Respiratory System Definition
The respiratory system is a set of organs and tissues, providing gas exchange between the blood and the external environment.
Respiratory system functions:
- intake of oxygen;
- excretion of carbon dioxide;
- excretion of metabolic gaseous products;
- thermoregulation;
- synthetic functions: some tissues of the lung synthesize biologically active substances: heparin, lipids, etc .;
- hematopoietic function;
- depositing function: the capillaries of the lungs can accumulate a large amount of blood;
- absorptive: lung surface easily absorb ether, chloroform, nicotine and many other substances.
Respiratory disease prevention is an important question for people with the weakened immune system almost any time of the year.
The most massive, widespread and most common respiratory infections are a sore throat, laryngitis, various viral infections, ie diseases transmitted by airborne droplets. People with chronic diseases, children, elderly pensioners – those who have a weak immune system – are the most susceptible to such illnesses. Experts note that the causes of a weakened immune system are rooted not only in a bad environment or heredity. A large percentage of people is often subjected to hypothermia, do not consume the right amount of clean water, work in harmful or stressful conditions, lack vitamins, minerals, nutrients and the necessary amount of sunlight.
Among the main causes of children’s lung diseases, according to Canadian Pharmacy statistics, are chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, started coughing, worm infestation, improper hygiene.
Although the human respiratory system has its own protective mechanisms, the integrated prevention of respiratory diseases should always be carried out at least twice a year.
Respiratory Diseases Symptoms
- body temperature above 40 degrees, or almost do not react to receiving antipyretic drugs;
- impairment of consciousness (confusion, fainting);
- severe headache;
- rash on the body (asterisks, hemorrhages);
- chest pain while breathing, inhaling or exhaling, suffocation, cough;
- long-term fever;
- secretions from the respiratory tract of green, brown color (sometimes with blood);
- edema.
The respiratory diseases list is numerous. Should you notice some of the symptoms mentioned above, contact a doctor.
Acute and Chronic Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract are divided into two types:
- acute diseases;
- chronic diseases.
Acute Respiratory Diseases of the Upper Respiratory Tract
This is a group of diseases caused by specific pathogens: viruses (SARS) and bacteria (ARI). Acute inflammatory diseases include laryngitis, acute rhinitis, catarrhal and purulent sinusitis, adenoids, tonsillitis, catarrhal, follicular, lacunar or flegmoznaya tonsillitis (acute tonsillitis) and strep throat. Such diseases are transmitted from infected humans by air – through saliva, coughing, talking or sneezing over long distances. Any of the mentioned diseases is associated with the development of an infectious process. Clinical features of each disease, the duration of treatment and the outcome depend on the individual characteristics of the human body (age, state of immunity, physiology, genetic features, and so on. D.).
By localizing, acute infectious disease of the respiratory tract can occur as:
- pharyngitis (process localized to the mucosa of the pharynx);
- rhinitis (on the nasal mucosa);
- nasopharyngitis (affected nasopharynx);
- laryngitis (process larynx);
- tracheitis (mucous membrane of the trachea);
- bronchitis (bronchi).
As a rule, the majority of these diseases have the following stages:
- the incubation period (2-3 days);
- the prodromal (early period) – the general symptoms (headache, malaise, chills, sometimes – nausea, fever, muscle or joint pain);
- then comes the period of the main manifestations of the disease symptoms.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Diseases of the respiratory tract of chronic nature – chronic rhinitis (catarrhal, hypertrophic and atrophic), sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis (compensated and decompensated form). Conservative treatment of upper respiratory tract is to a great extent the same type: inhalation technique, the use of charges of medicinal plants with antimicrobial properties, traditional medicines prescribed by a specialist. Chronic upper respiratory disease has a negative impact on the body, contribute to sensitization weakening and also contribute to lung infants’ disease.
It is very important that the respiratory diseases treatment was aimed at:
- infection control;
- prevention of respiratory diseases;
- elimination of intoxication;
- improving and normalizing the immune system;
- prevention of complications.
In case of any respiratory diseases symptoms, it’s necessary to address a respiratory therapist.
Children’s Diseases of the Respiratory Tract
The respiratory system of the child is under the constant influence of a variety of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria that enter the body from inhaled air. Due to this, the complex defense mechanisms are formed in the bronchi and lungs, which daily confront the attacks of various infections. Statistics show that the most frequent patients of clinics and therapeutic departments of hospitals are children suffering from upper respiratory tract diseases.
It is worth knowing that their picture of the development of respiratory diseases is different from adults, due to the morphological and functional characteristics of the organism. In general, increased sensitivity of the bronchi and lungs of the children to infections happens due to the weakness of the respiratory muscles, bronchial hyperreactivity, expiratory structure thorax allergic predisposition and other factors. That is why prophylaxis is an important task of preventing children’s lung diseases.
Prevention of respiratory diseases among children should include a set of measures:
- daily child’s room airing;
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- regular exercises;
- in the summer – walking barefoot on grass, sand, gravel;
- hardening;
- the regular consumption of clean water, vitamins, fresh vegetables, fruits;
- creative arts;
- regular consumption of herbal teas;
- a daily diet should include onion, garlic, lemon, carrot, beet, tincture of rose hips;
- regular use of Eleutherococcus (in consultation with your doctor) during outbreaks of infectious diseases;
- referring to the pediatrician in case of suspicion of airway disease.
Adults’ Diseases of the Upper Respiratory Tract: Preventive Measures
A set of preventive measures for the prevention of infectious diseases among adults should include:
- getting rid of smoking and alcohol consumption;
- diet modification;
- exercises;
- spending time outdoors;
- breathing exercises;
- restful sleep;
- inhaled respiratory diseases treatment.
Also, you should definitely start drinking herbal teas, tinctures, decoctions of herbs, ginger, viburnum with honey, the reception of sorbents, vitamins, pure water.
Respiratory Diseases: Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, manifested by choking attacks and cough. This happens due to the excessive reaction to different stimuli. In response to irritation, they constrict and produce a large amount of mucus that disrupts the normal flow of air during breathing.
Asthma strikes people of different ages, but most often children suffer from the disease – half of them “outgrow” their illness in the future. Now more than 300 million people suffer from this disease and their number is constantly increasing.
The most characteristic symptoms of asthma:
- cough – may be frequent, painful and permanent. A cough may get worse at night, after physical effort, after inhaling cold air;
- expiratory shortness of breath;
- wheezing;
- suffocation.
Asthma can’t be cured, but we may control the disease. Nowadays there is a great variety of asthma treatment methods. The main method is inhaler therapy (Ventolin, Advair Discus, Proventil). Ventolin is one of the most efficient inhalers at the moment. Study the detailed information about inhalers and buy inhalers online at Canadian Pharmacy.
It’s important to find breathing problem solution as soon as possible. Take care of your health, consult a doctor and you will manage to cope with your respiratory disease!