The respiratory system can also be termed as the body’s ventilation system. As the name suggests, the respiratory system helps in respiration.
Consisting of lungs, airways, and blood vessels, it is responsible for providing oxygen to our body. It also performs the task of carrying away wastes and carbon dioxide from the body.
No air, no life. Any collapse in the respiratory system can be life-threatening.
Why Is It Important?
The respiration system consists of many organs working together; problems anywhere in the system can affect the overall working it.
If any problem occurs in any part associated with the respiratory system, then it will become unable to work properly and lead to an overall inefficiency in the human body.
What Does It Do?
The Respiration system has many other important functions to perform, which are vital to life and well-being.
- Inhaling oxygen and its distribution all around the body is the job it performs.
- Taking away carbon dioxide and other wastes from each cell in the human body is another important role of this system.
- The functioning of two basic senses of the human body is associated with the respiratory system that is talking and smell.
- Its job is not limited to the supply of air in the body. Still, it also plays an important role in bringing the inhaled air to body temperature and moisturizes it to the body’s humidity level.
- It protects air passages from harmful irritants.
What Are Its Components?
The human respiration system comprises many organs associated and working together to help us in the breathing process. It begins from the mouth and nose and ends up in the lungs. Let us quickly review organs that make the respiratory system.
- Mouth & Nose not only are the organs associated with two of the main sensory systems (taste, smell), but these openings also function to bring in and take out the air from the body.
- Sinuses perform an important task to manage the temperature and humidity of inhaled air. These are hollow parts present in bones between the head
- Pharynx or throat is a cavity where the mouth and nose get connected. A tiny flap epiglottis is also present in the throat, which covers the entrance of the trachea and prevents food entrance.
- Trachea commonly termed the windpipe, forms an air passage that connects the pharynx with the lungs
- Bronchial tubes are the network of tubes found at the end of the windpipe leading to each lung
- Lungs are a pair of organs associated with pumping in oxygen from air to the body.
What Conditions Affect It?
There are a number of conditions that can interrupt the overall functioning of the respiratory system by damaging organs and tissues associated with it. Those conditions that lead to inflammation (swelling, pain, and irritation) in any part of the inhaling system can affect overall working.
Some of the trouble makers are irritants present in the air. Viruses and bacteria may also affect and hamper proper functioning. Aging is the process with which the overall efficiency and capacity of the system decrease gradually.
#1. Allergies
Breathing allergies affect routine life. Many people are allergic to some irritants present in the air. Such irritants could be dirt, mold, and pollen. When inhaled into the body, in its counter-response body starts making mucus to protect air passages, which makes it hard to breathe. Initial symptoms of allergy resemble that of a common cold.
These symptoms are running nose, congestion, and sneezing. It is important to get a proper analysis of allergy if present. As early diagnosis will enable to deal with condition more accurately and avoid it affects with treatments and some medication suggested by professional.
#2. Asthma
It is a condition of air passages to get narrower and inflamed, making it harder to breathe. Due to inflammation, the lining of these passages starts producing mucus, which makes it even harder to breathe. In chronic conditions, the overall system collapses and leads to an asthma attack.
Asthma may differ in its intensity. It makes it difficult to perform routine tasks and is a source of discomfort for sufferers. It is not curable, but its symptoms can be controlled to some extent. A thorough analysis by a doctor and frequent checkups can help.
#3. Damage
Most importantly, drug abuse can cause serious damage to the respiratory system. Drugs including inhalants, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine have adverse damaging effects on organs associated with respiration. Smoking is the main source of nicotine, which is responsible for causing cancer in the throat and lungs.
It is very important to avoid such habits to ensure the efficient working of the system. Many medical experts and rehab centers can provide insurance plans to give up on these habits. You don’t have to know how insurance plans for addiction work, contact a specialist and get your treatment started.
#4. Infection
The most common causes of infection can be either bacteria or viruses. The most common and widespread viral infection affecting the respiration system is cold or flu. It occurs when a virus or bacteria is inhaled through droplets in the air and affects the upper respiratory system, i.e., the throat and sinuses.
Infections in the lower respiratory system could be due to a bacterial or viral infection affecting the bronchial tubes or lungs. This is known as pneumonia. In pneumonia, a patient finds it difficult to breathe, causing shortness of breath; other symptoms are chest pain, fever, and cough.
Immediate contact with the doctor will help manage the infection with the right approach and will avoid getting it worse.
Conclusion
An effective and efficient respiratory system is very important to healthy living. A healthy and hygienic lifestyle can help in the prevention of any damage and infections. A regular examination from a health provider is essential for an early examination of problems.
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