Conditions/Diseases of the respiratory system

Here is a list of some of the conditions/diseases of the repiratory system

• Emphysema is a chronic obstructive disease of the lungs. The lungs contain millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. In emphysema, the sacs lose their elasticity and air becomes trapped in the sacs. It becomes difficult to expel oxygen-depleted air from the lungs so the normal exchange of new and used air is diminished. Emphysema is classified as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).                                              

Causes

 Emphysema develops due to:     
Smoking
Inhaling toxins or other irritants
Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD)—a genetic defect which can cause emphysema at an early age in nonsmokers 

• Bronchitis The bronchi are air passages of the lungs. Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi. It can make breathing difficult. It can also be painful. There are different types of bronchitis, such as:
  Acute bronchitis—This is a sudden onset of symptoms. It only lasts a short time. There is full recovery of lung function.
  Chronic bronchitis —This is a long term condition. It causes obstruction and erosion of the lungs. It is often the result of many years of cigarette smoking . This is a serious condition. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .
  Asthmatic bronchitis—It occurs in people with asthma during an asthma attack. It is most common with allergies.
  Irritative bronchitis—This is due to frequent contact with certain irritants. This often happens because of work setting (also known as industrial or environmental bronchitis).

Causes

The inflammation may be caused by:
Bacterial and viral infections
Smoking (cigarettes or marijuana)
Inhalation of certain respiratory irritants (usually in work setting) such as:
Ammonia
Chlorine
Minerals
Vegetable dusts

• Asthma is inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. Air travels in and out of the lungs through these tubes.

Causes

The cause of asthma is not known. It does seem to run in some families. Current research suggests a combination of environment, genetics and biology may lead to asthma. Smoking during pregnancy is particularly harmful and places children at high risk of developing childhood asthma . Childhood viral infections are associated with later development of asthma. Possible triggers of an asthma attack in a person with asthma include:
Exercise
Cold weather
Viral illness
Sinusitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Sulfites used in dried fruits and wine
Medications, such as aspirin , ibuprofen , and beta-blockers
Exposure to irritants or allergens, including:
Cigarette smoke
Smoke from a wood-burning stove
Pet dander
Dust
Chemicals
Mold and mildew
Pollen
Smog or air pollution
Perfumed products

• Lung cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the lungs.
  
  Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
  
  There are two types of lung cancers:
  Non-small cell lung cancer—generally grows and spreads more slowly (more common form)
  Small cell lung cancer—generally grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body

Causes

The following can cause damage to the cells in the lungs, leading to lung cancer:
First- or second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
Exposure to asbestos (a type of mineral) or radon (radioactive gas)

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease. It can have either active or inactive forms. Although it can affect many organ systems, it mostly affects the lungs.

Causes

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis . When a person with active TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes, people nearby may inhale the bacteria. TB is easily spread in crowded conditions. It is also easily spread among people who are ill or have weakened immune systems.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is inhaled through the mouth and nose and travels down into the lungs causing TB.


 

For further reading on diseases of the Respiratory System click the link below

www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp