy Control exposure to pollutants and particulates Control humidity in your environment Drink water, eat vegetables and fruits Exercise Good for circulation Opens alveoli Improves lung capacity Wash hands

17 Protect the Lungs of Young Children Lungs of young children very sensitive Air pollution can limit breathing capacity for a lifetime Exposure to certain pollutants can cause asthma, which can last a lifetime Lung infections can cause damage which can last a lifetime

18 Environmental Impact to Lungs Lungs are our most intimate connection with the outside environment Anything you breathe can affect your lungs Germs, tobacco smoke, and other harmful substances can cause damage to your airways Once airways are damaged your natural defenses are weakened

19 Protecting Your Lungs Don’t smoke Causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lung Avoid exposure to pollutants Avoid secondhand smoke, outdoor air pollution, chemicals in the home and workplace, and radon

20 Protecting Your Lungs (cont.) Prevent infections (wash hands) Good oral hygiene Influenza vaccines annually Get regular health care