KÖRPER UND GEIST

All you need to know about respiratory pathologies

Respiratory pathologies refer to anything that interferes with breathing. Respiratory diseases deserve special attention and should not be neglected. Indeed, an attack on the respiratory system can be a source of complications of all kinds. This apparatus has a vital function as it supplies the blood with oxygen. It also expels gaseous waste products from the body. It is at the level of the lungs that these exchanges take place. Different diseases can affect the bronchial tubes and knowing about them can help the patient take better care of himself.

Factors at the origin of pulmonary pathologies

Respiratory pathologies affect the respiratory tracts from the nasal passages to the lungs and bronchial tubes. Respiratory infections are caused by toxic products such as tobacco or pesticides. Pollution is also the main cause of respiratory tract disease. The air we breathe is polluted by coal or gas or the fumes from heavy industry. Motor vehicle pollution is also one of the factors triggering lung disease, with the diesel engine in particular emitting micro-particles. Other types of transport, such as boats and ships, generate pollution that can contribute to respiratory discomfort. People who work or live in industrial, mining or urban environments with dust are also at risk. Otherwise, the following factors are also involved:

The main common respiratory pathologies

Infections can be acute or chronic depending on their manifestation, their evolution and the germ that causes the disease.

Allergic rhinitis

Called hay fever, this respiratory pathology manifests itself by inflammation and swelling of the inside of the nose. It appears after the patient has breathed in something to which he or she is allergic. The causes of this disease are allergens. Inside or outside the home, they are of different kinds.

The treatment of this respiratory pathology consists of topical nasal corticosteroids and antihistamines or immunotherapy.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

They consist of the affection of the bronchial tubes of small caliber. The inner walls of the bronchial tubes are constantly inflamed and mucus accumulates, preventing air circulation. Symptoms include spitting and coughing for more than three months a year for two or more consecutive years.

Shortness of breath and sputum are also signs of the disease.

Smoking and exposure to dust from mines or during agricultural work favour this respiratory pathology.

The treatment consists of inhaled bronchodilators. The administration will be carried out, first with a short duration of action, then with a long duration of action. Both can be combined if symptoms persist. Bronchodilators will have no effect if the patient continues to smoke.

Pneumonia

It is a lung infection caused by a virus, fungus or bacteria. The symptoms of this respiratory disease are: dyspnea, chest pain, sputum, chills, cough. A high fever, aches and pains, tiredness or respiratory discomfort may also be signs of the disease.

The causes of this disease are:

Pneumonia can be a complication of bronchitis or flu by causing bacterial superinfections. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, while viral pneumonia does not require special treatment. When pneumonia gets complicated, it can give way to sepsis, pleurisy or an abscess in the lung.

Sleep apnoea

It is a respiratory pathology which consists of frequent stops in breathing during sleep. Symptoms are loud snoring with silent pauses and lack of breath. Sleepiness while driving, irritability, memory loss or poor concentration may also be signs.

Upper airway obstruction causes sleep apnea. Either the pharynx dilates or the size of the tonsils increases. The uvula and tongue can also become large.

The treatment of this respiratory pathology consists of spontaneous ventilation under continuous positive pressure. Prevention is by far the best way to avoid its occurrence. The use of sedatives, tobacco and alcohol is strongly discouraged. The latter contribute to aggravate snoring. Otherwise, sleeping on your side helps a lot. Anti-snoring gutters are available for sale. They keep the inner jaw and tongue forward to clear the airways.