Overview
The hub of the respiratory (breathing) system is the lungs.
For the body to remain alive and healthy, oxygen is required by every cell. Carbon dioxide must also leave your body. The cells produce this gas as a waste product while they go about their daily business. Every time you breathe in and out, these gases are exchanged by your lungs thanks to particular design features.
Let's examine this intricate mechanism in more detail.
- Chest anatomy
This pinkish, spongy organ in your chest resembles two upside-down cones. Three lobes make up the right lung. To accommodate your heart, there are just two lobes on the left lung.
- Respiratory tree
Beginning at the base of your trachea are your lungs (windpipe). The tube that delivers air into and out of your lungs is called the trachea. A bronchus, a tube that connects each lung to the trachea, is present in each lung. In your chest, the trachea and bronchi airways are arranged to form an upside-down "Y." The bronchial tree is another name for this "Y" shape.
The bronchi divide into smaller bronchi and bronchioles, which are even smaller tubes.
These small tubes go into every area of your lungs like the branches of a tree. Some of them are the thickness of a hair, or even smaller. Each of your lungs contains close to 30,000 bronchioles.
At the tip of each bronchiole tube are a collection of tiny air sacs known as alveoli (individually referred to as alveolus). They have the appearance of small balloons or grape bunches. Your lungs contain roughly 600 million alveoli. Your lungs have a startling amount of surface area, almost equal to the size of a tennis court, thanks to the tiny bubble forms of the alveoli. This indicates that there is enough of space for essential oxygen to enter your body.
- The breathing apparatus
The respiratory system is mostly composed of the lungs. The upper respiratory system and the lower respiratory system make up this system.
The upper respiratory system consists of the:
nose and mouth. Through the mouth and nostrils of the nose, air enters and exits the lungs.
nasal passage. The nasal cavity and lungs receive air as it exits the nose.
Throat (pharynx) (pharynx). Through the throat, air from the mouth is delivered to the lungs.
speaker box (larynx). This area of the throat prevents food and drink from entering while facilitating airflow into the lungs.
The lower respiratory system consists of the following:
throat and lungs (windpipe)
bronchi \bronchioles \alveoli
The respiratory system as a whole aids in the expansion and contraction of your lungs while breathing. The ribs that surround the lungs and the dome-shaped diaphragm muscle beneath the thorax are examples of these.
- Your lungs' operation
The route of a breath
Your mouth and nose allow air to enter your lungs, where it moves while you breathe:
Right and left main bronchi, smaller bronchi airways, even smaller bronchiole tubes, and the alveoli are all in the lungs after traveling down the neck and via the trachea.
A network of minuscule capillaries, or blood vessels, surrounds each alveolus. Here, there is an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Your heart pumps blood to your lungs that has lost oxygen. Instead of carrying oxygen, this blood carries carbon dioxide.
The alveoli supply oxygen to the blood as it travels through the tiny, thin-walled capillaries. Through the flimsy walls, they channel carbon dioxide back into the alveoli.
Your heart receives the blood from your lungs that is oxygenated and pumps it throughout your body. Through your mouth and nose, you exhale carbon dioxide from your lungs and alveoli.
- How to maintain lung health
Even when you expel air, the alveoli remain partially inflated like a balloon. To keep your lungs open, your body produces a substance called surfactant. Additionally, surfactant includes fatty proteins that support lung health.
Your lungs can clean themselves.
They produce mucus to capture contaminants and bacteria. The cilia, which are tiny hairs that border the airways, then sweep the mucus up. You typically swallow this mucous without realizing it. Your lungs could produce too much mucus if you have a respiratory condition.
Macrophages, a type of immune cell, are also present in the alveoli. Before they can infect your lungs, these cells "devour" pathogens and irritants.
- lung conditions and diseases
A respiratory condition could be transitory or persistent (long term). Some kinds could indicate or even cause lung illness. Typical lung ailments include:
Asthma
The most prevalent chronic lung disease is asthma. In children, allergic asthma commonly develops. When an asthma attack occurs, the airways constrict and slow the flow of breath. Additionally, the lungs swell and inflame.
An allergic reaction, pollutants, physical activity, other respiratory conditions, and cold air can all cause an asthma attack.
Bronchitis
The primary airways, or bronchi, are the site of this chest infection. It could be brought on by a bacterial or viral illness.
A sudden onset of acute bronchitis, which can occasionally extend to the lungs following an upper respiratory tract illness like the common cold.
- pulmonary illness with chronic obstruction (COPD)
This illness is sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. COPD progressively gets worse. It might be brought on by cigarette smoking, smog, toxins, or a genetic problem.
The fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, COPD frequently results in impairment.
- Pneumonia
This is a chest infection that has spread to the alveoli and bronchioles. The lungs may enlarge, and pus and mucus can accumulate. Breathing becomes challenging as a result. Anyone can develop pneumonia. Risk factors include young children, the elderly, smokers, and those who are unwell.
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs are used to spread this bacterial infection. It's challenging to develop an infection. Lung scarring can result from serious tuberculosis. It might also expand to other areas of the body or remain dormant in the body without showing any signs.
- lung disease and dysfunction causes
Breathing can be made difficult by lung or respiratory conditions. In the majority of nations, they are a frequent cause of doctor visits.
Respiratory illnesses can result from:
bacteria \viruses
cigarettes, tobacco, or shisha smoke stagnant indoor air mold (fungus) chemically contaminated
allergies caused by secondhand smoke, such as pollen
food allergens and dust (dairy, nuts, seafood, etc.)
Animal dander, fur, and insect excrement (such as from dust mites)
- Symptoms to discuss with a doctor
If you have serious lung issues, consult a doctor. The American Lung Association lists the following as lung disease warning signs:
Shortness of breath after minimal or no effort wheeze or noisy breathing a persistent cough that lasts for a month or longer
Chronic chest pain that lasts a month or more and bloody coughing due to persistent mucus or phlegm in your lungs
- Tests of lung function
You might need tests to determine how well your lungs are functioning if you have a respiratory condition. They also aid in the diagnosis of persistent pulmonary diseases. For those with chronic illnesses like asthma, several of these tests are routine. The following are typical lung function exams and tests:
testing for arterial blood gases. By measuring blood oxygen levels, this test. You'll need to get blood collected for a blood test, which is necessary. To determine the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, a sample is sent to a lab.
a blood test An examination of the blood looks for viral or bacterial infections. Your white blood cell count is also checked. A high count could indicate an infection.
a chest X-ray This enables your doctor to assess the condition of your lungs. Areas of the lung that are obstructed or scarred will be visible on an X-ray. Other lung scans may also be suggested by your doctor.
Test for nitric oxide inhaled. Nitric oxide assists in relaxing airways and blood vessels. As a result, your lungs receive more blood flow, which raises oxygen levels. Nitric oxide levels can indicate whether or not a drug will effectively treat your asthma. For this test, you must breathe into a tube.
oximetry through pulse. The blood oxygen levels are measured with this straightforward technique. A probe is placed on your skin or placed on your finger. How well your lungs function is indicated by blood oxygen levels.
Spirometry. This exam gauges the amount of air entering your lungs. It entails repeatedly inhaling through a tube. A marker or computer displays the approximate lung volume and airflow velocity.
Sputum (spit) or a sample of mucus. Your throat or mouth may be swabbed by your doctor. To determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection in the lungs or throat, a sample is submitted to a lab.
- lung therapies
Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments if you have a respiratory illness. These depend on what is causing your lung condition.
Breathing exercises and therapies are frequently used in the treatment of respiratory diseases as COPD, asthma, and pneumonia. Medication and lifestyle modifications may also be used as COPD therapies.
Some respiratory conditions are treated with:
antibacterial drugs for bacterial infections like TB
anti-viral drugs for viral illnesses including viral pneumonia
anti-fungal drugs to treat a fungal infection or mold
anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone for asthma and severe allergies, and inhaled bronchodilators to help asthmatics and people with COPD temporarily open their airways.
asthma symptoms can be managed with the aid of immune system therapies such as anti-IgE and leukotriene modifiers.
artificial surfactant medications to keep the alveoli open
supplementary asthma medicines, such as beta-agonists and anticholinergics
- Guidelines for maintaining healthy lungs
While your body has a mechanism in place to maintain the health of your lungs, there are a number of crucial things you can do on a daily basis to lower your chance of developing lung disease or to relieve symptoms:
Don't smoke around others.
When there is a lot of pollen or air pollution, stay indoors.
To help avoid mouth infections, brush your teeth at least twice a day, and visit your dentist frequently.
Carry a hand sanitizer with alcohol in it.
Look for mold in your house.
To lessen dust, pet dander, and chemical air pollution indoors, think about utilizing an air purifier.
Avoid chewing tobacco.
Avoid smoking.
To help you strengthen your lung capacity, engage in regular aerobic exercise like walking and jogging.
Especially if you have asthma, be immunized against the flu and pneumonia.
Consult your doctor about receiving the recommended vaccines if you want to travel overseas.
To receive frequent health checkups, visit a doctor.
Check for radon in your house.
Several times a day, wash your hands with soap and water.
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