What are the diseases that can affect the respiratory system?
What are the 5 respiratory diseases?
- Asthma.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis.
- Emphysema.
- Lung cancer.
- Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis.
- Pneumonia.
- Pleural effusion.
What are the common disorders of the respiratory system?
The common signs of respiratory disease are as follows:
- Abnormalities in the rate, depth, or ease of breathing
- Lethargy or exercise intolerance
- Abnormal posture
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Abnormal respiratory noises
- Coughing
- Cyanosis
- Nasal discharge
- Epistaxis and hemoptysis.
How do diseases affect the respiratory system?
Some of the many diseases that can affect the respiratory system include:
- Laryngitis - Swelling and irritation of the larynx
- Bronchitis - An infection in your bronchial tubes
- Tonsillitis - Inflammation of the tonsils
- Pneumonia - An infection deep in your lungs
- Bronchiectasis - Widening and destruction of the airways, often caused by recurrent infection or inflammation
What illnesses are in the respiratory system?
- Allergies: Inhaling proteins, such as dust, mold, and pollen, can cause respiratory allergies in some people. ...
- Asthma: A chronic (long-term) disorder, asthma causes inflammation in the airways that can make breathing difficult.
- Infection: Infections can lead to pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) or bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes). ...
What are the 10 diseases of the respiratory system?
UnityPoint Health pulmonologist, Jim Meyer, DO, tells us the top eight respiratory system illnesses.Asthma. ... Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ... Chronic Bronchitis. ... Emphysema. ... Lung Cancer. ... Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis. ... Pneumonia. ... Pleural Effusion.More items...•
What are 4 diseases of the respiratory system?
Respiratory diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
What are the 3 common diseases of the respiratory system?
Some of the most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension. In addition to tobacco smoke, other risk factors include air pollution, occupational chemicals and dusts, and frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood.
What are the 5 most common types of respiratory diseases?
The 8 Most Common Types of Respiratory DiseaseAsthma.COPD.Cystic Fibrosis.Lung Cancer.Tuberculosis.Bronchitis.Pneumonia.Emphysema.
How many types of respiratory diseases are there?
There are two types of respiratory diseases and disorders: Infectious and Chronic. Chronic lung diseases, fall into one of two main classes: Obstructive or Restrictive.
Is TB a respiratory disease?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
Where did the word Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis come from?
According to many sources, it was coined by Everett Smith, who at the time was the president of the National Puzzlers League. Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is a New Latin word made up of five parts.
What are the 7 types of respiratory diseases?
Diseases that can affect these airways include:Asthma. Your airways are constantly inflamed and may spasm, causing wheezing and shortness of breath. ... Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). ... Chronic bronchitis. ... Emphysema. ... Acute bronchitis. ... Cystic fibrosis.
Is asthma a respiratory disease?
Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs. It causes your airways to get inflamed and narrow, and it makes it hard to breathe. Severe asthma can cause trouble talking or being active. You might hear your doctor call it a chronic respiratory disease.
Can you live without lungs?
Although it is possible to live without a lung, there are a few risks involved. A study in the Journal of Cancer notes that pneumonectomy, or the surgery to remove one of the lungs, is a high risk surgery that can lead to complications and even death.
What are the most serious lung diseases?
14 serious lung diseasesChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) A broad phrase that refers to several chronic conditions that cause inflammation and obstructed airflow through the lungs. ... Asthma. ... Bronchitis. ... Lung cancer. ... Cystic fibrosis. ... Tuberculosis. ... Pulmonary edema. ... Pulmonary embolism.More items...•
Is asthma a respiratory disease?
Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs. It causes your airways to get inflamed and narrow, and it makes it hard to breathe. Severe asthma can cause trouble talking or being active. You might hear your doctor call it a chronic respiratory disease.
Can you live without lungs?
Although it is possible to live without a lung, there are a few risks involved. A study in the Journal of Cancer notes that pneumonectomy, or the surgery to remove one of the lungs, is a high risk surgery that can lead to complications and even death.
What are the causes of respiratory problems?
Occupational respiratory disorders might happen due to the inhalation of the following substances: 1 Fumes from metals. 2 Smoke from burning organic materials. 3 Sprays of varnish, paint, acids, and pesticides. 4 Dust from cotton, silica, coal, drug powders and pesticides. 5 Gases from industries. For instance, Ammonia, chlorine and nitrogen oxides.
What is a respiratory disorder?
A disorder is defined as a state of irregular functioning of the body. The respiratory system disorders or respiratory diseases are the medical terms used to study about the various types of infections, allergies and other diseases related to the different organs, tissues and specialized cells of the human respiratory system.
What is occupational respiratory disorder?
Occupational respiratory disorders are defined as any disorder which affects the respiratory system by long-term inhalation of chemicals, proteins, and dust. For instance, Asbestosis that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.
What is the term for the loss of elasticity of the lungs?
Emphysema. Emphysema is defined as the chronic disease, reduction of the respiratory surface due to the damage to the lung alveolar walls. It is caused mainly by cigarette smoking. The main symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath and cough. Emphysema might lead to a loss of elasticity of the lungs.
What causes a wheezing sound when you breathe?
Asthma is a chronic disease which affects the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs. It causes difficulty in breathing and followed by severe cough, restlessness, cough and a wheezing sound while breathing.
What is the condition where the blood vessels of the lungs are coagulated, swollen or damaged?
Lung Circulation Disease. This disorder occurs when the blood vessels of the lungs are coagulated, swollen or damaged. This affects the ability of the lungs to receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide. In extreme cases, this disorder may affect the functioning of the heart. Also Read: Respiration.
Why is it so hard to breathe?
Due to certain viral or bacterial infections, the structure of the lung tissues are affected, which results in scarring or inflammation of the tissue that enables lungs to expand normally and in turn, makes breathing difficult.
What are the two types of respiratory diseases?
There are two types of respiratory diseases and disorders: infectious and chronic. Pulmonary infections are most commonly bacterial or viral. In the viral type, a pathogen replicates inside a cell and causes a disease, such as the flu. Chronic diseases, such as asthma, are persistent and long-lasting. They can relapse and the patient can go ...
What causes a bronchoconstriction in asthma?
In an asthma attack, the inflamed airways become irritated during inhalation. Smooth muscles in the airway wall tighten, resulting in bronchoconstriction (constriction of the bronchiole tubes) and excess mucus production.
What is the term for the inflammation of mucous membranes in the nasal sinuses?
Asthma sufferers wheeze, cough, and have difficulty breathing during an attack. 3. Sinusitis Is the Inflammation of Mucous Membranes in the Nasal Sinuses.
What are the hallmarks of asthma?
Inflammation and Constriction of the Airways Are Hallmarks of Asthma. Asthma is a chronic disorder involving soreness and swelling of the interior airway walls. It can be triggered by the inhalation of particles from the air. Physical activity or respiratory infections may also contribute.
Why is it so hard to breathe?
In chronic bronchitis, inflamed airways constrict and generate excess mucus, making it hard to breathe. In emphysema, the alveoli in the lungs are damaged. This interferes with oxygen absorption, making the patient feel short of breath. 2. Inflammation and Constriction of the Airways Are Hallmarks of Asthma.
Can a thoracic rib cage cause a lung to collapse?
Chest Trauma Can Cause Pneumothorax, a Collapsed Lung. The thoracic cage, or rib cage, normally protects the lungs. Chest trauma can result in a puncture or tear in lung tissue, however. Air escapes from the tear and builds up between the lung and the chest wall.
Does smoking cause COPD?
Smoking Can Lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) COPD is a chronic respiratory disorder caused by long-term exposure to substances that irritate and damage the lungs. These substances include cigarette smoke and other inhaled pollutants. The two main types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What are the symptoms of respiratory disease?
Following are the common symptoms present in most respiratory diseases [4]: 1 Shortness of breath 2 Chest pain and tightness 3 Wheezing 4 Chronic cough 5 Coughing up mucus
How many people die from respiratory diseases in the world?
A study published by The Forum of International Respiratory Societies shows hundreds of millions of people around the world suffering from one or more types of chronic respiratory disorders, while there are over four million deaths every year, caused by such diseases.
What causes a swollen lungs?
The common causes may include viral/bacterial infections, smoking tobacco, allergic reaction to something, inhaling substances harmful for the lungs (coal, asbestos) over long periods [1] , congenital malformation of one or more parts of the respiratory tract, abnormal autoimmune response [2], genetic/hereditary factors, and air pollution.
Is smoking a risk factor for asthma?
Quitting smoking as both active and passive smoking are a major risk factor for a number of breathing and respiratory tract disorders, including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer [5]. Washing hands with antibacterial soap, especially before eating or touching food.
Is respiratory disease common in elderly people?
Respiratory infections are usually common among elderly people and those with a weak immune system [9]. Pulmonary diseases are a common complication in pregnancy as well, with studies showing it to be a significant factor responsible for maternal death after childbirth.
What are the different respiratory disorders?
Some of the disorders that we discussed here are bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, etc. In bronchitis, there is inflammation of the bronchi. In asthma, there is an allergic attack of breathlessness. Pneumonia is characterized by the inflammation of the alveoli of the lung. In emphysema, there is inflation or abnormal distension of the bronchiole or alveolar sac, resulting in loss of their elasticity. Different disorders of the respiratory system involve different treatments. We can prevent some of these disorders by covering the nose with a mask, washing hands before putting them into the nose and eyes, avoiding the pollution area, doing respiratory exercises, etc.
What is the respiratory system?
The respiratory system is the system that helps us to respire and stay alive. It comprises respiratory organs and the respiratory tract. A pair of lungs come under the respiratory organ, while the respiratory tract refers to the tract through which air reaches the lungs. The respiratory tract comprises nostrils, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.
What is COPD pulmonary disease?
COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is characterized by lung inflammation which results in obstructed airways.
What system helps in respiration?
The human respiratory System helps in respiration, and respiration helps in the release of energy.
Why is it important to diagnose respiratory disease?
A correct diagnosis is essential to treat respiratory disease promptly and appropriately. Diagnosis can be straightforward; however, misdiagnosis, under-diagnosis (with cases being missed) and delayed diagnosis can occur, Hogarth says. The reasons for this include disease complexity and overlap among diseases.
How does lung cancer affect the respiratory system?
Tumors may block airways, or fluid can collect around either lung, making expansion difficult. Lung cancer can also cause inflammation in the respiratory system.
What causes a clogged airway?
Obstructive lung diseases involve blocked or narrowed airways, making it difficult for the lungs to exhale and exchange old air for fresh air. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, makes airways and air sacs less elastic, inflames the airway walls and clogs the lungs with excess mucus.
What happens when you exhale and breathe?
With each exhalation, your lungs deflate and release carbon dioxide, a respiratory waste product. When you run to catch the bus or climb a steep flight of stairs, ...
What happens when you breathe in your lungs?
When your lungs are healthy, they expand easily into your chest cavity as you inhale, taking in vital oxygen for your blood to deliver throughout your body. With each exhalation, your lungs deflate and release carbon dioxide, a respiratory waste product.
What is the name of the small air sacs that separate the lungs?
Stemming from these narrowing branches are small air sacs, called alveoli.
What is the name of the condition where you feel a tightness in your chest?
Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea – a feeling of extreme tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing and what's sometimes referred to as "air hunger" – is a hallmark of respiratory disease.
What are the most common respiratory diseases?
Read on to discover these diseases, plus their potential causes. 1. Asthma. Asthma is a common respiratory disease that causes trouble breathing because of inflammation in the airways. Common symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, ...
What causes difficulty breathing?
4. Pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be mild or severe. It causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill with pus or fluid. That then leads to difficulty breathing. If you’re older than 65 or younger than 2, you’re at a greater risk of developing pneumonia.
Why do I feel short of breath?
If you have emphysema, your alveoli in your lungs are damaged which makes you feel short of breath. In chronic bronchitis, your airways constrict which causes an excess of mucus. This excess mucus makes it harder to breathe. Respiratory Therapy Zone has some tips on products for breathing better. 3.
What are the symptoms of cancer in the lungs?
But be wary that many of these symptoms are also common to a very deadly form of cancer affecting the lungs’ lining: mesothelioma. Yet, the two diseases are not be confused.
What is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a respiratory disorder that’s considered chronic. It’s caused by long-term exposure to materials that aggravate and damage your lungs. An example of irritants are pollutants in the air or cigarette smoke.
What is the contagious disease that moves through the air from one person to another?
Influenza. Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that passes through the air from one person to another. It moves into the respiratory tract and then the epithelial cells. Symptoms can include fever, chills, and body aches.
What is the most common cause of lung cancer?
The most common cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoke. If you’re exposed to air pollution, second-hand smoke, asbestos, or radon exposure they can increase your chances of developing lung cancer.
How to keep your respiratory system healthy?
One way to keep your respiratory system healthy is to avoid occupational hazards. This means avoiding harmful substances where you work. Substances that are harmful to the respiratory system include toxic chemicals, pollution, smoke, dust, and asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that used to be used to make fireproof materials but was later discovered to cause lung disease.
What is the most common cause of emphysema?
Smoking is the most common cause of emphysema. Other cases result from exposure to pollution or to occupational exposure to various chemicals. Rare cases are the result of having certain genes, which are the chemical structures by which traits are passed from parents to children.
What happens when you have cystic fibrosis?
These secretions then begin to block the airways. This blockage causes difficulty breathing and can result in life-threatening lung infections.
Is respiratory disease upper or lower respiratory?
Respiratory diseases are often classified as upper or lower respiratory conditions, depending on which components are affected.
Is asthma genetic or environmental?
Asthma is thought to be the result of both genetic (gene-related) and environmental factors. The severity of asthma can range from minor to life threatening and can change over time.
Is bronchitis a chronic disease?
Some cases of bronchitis are chronic. For example, people with emphysema typically have both bronchitis and emphysema. This is called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is chronic bronchial inflammation, with or without infection, that also results in the airway narrowing.
Significance of Human Respiratory System
- There are hundreds of different diseases and conditions that can affect the respiratory system, ranging from common cold and flu to pneumonia and COPD. Many of these are chronic in nature, as they develop gradually over time, becoming life threatening in some cases.
Some Common Disorders of Respiratory System
Ways to Keep The Respiratory System Healthy
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Emphysema
It is one of the respiratory disorders in which there occurs loss of elasticity of the bronchiole or alveolar sac due to inflation or abnormal distention. The walls of alveoli are damaged, resulting in the decrease of the surface area of the lungs. The alveolar sacs remain filled with air even after … - 2. Tuberculosis
It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria usually attack or infect the lungs, but sometimes other parts of the body, too, like the spine or brain. Causes: 1. Bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis 2. Contact with a contagious person 3. Spreads through ai…