Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases affect the person's breathing abilities. If severe enough they can cause death. Some respiratory diseases affect the bronchioles, others the actual lungs. The causes can be exposure to toxic chemicals, such as smoking or work related chemicals, or, infections caused by pathogens.

Asthma is a condition where the bronchioles, the tubes taking air to the lungs, become inflamed, they constrict, and mucous is secreted inside them. Obviously this makes breathing quite difficult. The cause of acquiring asthma is not known. But some experts believe that it is related to being exposed to lung irritants during early childhood. Triggers to an asthma attack can include things like pollen, dust, mites, hot humid air, cold dry air, emotional stress, physical stress, etc. People that have asthma usually carry an inhaler, when taken, helps relax and clear the bronchioles. Some children may outgrow asthma, but, once an adult asthma will not go away. However, adults may learn how to control it better.

Emphysema is a disease of the lungs. Specifically, it is when the alveoli (the small sacs that hold air) lose their flexibility. This affects the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The cause of emphysema is usually exposure to toxic chemicals, including smoking. There is no cure for emphysema, but the degenerative rate can be slowed down by avoiding all irritants and taking medication.

Pneumonia is defined as inflammation of the lungs. This leads to fluid building up in the alveoli (the small sacks that hold and exchange oxygen/carbon dioxide). The cause of pneumonia is an infection via exposure to virus or bacteria bacteria. In some cases it can also be caused by other pathogens. In young strong adults the immune system is usually able to fight off the infection. However, in the elderly or in someone with a weakened immune system, medical intervention is necessary. Pneumonia can be fatal if it progresses.

Bronchitis is an illness that affects the bronchioles. Specifically, inflammation of the tissue. The symptoms of bronchitis are coughing, build up of phlegm, and wheezing. The cause of bronchitis is usually a virus, but can also be caused by bacteria. Because it is usually a viral infection antibiotics are not affective. But the body's own immune system usually cures the problem. However, if this disease is not treated it can lead to pneumonia. In some cases it can become chronic which can last for months in some cases.