The respiratory system is an integrated system of organs. Parts of the respiratory system include:-
• The Nasal passage
• Oral cavity
• Larynx
• Trachea
• Bronchial tubes
• Lungs
• Diaphragm.
During respiration the air enters through the nasal passage and mouth, then travelling down the trachea, through the bronchial tubes and finally entering the lungs. Once the air has entered the lungs the air is drawn into numerous thin walled sacs called Alveoli. These sacs are richly supplied with capillaries. In these tiny sacs the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide take place from the blood. (Williams, Collins and sons.2012).
Emphysema is a long-standing, progressive disease of the lungs that predominantly causes shortness of breath. The most common symptom of emphysema is shortness of breath is. Although a cough, may also be a symptom of emphysema which is sometimes caused by the production of mucus, and wheezing. Emphysema usually develops slowly. The sufferer may not have any acute episodes of shortness of breath, as slow deterioration is the rule, and it may go unnoticed for a long time. This is especially the case if you are a smoker or have other medical problems.
Cigarette smoking is undoubtedly the biggest culprit for people developing emphysema. Other risk factors include a deficit of an enzyme called alpha-1-antitrypsin, air pollution, airway reactivity, heredity, sex and age. (Boots web MD, 2009.).
If your doctor believes you have emphysema, depending on your complaints, a physical examination will be made. The doctor will pay specific attention to your breathing noises, your heart noises, and your general physical appearance. Numerous tests may be organised to clarify the degree of the disease, the continuing lung function and the existence of lung infections. These tests include:-
• Chest X-rays
• Lung function tests
• Blood tests. (Boots web MD, 2009.).
Treatment for emphysema can take many forms. Different approaches to treatment are offered. Commonly, your doctor will recommend these treatments in a step-wise approach, depending on the harshness of your condition.
• Stop smoking: Stopping smoking could stop the progression of the disease and should increase the function of the lungs to some degree. Although it is not strictly a treatment, all doctors should make this recommendation.
• Bronchodilator drugs: These medications are usually the first line of treatment for emphysema, as they cause the air passages to open more fully and allow better air exchange.
• Mucolytic tablets or capsules which make the mucus and phlegm in your throat thinner and easier to cough up.
• Steroid medications: They are used for this effect in the lung and elsewhere and have been shown to be of some benefit in emphysema as they decrease inflammation in the body.
• Antibiotics: These medications are frequently prescribed for people with emphysema who have increased shortness of breath.
• Oxygen: If you have shortness of breath and go to your doctor’s surgery or to a hospital's A&E department, you may be given oxygen.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Many people with COPD benefit from a programme of exercise and education. (Boots web MD, 2009.).
Pneumonia is inflammation of the tissue in one or both of your lungs. It is commonly caused by an infection. At the end of the breathing tubes in your lungs are bunches of tiny air sacs. These tiny sacs become irritated and swell up with fluid if you have pneumonia. (Gov UK. 2014).
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
• A cough – which may produce thick phlegm that can be yellow, green, brownish or blood-stained in colour.
• A fever.
• Difficulty when breathing. (GOV. 2014.).
If you feel very unwell and experience any of the symptoms of pneumonia, you must go and see your doctor. Your doctor will probably take your temperature and listen to the back and front of your chest with a stethoscope, to check for any crackling or rattling sounds. They will then make a decision on whether you need to undergo any further tests. These tests include:-
• A chest X-ray
• A sputum test
• Blood tests. (Gov UK. 2014).
Pneumococcal infection, caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of pneumonia. However, there are many different types of bacteria and viruses that can result in pneumonia. Good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent pneumonia. Try to avoid smoking, as it harms your lungs and escalates the chance of infection. Individuals at high risk of pneumonia are also offered to have the pneumo jab and the flu jab. (Gov UK. 2014).
Mild cases of pneumonia can generally be treated at home with antibiotics, rest and liquids. Individuals who are otherwise healthy will usually recuperate well. For individuals with additional health illnesses, pneumonia can occasionally be severe and could need to be treated in hospital. This is because pneumonia can cause complications, some of which can be lethal, depending on the well-being and age of the patient. These include:
• Respiratory failure
• Lung abscesses
• Blood poisoning. (Gov UK. 2014).
Asthma is a common longstanding disorder which can cause breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Inflammation of the small tubes, called bronchi, which carry air in and out of the lungs is the cause of asthma. The bronchi will be inflamed and more sensitive than normal if you have asthma. Common asthma activates include:
• House dust mites
• Animal fur
• Pollen
• Cigarette smoke
• Exercise
• Viral infections. (Gov UK. 2014).
It is not fully understood why some people develop asthma, however it is recognised that you are more likely to develop it if you have a family history of the disorder. (Gov UK. 2014).
If you have characteristic asthma symptoms, your doctor will frequently be able to make a diagnosis. Although in some cases to find out the severity an individual may have to undergo some tests. These include:-
• A breathing test called spirometry
• Peak expiratory flow test
• Airways responsiveness
• Testing airway inflammation
• Allergy tests. (GOV. 2014.).
Conditions of the respiratory system can be affected by individual’s lifestyles. For example if an individual is a smoker, works in a highly polluted and dust laden atmosphere, has an unhealthy diet and does not exercise effectively, then they will be more likely to obtain a respiratory condition. Due to these factors in an individual’s lifestyle, they are more likely to not only face illness but it could potentially lead to more fatal respiratory conditions, in that their lifestyles play an extreme part in their bodies inability to repair themselves.