Describe disorders of respiratory system.

Explanation

Disorders of the Respiratory System : i) Asthma is a difficulty in breathing caused due to inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles. It is characterized by the spasm of smooth muscles present in the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty in breathing and wheezing. In the case of asthma, the allergen causes release of histamine and other inflammatory substances which cause constriction of the bronchi. ii) Emphysema is a chronic disorder in which alveolar walls are damaged and their walls coalesce due to which respiratory surface area of exchange of gases is decreased. The lung shows larger but fewer alveoli and more fibrous and less elastic. One of the major causes of this is smoking. of tobacco. iii) Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, resulting in the swelling of mucous lining of bronchi, increased mucus production and decrease in the diameter of bronchi. - Symptoms include chronic cough with thick mucus/ sputum (phlegm). iv) Pneumonia is infection of lungs caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and also by certain viruses, fungi, protozoans and mycoplasmas, Symptoms include inflammation of lungs, accumulation of mucus in-alveoli, and impaired exchange of gases, leading to death if untreated. v) Emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma come under, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPDs). Occupational Respiratory disorders : These are caused by exposure of the body to the harmful substances from certain industries, especially those involving grinding or stone breaking. Long term exposure of the body to such substances can give rise to inflammation of respiratory passage and lungs leading to several disorders. i) Asbestosis : It occurs due to chronic exposure to asbestos dust in the people working in asbestos industry. ii) Silicosis : It occurs because of long term exposure to .silica dust. in the people working in mining industries, quarries, etc. iii) Siderosis : It occurs due to deposition of iron particles in tissues. It can cause different types of siderosis such as pneumoconiosis due to inhalation of iron particles, hyperferremia and hemosiderosis (which causes recurrent alveolar hemorrhage). iv) Black - lung disease : It is a lung disease that develops from .. inhalation of coal dust. It is common in long time coal mine workers.