| 2.3 |
The Health of the Human Respiratory System |
| Definition |
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There are various substances in the air that can cause damage to the human respiratory system
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The diseases of the human respiratory system:
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Disease and cause
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Effect
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Symptom
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Emphysema
- Cigarette smoke
- Exposed to chemicals
- Dust
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- The cell wall of the alveoli is damaged
- The surface area of the alveoli is reduced
- Gas exchange is less efficient
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Difficulty breathing
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Bronchitis
Infection by viruses or bacteria
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Inflamed bronchial tubes with abundant mucus production
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- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain in the chest
- Sore throat
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Lung cancer
- Cigarette smoke
- Exposed to asbestos
- Exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing)
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- Uncontrolled cell division
- Spreads to every organ of the body such as the liver and bones
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- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing blood
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Asthma
Substances that cause allergies such as dust and pollen
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- The bronchial tubes become inflamed, swollen and narrow
- It is difficult for air to enter and exit through the lungs
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- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
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The hazardous substances and effects on the respiratory system:
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Hazardous substances in polluted air
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Effects on the respiratory system
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Sulphur dioxide
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Irritates the throat and damages lung tissue
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Nitrogen dioxide
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Irritates the throat and causes difficulty breathing
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Dust
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Settled on the alveoli and respiratory tract, causing difficulty breathing
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Carbon monoxide
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Competing with oxygen to combine with hemoglobin results in less oxygen content in the blood
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Bacteria and viruses
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Causes colds, coughs and pneumonia
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Asbestos
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Asbestos fumes are carcinogenic substances that cause lung cancer
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Pollen
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Stimulates the respiratory tract of asthmatics and can cause asthma attacks
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Cigarette smoke
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Tar is a carcinogenic substance that causes lung cancer
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