Health Issues Related to the Human Respiratory System

8.4 Health Issues Related to The Human Respiratory System
 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Emphysema
  • In emphysema, the alveolus loses its elasticity and increases in size.
  • The alveolus wall is damaged, the total surface area of alveolus decreases and the gaseous exchange becomes less efficient.
Chronic Bronchitis
  • In chronic bronchitis, the bronchiole becomes inflamed, swollen and blocked.
  • This reduces the flow of air and causes difficulties in breathing.
  • A large amount of mucus formed will cause continuous coughing.
  • Damaged cilium causes difficulty in expelling mucus.
Asthma
  • For an asthmatic patient, the bronchiole walls become swollen and thick.
  • The opening of the bronchiole tube becomes smaller and the air passage becomes narrower.
  • This condition leads to difficulties in breathing and causes breathlessness.
 
 

Health Issues Related to the Human Respiratory System

8.4 Health Issues Related to The Human Respiratory System
 
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Emphysema
  • In emphysema, the alveolus loses its elasticity and increases in size.
  • The alveolus wall is damaged, the total surface area of alveolus decreases and the gaseous exchange becomes less efficient.
Chronic Bronchitis
  • In chronic bronchitis, the bronchiole becomes inflamed, swollen and blocked.
  • This reduces the flow of air and causes difficulties in breathing.
  • A large amount of mucus formed will cause continuous coughing.
  • Damaged cilium causes difficulty in expelling mucus.
Asthma
  • For an asthmatic patient, the bronchiole walls become swollen and thick.
  • The opening of the bronchiole tube becomes smaller and the air passage becomes narrower.
  • This condition leads to difficulties in breathing and causes breathlessness.