4.3. Diseases of the respiratory system

Diseases of the respiratory system

The air we breathe in contains many particles, some of them harmful to the body. It can contain viruses, bacteria, pollen grains, ash, fumes, etc., which can cause illness. Although most respiratory diseases are related to smoking.

The main diseases of the respiratory system are:

Asthma

The asthma is a disease that causes the bronchi reduce its diameter and hinder the passage of the air.

It is usually caused by genetic inheritance, by infections or by allergies to dust, animal hair or feathers, molds, pollen, etc.

The treatment consists of the administration of bronchodilator substances and avoiding the cause that causes the allergy.

Gossip: David Beckham and Miguel Indurain.

Tonsillitis

The tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils caused by an infection viral or bacterial, but could have pus forming plaques.

Tonsils contain cells that produce antibodies useful in fighting infection, so their removal is only recommended in severe cases .

Amigdalitis con placas producidas por bacterias

By Michaelbladon at English Wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Pharyngitis

The throat is inflammation of the pharynx, produced by irritation, usually caused by infection bacterial or viral. It is usually associated with tonsillitis.

Laryngitis

The Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx and is a common symptom of the common cold. Laryngitis also causes inflammation of the vocal cords, so hoarseness or loss of voice is common.

By BruceBlaus (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Sinusitis

The sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are cavities of some bones of the face and skull that are connected with the nostrils.

It is caused by fungi, bacteria or a virus, or also by an allergy.

Senos paranasales

By Nnh_front.svg: Own work *translation: Angelito7 (talk)This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. Modifications: Translation to spanish. The original can be viewed here: Nnh front.svg. Modifications made by Angelito7. (Nnh_front.svg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Aphonia and dysphonia

The hoarseness is the complete loss of voice, whereas dysphonia is the partial loss of voice. It is due to infections or overexertion when yelling or talking for a long time. The cold favors its appearance.

Bronchitis

The bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchi. It is caused by a bacterial, viral or irritant infection (pollution, tobacco).

When you have bronchitis, the air has more difficulty to travel, so the bronchial tubes are irritated and more mucus is produced.

The most characteristic symptom of bronchitis is cough, but in severe cases it can be accompanied by sputum, fever and general malaise.

Pneumonia

The pneumonia is inflammation of the alveoli caused by an infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The alveoli fill with pus and fluid, making it difficult to breathe and absorb oxygen.

The most common pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, and causes a high fever, pain in breathing, coughing, and bloody sputum. It is treated with the antibiotic penicillin. If it also affects the bronchi, it is called bronchopneumonia.

Lung cancer

The lung cancer is uncontrolled cell growth that develop in the bronchi and invade and destroy lung tissue.

It causes the lung to malfunction, causing pain and even death.

Although anyone can get lung cancer, it is more common in smokers, since tobacco smoke contains many cancer-promoting substances, such as tar.

Common cold

The cold is caused by a viral infection that causes inflammation of the nasal membranes, generating a thick mucous discharge, runny and stuffy nose, sore throat and cough. Fever is not usually present.

Being caused by viruses, antibiotics are not suitable (viruses are not living beings and only work against bacterial infections), and treatments only serve to relieve symptoms, not to cure them. It usually subsides in a week.

Flu

The flu or influenza is caused by viruses. It is more serious than the cold, since in addition to fatigue, sneezing, mucus and sore throat, it is often accompanied by muscle aches, chills and fever.

There is no curative treatment, but pain relievers can relieve symptoms. It disappears after several days.

Pulmonary edema

The pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid inside the lungs. It occurs when there is a problem in the circulation of the blood and the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, being dammed in the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs. When the pressure in these vessels increases, the liquid passes into the lung alveoli, flooding them and reducing their ability to exchange gases, leaving the body without oxygen.

Pulmonary embolism

The pulmonary embolism occurs when a pulmonary artery is blocked. Normally, it originates when a blood vessel is blocked (thrombosis) in the veins of the pelvis or legs, and part of that clot breaks off (embolus) travels towards the heart and from there, to the pulmonary artery that is blocked.

Pulmonary emphysema

The emphysema is increased the size of the lung alveoli, impairing gas exchange. Although more air enters the alveoli, the blood cannot take in oxygen or leave CO₂, so the body has trouble getting the oxygen it needs.

The main cause of this deterioration of the lungs is tobacco. This disease is chronic, with a slow and progressive process.

Hiccup

The hypo is the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, together with the larynx and closure of the epiglottis to prevent the inspiration air. It usually starts spontaneously and lasts for a few minutes.

The diaphragm is a muscle that is under the lungs and is responsible for pulmonary ventilation. It usually works properly, but sometimes it gets irritated. Then, the air quickly enters the larynx and the epiglottis closes and the “hip” sounds characteristic of hiccups. Eating too quickly, being nervous, abusing alcohol, upset stomach, etc., are some of the causes that can cause this irritation.

Tuberculosis

The tuberculosis is an infection bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) contagious that affects the lungs, causing coughing, chest pain and bloody sputum, but can also affect the digestive system, skin, nervous system, etc.

The bacillus is spread through the air, when a person with tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, speaks, or spits. If a person inhales bacteria that may be in airborne droplets or dust particles, they can become infected.

To treat tuberculosis it is necessary to use antibiotics.

Activity: Characteristics of diseases.

Activity: Crossword on the respiratory system.

Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike License 4.0

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Skip navigation Biology and Geology 3rd compulsory secondary education Biology and Geology 3rd ESO 01. General organization of the human body 1.1. Levels of organization of the human body 1.2. The cell 1.2.1. The prokaryotic cell 1.2.2. The eukaryotic cell 1.2.2.1. The eukaryotic animal cell 1.2.2.2. The eukaryotic plant cell 1.3. Tissues 1.4. Organs, systems and apparatus 1.5. Bibliography and student work 02. Food and health 2.1. Feeding and nutrition 2.2. Nutrients 2.2.1. Types of nutrients 2.2.2. The energy of nutrients 2.3. The food 2.4. Diets 2.5. Food consumption 2.5.1. Labelled 2.5.2. How to shop and cook 2.6. Food preservation and hygiene 2.7. Food production 2.7.1. Intensive agriculture 2.7.2. Intensive livestock 2.7.3. Aquaculture 2.7.4. Transgenic foods 2.7.5. Organic food 2.8. Eating-related illnesses 2.9. Bibliography and student work 03. The digestive system and digestion 3.1. Nutrition function 3.2. Digestive system 3.2.1. Ingestion 3.2.1.1. Chewing 3.2.1.2. Insalivation 3.2.1.3. Swallowing 3.2.2. Digestion 3.2.3. Absorption 3.2.4. Expulsion or egestion 3.3. Diseases of the digestive system 3.3.1. Diseases in the mouth 3.3.2. Diseases in the stomach 3.3.3. Diseases in the intestine 3.3.4. Liver disease 3.4. Healthy habits related to the digestive system 3.5. Bibliography and student work 04. The respiratory system and respiration 4.1. Respiratory tract and lungs 4.1.1. Airways 4.1.2. Lungs 4.1.3. The gaseous exchange 4.2. Respiratory activity 4.3. Diseases of the respiratory system 4.4. Healthy habits related to the respiratory system 4.5. Bibliography and student work 05. The circulatory system and circulation 5.1. General organization of the circulatory system 5.2. The blood 5.3. The heart 5.4. Heart movements 5.5. Blood vesels 5.6. Blood pressure 5.7. The blood circulation 5.8. Lymph and lymphatic system 5.9. Diseases of the circulatory system 5.9.1. Diseases of the blood vessels 5.9.2. Heart disease 5.9.3. Blood diseases 5.10. Healthy habits for the circulatory system 5.11. Bibliography and student work 06. The excretory system and excretion 6.1. Excretion 6.2. Urinary system 6.2.1. Kidneys 6.2.2. Urine formation 6.2.3. Urinary tract 6.3. Kidney disease 6.4. Healthy habits for the excretory system 6.5. Bibliography and student work 07. The nervous system 7.1. Relationship function and the nervous system 7.2. Cells of the nervous system 7.2.1. Neuron 7.2.2. Glia 7.3. Nerve impulse 7.4. Organization of the nervous system 7.4.1. The Central Nervous System 7.4.1.1. Encephalon 7.4.1.2. Spinal cord 7.4.2. The Peripheral Nervous System 7.4.2.1. Somatic Nervous System 7.4.2.2. Autonomic nervous system 7.5. Nervous acts 7.6. Nervous system diseases 7.6.1. Brain injuries 7.6.2. Spinal cord injuries 7.6.3. Neuropsychological diseases 7.6.4. Pathologies related to lifestyle 7.7. Healthy habits and mental health 7.8. Drug addiction 7.8.1. Common characteristics of drugs 7.8.2. Classification of drugs 7.9. Bibliography and student work 08. The endocrine system 8.1. The types of responses 8.2. The endocrine system 8.2.1. Endocrine glands 8.2.2. Hormonal control 8.3. Endocrine system diseases 8.4. Bibliography and student work 09. Sensory receptors. The sense organs 9.1. Perception: sensory receptors 9.1.1. The touch and the pain 9.1.2. The sense of smell 9.1.3. Taste 9.1.4. The eye and vision 9.1.5. The ear: hearing and balance 9.2. Healthy habits for the sense organs 9.3. Bibliography and student work 10. Effector organs. The locomotor system 10.1. The skeleton 10.1.1. The bones 10.1.1.1. Bones of the human body 10.1.2. Joints 10.2. Musculature 10.2.1. Muscles of the human body 10.3. Healthy habits of the locomotor system 10.4. Musculoskeletal disorders 10.5. Bibliography and student work 11. Human sexuality and reproduction 11.1. Human reproduction 11.1.1. The male reproductive system 11.1.2. Spermatozoon 11.1.3. The female reproductive system 11.1.4. The ovule 11.1.5. The menstrual cycle 11.1.6. Fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth 11.1.6.1. Fertilization 11.1.6.2. Pregnancy 11.1.6.3. Birth 11.2. Natality control 11.2.1. Contraceptive methods 11.2.2. Reproduction techniques 11.2.2.1. Exploratory techniques 11.2.2.2. Assistance techniques in childbirth 11.2.2.3. Assisted reproductive techniques 11.3. Adolescence and sexuality 11.4. Main sexually transmitted diseases and prevention 11.5. Prevention and sexual hygiene 11.6. Bibliography and student work 12. Health and disease 12.1. What is health? 12.1.1. Health indicators 12.1.2. Health determinants 12.2. The disease and types of diseases 12.3. Infectious diseases 12.3.1. Types of infectious diseases 12.3.2. Immunity and immune system 12.3.3. Prevention and cure of infectious diseases 12.4. Non-infectious diseases 12.5. First aid 12.6. Transplants and donation of cells, blood and organs 12.7. Bibliography and student work 13. Ecosystems 13.1. Ecosystem components 13.2. Types of ecosystems 13.3. Factors influencing the ecosystem 13.4. Balance in ecosystems 13.5. The soil as an ecosystem 13.6. Bibliography and student work 14. The external geological activity of the Earth 14.1. Solar energy on Earth 14.2. External geological processes 14.2.1. Weathering 14.2.2. Erosion, transport and sedimentation 14.3. Factors that condition the modeling of the relief 14.4. Forms of relief modeling 14.4.1. Wild or stream waters 14.4.2. Torrential modeling 14.4.3. River modeling 14.4.4. Karst modeling. Groundwater 14.4.5. Littoral modeling 14.4.6. Glacier modeling 14.4.7. Wind or desert modeling 14.5. Geological action of living beings 14.6. Geological action of the human being 14.7. Bibliography and student work 15. The internal geological activity of the Earth 15.1. The internal energy of the Earth 15.2. Volcanoes 15.2.1. Types of volcanoes 15.2.2. Volcanic risk 15.3. Earthquakes 15.3.1. Seismic risk 15.4. Bibliography and student work « Previous \| Next » 4.3. Diseases of the respiratory system Diseases of the respiratory system The air we breathe in contains many particles, some of them harmful to the body. It can contain viruses, bacteria, pollen grains, ash, fumes, etc., which can cause illness. Although most respiratory diseases are related to smoking. The main diseases of the respiratory system are: Asthma. Tonsillitis. Pharyngitis. Laryngitis. Sinusitis. Aphonia and dysphonia. Bronchitis. Pneumonia. Lung cancer. Common cold. Flu. Pulmonary edema. Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary emphysema. Hiccup. Tuberculosis. Asthma The asthma is a disease that causes the bronchi reduce its diameter and hinder the passage of the air. It is usually caused by genetic inheritance, by infections or by allergies to dust, animal hair or feathers, molds, pollen, etc. The treatment consists of the administration of bronchodilator substances and avoiding the cause that causes the allergy. Gossip: David Beckham and Miguel Indurain. Tonsillitis The tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils caused by an infection viral or bacterial, but could have pus forming plaques. Tonsils contain cells that produce antibodies useful in fighting infection, so their removal is only recommended in severe cases . By Michaelbladon at English Wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Pharyngitis The throat is inflammation of the pharynx, produced by irritation, usually caused by infection bacterial or viral. It is usually associated with tonsillitis. Laryngitis The Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx and is a common symptom of the common cold. Laryngitis also causes inflammation of the vocal cords, so hoarseness or loss of voice is common. By BruceBlaus (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons Sinusitis The sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are cavities of some bones of the face and skull that are connected with the nostrils. It is caused by fungi, bacteria or a virus, or also by an allergy. By Nnh_front.svg: Own work translation: Angelito7 (talk)This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. Modifications: Translation to spanish. The original can be viewed here: Nnh front.svg. Modifications made by Angelito7. (Nnh_front.svg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Aphonia and dysphonia The hoarseness* is the complete loss of voice, whereas dysphonia is the partial loss of voice. It is due to infections or overexertion when yelling or talking for a long time. The cold favors its appearance. Bronchitis The bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchi. It is caused by a bacterial, viral or irritant infection (pollution, tobacco). When you have bronchitis, the air has more difficulty to travel, so the bronchial tubes are irritated and more mucus is produced. The most characteristic symptom of bronchitis is cough, but in severe cases it can be accompanied by sputum, fever and general malaise. Pneumonia The pneumonia is inflammation of the alveoli caused by an infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The alveoli fill with pus and fluid, making it difficult to breathe and absorb oxygen. The most common pneumonia is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, and causes a high fever, pain in breathing, coughing, and bloody sputum. It is treated with the antibiotic penicillin. If it also affects the bronchi, it is called *bronchopneumonia. Lung cancer The lung cancer* is uncontrolled cell growth that develop in the bronchi and invade and destroy lung tissue. It causes the lung to malfunction, causing pain and even death. Although anyone can get lung cancer, it is more common in smokers, since tobacco smoke contains many cancer-promoting substances, such as tar. Common cold The cold is caused by a viral infection that causes inflammation of the nasal membranes, generating a thick mucous discharge, runny and stuffy nose, sore throat and cough. Fever is not usually present. Being caused by viruses, antibiotics are not suitable (viruses are not living beings and only work against bacterial infections), and treatments only serve to relieve symptoms, not to cure them. It usually subsides in a week. Flu The flu or influenza is caused by viruses. It is more serious than the cold, since in addition to fatigue, sneezing, mucus and sore throat, it is often accompanied by muscle aches, chills and fever. There is no curative treatment, but pain relievers can relieve symptoms. It disappears after several days. Pulmonary edema The pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid inside the lungs. It occurs when there is a problem in the circulation of the blood and the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, being dammed in the blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs. When the pressure in these vessels increases, the liquid passes into the lung alveoli, flooding them and reducing their ability to exchange gases, leaving the body without oxygen. Pulmonary embolism The pulmonary embolism occurs when a pulmonary artery is blocked. Normally, it originates when a blood vessel is blocked (thrombosis) in the veins of the pelvis or legs, and part of that clot breaks off (embolus) travels towards the heart and from there, to the pulmonary artery that is blocked. Pulmonary emphysema The emphysema is increased the size of the lung alveoli, impairing gas exchange. Although more air enters the alveoli, the blood cannot take in oxygen or leave CO₂, so the body has trouble getting the oxygen it needs. The main cause of this deterioration of the lungs is tobacco. This disease is chronic, with a slow and progressive process. Hiccup The hypo is the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, together with the larynx and closure of the epiglottis to prevent the inspiration air. It usually starts spontaneously and lasts for a few minutes. The diaphragm is a muscle that is under the lungs and is responsible for pulmonary ventilation. It usually works properly, but sometimes it gets irritated. Then, the air quickly enters the larynx and the epiglottis closes and the “hip” sounds characteristic of hiccups. Eating too quickly, being nervous, abusing alcohol, upset stomach, etc., are some of the causes that can cause this irritation. Tuberculosis The tuberculosis is an infection bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) contagious that affects the lungs, causing coughing, chest pain and bloody sputum, but can also affect the digestive system, skin, nervous system, etc. The bacillus is spread through the air, when a person with tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, speaks, or spits. If a person inhales bacteria that may be in airborne droplets or dust particles, they can become infected. To treat tuberculosis it is necessary to use antibiotics. Activity: Characteristics of diseases. Activity: Crossword on the respiratory system. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike License 4.0 « Previous \| Next » You can ask, comment, contribute, get in touch with other users in the forum of this course. This course is translated from https://biologia-geologia.com/BG3/
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