D2.3 - Respiratory Health PDF

D2.3 - Respiratory Health I can… Explain how disease impacts the respiratory system Effects of Smoking on the Respiratory System Increase amounts of mucus secreted Ciliated cells become damaged and less effective at clean up Coughing increases to clear airways Coughing irritate...

D2.3 - Respiratory Health I can… Explain how disease impacts the respiratory system Effects of Smoking on the Respiratory System Increase amounts of mucus secreted Ciliated cells become damaged and less effective at clean up Coughing increases to clear airways Coughing irritates airway, increasing susceptibility to infection Particles of dirt can accumulate in lungs Bronchial restriction can occur Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Respiratory System CO acts as a competitive inhibitor in the red blood cell CO attaches to the hemoglobin molecule 200 times stronger (and faster) than O2 or CO2 This makes the hemoglobin unavailable for O2 or CO2 and deprives the cells of oxygen Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Usually caused by viruses or bacteria Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics Examples: ○ Tonsillitis ○ Laryngitis **Fun fact: The suffix “-itis” means inflamed! Tonsillitis Tonsillitis: Viral infection of the tonsils Tonsils are located at the throat and can stop bacteria and foreign substances from entering the body through the mouth or nose Tonsils can be removed surgically, but removing them can cause an increase in infections later in life Laryngitis Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx (contains vocal cords) Usually a viral infection Reduces ability of vocal cords to vibrate as they normally do, can result in losing your voice Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders Can include: Bronchitis Pneumonia Pleurisy Emphysema Cystic fibrosis Lung cancer Bronchitis Bronchitis: Causes bronchi to become inflamed and filled with mucus This is expelled by coughing Can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic) ○ Chronic bronchitis is caused by regular exposure to foreign bodies or irritants, causes cilia to become destroyed Pneumonia Pneumonia: Occurs when the lungs become inflamed and fill with liquids Interferes with gas exchange, body gets starved for oxygen Two types: ○ Lobular pneumonia: Affects a lobe of the lung ○ Bronchial pneumonia: Affects parts of both lungs Pleurisy Pleurisy: Caused by swelling and inflammation of pleural membrane Many causes, such as: ○ Infection ○ Blood clot in a lung ○ Cancer Emphysema Emphysema: Alveoli walls break down and lose their elasticity Reduces the surface area available for gas exchange, causing oxygen shortages Almost always caused by smoking Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis: Genetic condition where an abnormal gene affects the cells lining the lungs Prevents balance of salt and water in lungs, making the mucus thick and sticky ○ Recall: Mucus traps pathogens Because the mucus is so thick, it gets stuck and pathogens remain in the lungs ○ Causes repeated infections Asthma Asthma: Chronic lung disease, affecting the bronchi and bronchioles (makes breathing difficult) Can vary from mild to severe (even death) Those with asthma have constant inflammation in their airways Sensitive to pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, pollutants, etc., which can cause asthma attacks ○ Asthma attack: Bronchi and bronchioles swell, bronchiole muscles tighten, increased mucus - all of these together make breathing difficult or impossible Can be treated with an inhaler, which reduce inflammation and relax the bronchiole muscles, opening up the airways Lung Cancer Lung cancer: Growth of abnormal cells (tumours) in the lungs Tumours reduce area available for gas exchange and can prevent air from entering bronchioles As tumours grow, lung tissue is damaged or can produce toxins that harm cells