Respiratory System Overview

Respiratory System Overview

• The respiratory system's role is to bring oxygen (O2) to tissues and remove carbon dioxide (CO2).

Parts of the Respiratory System

• Upper Respiratory Tract:

  • Nose: Two cavities for air intake, lined with cilia and mucus.
  • Nasal Cavity: Filters, warms, and moistens air. Mucus traps particles, cilia move mucus.
  • Pharynx (Throat): Muscular tube for both air and food. Epiglottis opens during breathing, closes during swallowing to prevent food from entering trachea.
  • Larynx (Voice Box): Below the epiglottis, contains vocal cords that vibrate with airflow.

• Lower Respiratory Tract:

  • Trachea: Muscular and cartilaginous tube with rings to prevent collapse. Cartilage rings keep the airway open during breathing.
  • Bronchi: The trachea branches into two bronchi, leading to the lungs. They are supported by cartilage to keep airways open. Lined with mucus and cilia which trap particles and push them out.
  • Bronchioles: Smaller branches of bronchi, leading to alveoli. These are flexible and control airflow.
  • Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. High surface area for efficient oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

• Lungs: Paired organs composed of spongy tissue. Their main function is gas exchange; bringing oxygen into the bloodstream and releasing carbon dioxide.

Breathing Mechanisms

• Inhalation(Inspiration): Diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, expanding the lungs. Air flows into the lungs to alveoli where oxygen diffuses into the blood.

• Exhalation(Expiration): Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, decreasing lung size. Carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli and is exhaled.

Respiratory Diseases - Bronchial Asthma

• Definition: A chronic inflammatory disease affecting the airways causing difficulty breathing. Characterized by recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm.

• Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

• Triggers: Allergens (pollen, dust mites, etc.), irritants (smoke, pollutants), exercise, cold air, or infections.

Asthma Classification

• Mild Intermittent: Symptoms occur less than twice a week. Night-time symptoms less than twice a month. Little effect on daily life.

• Mild Persistent: Symptoms occur more than twice a week, but not daily. Night-time symptoms 3-4 times a month. Minor effect on daily life.

• Moderate Persistent: Daily symptoms. Night-time symptoms more than once a week, but not nightly. Some limitation in daily activities.

• Severe Persistent: Symptoms throughout the day. Night-time symptoms frequently. Significant limitation in daily activities.

Asthma Treatment

• Lifestyle Changes: Avoid triggers.

• Medications: Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) to open airways during attacks and long-term control medications like inhaled corticosteroids (reduce inflammation)

• Management: Proper management and medication can prevent and keep asthma under control, letting individuals live normally.

Role of Pharmacists in Asthma Management

• Patient Education: Teaching proper inhaler technique and medication adherence.

• Monitoring and Follow-up: Identifying and addressing uncontrolled asthma and adjusting treatment based on control levels.

• Interprofessional Collaboration: Teamwork with physicians and other healthcare providers.