Respiratory Disorders: Overview, Symptoms and Treatment

Respiration is the act of breathing. It involves the inhaling in of oxygen and the exhaling out of carbon dioxide. Breathing is a very vital function of the body, as it helps supply oxygenated blood to the various organs, and aids in elimination of carbon dioxide from the body.

The respiratory system consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs and is divided into two parts, the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, ethmoidal air cells, frontal sinuses, maxillary sinus, larynx and trachea, while the lower respiratory tract includes the lungs, bronchi and alveoli.

At the moment unfortunately respiratory diseases are on the increase. Lung disorders such as asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer are on the rise, according to the American Lung Association:

• Every year, nearly 361,000 Americans die of lung disease.
• Lung disease is the number three killer in America, responsible for one in seven deaths.
• Lung disease and other breathing problems are the number one killer of babies under the age of one.
• Today, more than 25 million Americans are living with chronic lung disease.
• Lung disease can affect people of all ages and genders, however, African Americans are particularly prone to respiratory disorder.

It is important that if you are experiencing any breathing difficulties, you should see your doctor right away, especially if you are a smoker or live with some who smokes. Breathing problems could be a sign of lung cancer.

Types Of Respiratory Disorders

There are a number of respiratory disorders, some of which include;

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Asthma
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia &
• Tuberculosis

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. This term is used to refer to two chronic respiratory illnesses; chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It often happens that both these conditions occur together. Smoking is a major cause of COPD. COPD is a slow progression disease that is characterized by the decreased functioning of the lungs.

Chronic Bronchitis is the inflammation and scarring of the bronchi lining. The bronchi are the airways that connect the windpipe to the lungs. Symptoms of bronchitis include; chronic cough, increased mucus, and shortness of breath.

Emphysema is the progressive damage to the alveoli especially from smoking. The alveoli are air sacs found inside the lungs that play a key role in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the blood to the lungs. Symptoms of emphysema include; cough shortness of breath, and limited tolerance for exercise.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects many Americans, both young and old. In this disease the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed and swollen, causing them to narrow, and also causing periodic episodes of wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can be triggered by exercise, smoke, allergens and viral infections.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women and men in North America. This form of cancer usually starts in the lining of the bronchi, but can also begin in other areas of the respiratory system, like the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli.

Lung cancers are believed to develop over many years, but fail to produce any symptoms until it is too late, and the cancer is spread. The most common type of lung cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma is caused mainly by smoking.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in the lungs. It is caused by either bacteria or viruses. However it can also be caused by chemical irritants. This serious condition causes inflammation in the lungs, which happens when the air sacs or alveoli are filled with pus and other liquid.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a serious and highly contagious disease that is caused by bacteria infecting the lungs. TB is primarily an airborne disease, which damages lung tissue and can even result in death if not treated properly. There is a difference however between being infected with the TB bacterium and having active tuberculosis disease.

General Symptoms Of Respiratory Disorders

Anyone who has difficulty breathing may have a respiratory disorder. This means that enough oxygen is not being absorbed into the blood. Here are some general symptoms that are indicative of a respiratory disorder.

• Increased breathing rate
  A person who has a respiratory disorder often finds it hard to breathe after performing small tasks such as climbing a single flight of stairs. An increase in the number of breaths per minute is a sign that they are not getting enough oxygen.
  
• Color changes
  A bluish color is seen around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on the fingernails when a person is not getting enough oxygen. The complexion of a person also changes and they appear pale or gray.
  
• Grunting
  If a grunting sound can be heard each time the person exhales, it manes they are suffering from some form of respiratory distress. This grunting is the body's way of trying to keep air in the lungs.
  
• Nose flaring
  As a person is not getting enough oxygen, they have to breathe harder, causing the nasal holes to flare.
  
• Retractions
  Here the chest appears to sink in just below the neck or under the breastbone, as a person takes a breath. This is another way to get more oxygen to the lungs.
  
• Sweating
  Sweating increases when a person breathes in and out faster, and the skin also feels cold and clammy.
  
• Wheezing
  Wheezing is a tight, whistling sound heard that can be heard with each breath. This indicates that the air passages are narrowed, making it harder to breathe.

It is important to understand these general symptoms, as they are key signs of respiratory problems, however only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Albuterol, Atrovent, Beclomethasone, Dextromethorphan, Flovent, Intal, Pulmicort, Salbutamol, Serevent, Terbutaline Sulfate, Theophylline and Ventolin are just some of the many medications that are used to treat respiratory disorders.

The treatment of each respiratory disease will depend on its cause. Medication is often used, however some times inhalers or nebulizers are also used to treat diseases such as asthma for immediate relief. Surgical removal of the lung and lung transplants are also performed in severe cases of respiratory disorders.

To keep you lungs healthy, it is important to;

• Quit smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Avoid exposure to polluted air &
• Wear protective masks when working with toxic substances