The Respiratory System
How important is breathing? We
eat, talk, walk, think and work everyday. All these activities or movements, be
it simple or complicated, can only be done with so-called "burning energy" using
food as source of energy and in the presence of oxygen that we breathe in.
Oxygen get into our body through inhalation while carbon dioxide, a poisonous
by-product produced from metabolism is eliminated from our body though
exhalation. The exchange of gases, which is vital for cells survival could not
happen without proper function of the respiratory system. Respiratory system
consists of the mouth, nose, throat, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm.
It is
important to maintain a healthy respiratory system so we can breath properly and
efficiently. Breathing supply cells with oxygen to repair, build, grow and
reproduce.
Respiratory System Disorders
The
respiratory system is a very important part of healthy daily living. This is
where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occur. The lungs need to
function well in order to maintain our good health.
Some common
disorders of the respiratory system includes:
-
Asthma
For asthmatic patients, their respiratory
system airway is hypersensitive and when triggered, the airway constricts. The
constricted airways interrupt the flow of air and cause trouble in breathing.
Asthma attacks can be brought on by triggers, such as smoke of tobacco, factory
fumes, cleaning solvents, infections, pollens, dust, certain foods such as
shellfish, milk and peanuts, cold air, etc. However, triggers that initiate
asthma attacks are highly individual.
-
Acute Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is caused by
inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which is the primary airways to the lungs.
The inflammation usually due to bacterial or viral infection. When the
respiratory infection has weakened an individual's resistance, the symptoms of
bronchitis will appear such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain,
increased mucus and fatigue. Acute bronchitis lasts from four to six
weeks.
-
Sinusitis
Sinuses are hollow air spaces in the bone
behind your cheeks, eyebrows and jaw. They secrete mucus, a fluid that cleans
bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe in. Tiny hairs sweep
mucus out of the sinuses to drain out through your nose. Sinusitis means the
lining of sinuses are infected or inflamed. The congested sinus cavities lead to
pain and inflammation. Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns
into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, nasal problems and certain
diseases can also cause sinusitis.
-
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung,
usually caused by a virus or bacteria infection. Three common causes are
bacteria, viruses and fungi. You can also get pneumonia by accidentally inhaling
a liquid or chemical. The most common type of pneumonia is pneumococcal
pneumonia, a bacterial infection which accounts for up to a quarter of all
pneumonia cases.
There is a mild type of pneumonia or it can require
intensive-care hospitalization. The elderly and infant under 2 years old are
especially vulnerable to pneumonia.
Wellness Tips For Respiratory System
-
No smoking
Enforce "No Smoking Policy" at home and
work place. Avoid second-hand smoke as well.
-
Water
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily,
preferably lukewarm water, for cleansing and thinning the mucus in the passage
of the respiratory airways.
-
Keep irritants at bay
Clean your home regularly to
remove possible allergens such as dust, dust mites, pollen, etc. Maintain clean
pillow, blankets and comforters.
-
Regular physical fitness or activities
Jogging, brisk
walking, swimming, cycling, rope jumping, yoga and other aerobic exercises and
physical activities can help make your heart and lung stronger and
healthier.
-
Breathing
Yes, breathing, or more accurate, deep
breathing by flexing your diaphragm rather than breathing shallowly by flexing
your rib cage. It helps to fill the lung with fresh air, and eliminates air
which is full of toxins and impurities out of the body.
Our recommendations
Besides practicing
the wellness tips above, include some health supplements into your daily diet
works best to promote a healthy respiratory system. A good combination of the
products listed below exerts synergistic effect in maintaining a strong
respiratory system:
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