1. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

2. The Respiratory System
Divided into the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract
The upper respiratory tract consists of:
Nose or nasal cavity
Paranasal sinuses
Pharynx and larynx

3. The Respiratory System (cont.)
The lower respiratory tract consists of:
Trachea
Two lungs
Two main bronchi

4. The lower respiratory tract.

5. Respiration
Diaphragm—dome-shaped layer of muscle that lies across bottom of chest cavity
Breathing occurs as diaphragm contracts and relaxes
Carbon dioxide pushed out of the lungs during relaxation
Oxygen pulled into the lungs during contraction

6. Structure of Lungs About 10 percent solid tissue
Remainder of structure filled with air and blood
The functional structure can be divided into two parts:
Conducting airways (bronchi and bronchioles)—tubes lined by cilia and respiratory mucosa
Cartilage—supports and cushions the bronchi

7. Common Cold
Caused by a viral infection that inflames the membranes in nose and throat
Antibiotics will not cure a cold or any other viral infection
Treatment is considered symptomatic
Cough
May be a symptom of a cold, flu, respiratory problems, or nonrespiratory diseases
Most likely begins with an irritation of nerves in the respiratory tract
Nonproductive cough treated with cough suppressant
Productive cough treated with an expectorant

8. Allergies and Asthma Allergies
Caused by the immune system reacting to a substance that does not cause disease
Treatment may be palliative, with antihistamines and antitussives
Treatment may be preventive, with mast cell stabilizers
Asthma
Chronic respiratory disease
Characterized by inflammation of airways, tightening of muscles around airways
Treatment is palliative with albuterol and other bronchodilators

9. Emphysema Chronic destruction of alveoli
External exchange interrupted when alveoli become permanently damaged
Treatment may be palliative, with stimulant inhalers
Treatment may be preventive, with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids

10. Nasal Congestion and Rhinitis
Inflamed, stuffy nose
Treatment may be palliative, to promote easier breathing
Indications for use of decongestants are nasal and bronchial congestion
Rhinitis
Inflammation of nasal membranes, and/or runny nose
Common component of colds and allergies
Treatment is considered symptomatic

11. Bronchoconstriction
Occurs when the smooth muscles encircling the airways or tubes tighten, causing the airways to spasm
Treatment may be palliative
Treatment may be preventive

12. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Characterized by partially blocked bronchi and bronchioles
Causes shortness of breath
Treatment may be palliative, with bronchodilators
Treatment may be preventive, with mast cell stabilizers