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Respiratory Disorder: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

  • Synopsis: Explanations of disorders of the respiratory system including pneumonia bronchitis asthma and emphysema.

Definition: Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease is a medical term that encompasses pathological conditions affecting the organs and tissues that make gas exchange possible in higher organisms, and includes conditions of the upper respiratory tract, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, pleura and pleural cavity, and the nerves and muscles of breathing. Respiratory diseases range from mild and self-limiting, such as the common cold, to life-threatening entities like bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and lung cancer.

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The respiratory system can be subdivided into an upper respiratory tract and a lower respiratory tract based on anatomical features. The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal passages, pharynx and the larynx, while the lower respiratory tract is comprised of the trachea, the primary bronchi and lungs.

The primary function of the respiratory system is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing. When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is the respiratory system's means of getting oxygen to the blood.

The respiratory system lies dormant in the human fetus during pregnancy. At birth, the respiratory system becomes fully functional upon exposure to air, although some lung development and growth continues throughout childhood. Pre-term birth can lead to infants with under-developed lungs.

Smoking and air pollution are two common causes of respiratory problems.



Common Respiratory Disorders Include:

Disorders of the respiratory system are usually treated internally by a pulmonologist or respiratory physician.

Respiratory Disease & COPD Awareness

Orange awareness ribbonU.S. COPD Coalition announced their resolution to Go Orange, declaring orange the official color of COPD Awareness. The awareness ribbon for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is dark blue. November is National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month - an estimated 24 million Americans suffer from COPD, with the most significant cause being tobacco smoke. November is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Quick Facts: Respiratory Disorder

Statistics: Respiratory Disorder

Latest Respiratory Disorders Publications

  1. New Treatment for Children with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
    Study led by Professor Kanwaljeet Anand investigates effects of new steroid treatment on children suffering from ARDS.
  2. e-Cigarette Chemical Flavors Linked to Respiratory Disease
    Potentially harmful chemical compounds found in many e-cigarette tested flavors.
  3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Symptoms, Transmission & Prevention
    Information regarding Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) a virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.
  4. Bronchitis: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment
    Information regarding bronchitis, an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, includes symptoms and treatment options.
  5. Photic Sneeze Reflex or ACHOO Syndrome
    Information regarding ACHOO syndrome, a condition that causes a person to sneeze when they are suddenly exposed to bright light.

Full List of Respiratory Disorders Documents (37 Items)


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