Respiratory

• The respiratory system is made up of the lungs, airways (trachea, bronchi and bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose and mouth
• Main function of the respiratory system

  To breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide
• Other functions of the respiratory system

  • Protects from harmful particles and germs
  • Allows you to smell and speak
  • Helps regulate the acid-base balance in the body
• Parts of the respiratory system

  • Nose and nasal cavity
  • Mouth and oral cavity
  • Sinuses
  • Pharynx (throat)
  • Larynx (voice box)
  • Trachea (windpipe)
  • Bronchi (large airways)
  • Lungs
  • Diaphragm
• Upper respiratory tract

  Brings air into the body and helps move it toward the lungs, adds moisture to the air
• Lower respiratory tract

  Consists of the trachea, bronchi and lungs
• How the respiratory system works

  1. Brings oxygen into the lungs

  2. Oxygen moves from the alveoli into the bloodstream

  3. Carbon dioxide moves from the bloodstream into the alveoli and is exhaled
• The respiratory system also protects the body from dry air and harmful particles, trapping them in mucus which is then expelled
• Conditions that can affect the respiratory system

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Chronic airway conditions (asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis)
  • Respiratory infections
  • Inflammation (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis)
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Blockages
  • Acid-base imbalances
  • Hypoxemia, hypoxia, hypercapnia
• Symptoms of respiratory conditions can include shortness of breath, runny/stuffy nose, and blue skin/lips/nails
• Tests used to diagnose respiratory conditions

  • Pulse oximetry
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Chest X-rays
  • Arterial blood gas
• Common treatments for respiratory conditions

  • Inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators
  • Antiviral, antibiotic or antifungal medications
  • Antihistamines
  • Leukotriene modifiers
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Surgery
  • Lung transplant
• Ways to keep the respiratory system healthy

  • Don't smoke or vape
  • Avoid pollutants
  • Stay hydrated
  • Exercise regularly
  • Prevent infections
• Contact a healthcare provider for any long-lasting or worsening respiratory symptoms, and get regular checkups to catch issues early