Disorders Of The Respiratory System

• Pneumonia (nu-mon’-yah) is an acute inflammation of the alveoli that may be

caused by viral or bacterial infections. The alveoli become filled with fluid,
pathogens, and white blood cells, which reduce space for air exchange. Blood
oxygen levels may be greatly reduced. Pneumonia is one of the common
causes of death among older people.

• Pleurisy (pler’-i-se) is inflammation of the pleurae. It often results in a decrease

in secretion of pleural fluid, which causes sharp pains with each breath.
Pleurisy can also cause the opposite effect: an increase in pleural fluid
secretion. This type exerts pressure on the lungs and impairs expansion of the
lungs.

• Tuberculosis (tu-ber”-ku-lo’-sis) is an inflammation caused by the bacterium

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is transmitted by inhalation. When it
infects the lungs, the destroyed lung tissue is replaced by dense irregular
connective tissue that retards gas exchange and reduces lung elasticity.
Fortunately, modern drugs are effective in treating this disease.
• Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, and it is characterized by excessive mucus
production that partially obstructs air flow. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viral
or bacterial infections. Chronic bronchitis occurs in chronic asthmatics, and it is
common in smokers due to persistent exposure to irritants in tobacco smoke.

• Emphysema results from long-term exposure to airborne irritants, especially tobacco

smoke. It is characterized by a rupture of the alveoli, forming larger spaces in the
lungs, and excess mucus production, which plugs terminal bronchioles, trapping air in
the alveoli. These changes reduce the respiratory surface area and impairs gas
exchange.

• Exhaling requires voluntary effort by the patient. The disease is uncommon except
among long-term smokers, and people with long-term exposure to second hand
smoke. It usually can be prevented and progressive deterioration can be stopped by
removing the airborne irritant- usually tobacco smoke. Otherwise, there is no cure.
• Asthma (az’-mah) is another COPD but differs in that reduction in airflow is usually
intermittent rather than constant. It is characterized by wheezing upon exhilation and
dyspnea (labored breathing) that result from bronchoconstriction. It is often caused by an
allergic reaction to airborne substances but also may result from hypersensitivity to
bacteria or viruses infecting the bronchial tree.

• Rhinitis (ri-ni ‘-tis), laryngitis, and sinusitis are the inflammation of the mucosae lining the
nasal cavity, the larynx, and the sinuses, respectively. They are characterized by an
increased mucus secretion. Causes may be viral or bacterial infections or airborne
allergens.

• Influenza, or flu, is an infectious disease that may involve both the upper and the lower
respiratory tracts. It is caused by one of several viruses. Symptoms are fever, chills,
headache, and muscular aches, followed by cold like symptoms. In comparison to the
common cold, the effects of influenza are much more severe and may lead to the
development of pneumonia.