Respiratory System Overview

Respiratory System

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

Parts of the Respiratory System

• Upper Respiratory Tract:
  • Nose: Filters, moistens, and warms air.
  • Pharynx (Throat): A muscular tube for air and food passage. The epiglottis guards the trachea during swallowing.
  • Larynx (Voice Box): Located below the epiglottis; contains vocal cords.
• Lower Respiratory Tract:
  • Trachea (Windpipe): Cartilaginous tube that prevents collapse; carries air to the lungs.
  • Bronchi: The trachea branches into two bronchi, leading into the lungs.
  • Bronchioles: Smaller branches of the bronchi.
  • Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
  • Lungs: Paired organs responsible for gas exchange.

Upper Respiratory Tract Details

• Nose and Nasal Cavity: Two openings (nose and mouth) for air intake. The nasal airways are lined with cilia (tiny hairs) and mucus, filtering and humidifying air.

  • Functions:
    • Filters air using hairs and mucus.
    • Moistens and warms air.
    • Trapping bacteria, dust, and viruses with mucus; cilia moves mucus.

• Pharynx (Throat): A muscular tube, acting as a passageway for both air and food.

  • During breathing (inspiration), oxygen moves downward.
  • The epiglottis opens during inhalation and closes during swallowing preventing food/fluid entering the trachea

• Larynx (Voice Box): Located below the epiglottis. The larynx contains vocal cords, which vibrate when air passes producing sound.

Lower Respiratory Tract Details

• Trachea (Windpipe): Made of cartilage rings to prevent collapse during inspiration and exhalation.
• Bronchi: The trachea branches into two large bronchi, one entering each lung. Cartilage supports and keeps them open. They are also lined with mucus and cilia.
• Bronchioles: Smaller branches of bronchi, leading to alveoli.
• Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs, maximizing surface area for gas exchange. Gas exchange occurs through thin walls between air in alveoli and blood capillaries.
• Lungs: Spongy organs composed of alveoli and supporting structures. Main function is gas exchange.

Gas Exchange Mechanism (Breathing)

• Inspiration (Inhalation): The process of taking in air. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, increasing lung volume and drawing air in. Air travels to alveoli. Oxygen diffuses into the bloodstream.
• Expiration (Exhalation): The process of expelling air. Muscles relax, lung volume decreases, and air is forced out. Carbon dioxide diffuses out of the bloodstream into the alveoli.

Respiratory Diseases: Bronchial Asthma

• Bronchial Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disease affecting airways, causing breathing difficulties. Causes recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm.
• Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.
• Triggers: Allergens (pollen, dust mites), irritants (smoke, pollution), exercise, cold temperatures, and infections.

Asthma Classification

• Mild Intermittent: Symptoms occur less than twice a week.
• Mild Persistent: Symptoms occur more than twice a week but not daily.
• Moderate Persistent: Daily symptoms; night-time symptoms more than once a week, but not nightly.
• Severe Persistent: Symptoms throughout the day; frequent nighttime symptoms; significant limitation in daily activities.

Asthma Treatment

• Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding triggers.
• Medications:
  • Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators): Open airways during an asthma attack.
  • Long-term control medications: Reduce inflammation, like inhaled corticosteroids.
• Proper Management: Keeps asthma under control, allowing normal living

Pharmacist Role in Asthma Management

• Patient Education: Proper inhaler technique and medication adherence.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: Recognizing uncontrolled asthma and adjusting therapy.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Working with physicians and other healthcare providers.