RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases between air and blood. Oxygen is taken up by blood whereas carbon dioxide is released into the air. Organs Of The Respiratory System

Nose Pharynx Larynx Trachea Bronchi Lungs

Bronchioles Alveoli

Nose Nose is the prominent part of the respiratory system. It is made up of two nostrils separated by a septum. Internally each nostril is covered by a mucus membrane with hair attached to the membrane. Functions Filter particles, breathed through air Moisten incoming air Warm incoming air close to body temperature Pharynx A potential space where the nostrils open internally. It is the region where GIT, respiratory tract and the ear meet. Function to allow passage of air. Larynx It contains the vocal cords which produce sound when air larynx. Larynx is also called the sound box. Function produce sound and allow passage of air pass the

Trachea Also called wind pipe, it starts at the end of larynx. It is a membranocartilagenous structure made up of C-shaped cartilages infront while a membrane on the back holds them together. Function allow passage of air Bronchi The trachea divides into two bronchi before entering the lungs. Function allow passage of air Lungs Lungs are the organs or respiration. Function exchange of gases occurs in lungs Bronchioles Bronchioles are further divisions of bronchi inside each lung. Function allow passage of air Alveoli Alveoli are small sacs which are terminal organs of the respiratory system. Function alveoli are the primary site of exchange of gases; Respiration Respiration is the process by which air is drawn inside the body, into the lungs and then forced back into the environment. During this process gases are exchanged in the alveoli of the lungs. Oxygen is taken up by blood and carbon dioxide is released into the air. Organs involved in respiration include:

Ribs Lungs Internal intercostal muscles External intercostal muscles Diaphragm

Respiration consists of two phases: Inhalation Exhalation Inhalation Inhalation is the process in which air is drawn into the lungs. Exhalation Exhalation is the process in which air is forced out of the lungs. COUGH Cough is an explosive expiration which helps in clearing the respiratory tract of secretions and foreign bodies. Classification of cough Cough is classified on the following two basis: Duration of cough Sputum production Duration Of Cough Based on the duration, cough is further divided into two type. Acute Cough Cough which persists for three weeks or less Chronic Cough Cough which persists for more than three weeks Sputum Production Based on sputum production, cough is further divided into two type. Productive Cough Cough in which sputum is present Non-productive Cough Cough in which sputum is absent Causes Of Cough The causes of cough can be divided into inflammatory and mechanical causes. Inflammatory Causes This includes infections e.g. laryngitis, bronchitis, lung abscess

Mechanical Causes This include dust, smoking, allergy, tumors Treatment Of Cough Treatment depends on determining the underlying cause and then starting specific therapy. Elimination of mechanical agents such as smoke, dust should be considered. Treatment of Productive Cough Productive cough is nearly always present in pneumonia, lung abscess. Productive should not sputum may interfere with ventilation of lungs infection. Expectorant cough syrups help to expel their viscosity, thus facilitating removal. respiratory infections, bronchitis, be suppressed, since retention of or may even promote spread of bronchial secretions by decreasing

Treatment of Non-Productive Cough Anti-tussive agents can suppress the cough by acting on the CNS centers. Such drugs include

Dextromethorphan Codeine etc.

These drugs provide symptomatic relief by interrupting cough paroxysms. INFECTIONS OF RESPIRATORY TRACT Infections of the respiratory tract may be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Viruses are usually responsible for upper respiratory infections. The bacteria most frequently responsible for respiratory infections are: Streptococcus pneumoniae Staphylococcus aureus Haemophilus influenzae Legionella pneumoniae Various other species of Gram-negative bacilli Other micro-organisms such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are less common causes of respiratory infections. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Sinusitis Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses

Etiology Infection of the surrounding regions e. g., tonsils, pharynx, ear & nose may spread. Streptococcus pneumoniae H. influenzae Signs And Symptoms Pain Fever Headache puffiness and heaviness of face Protocol Of Treatment Antibiotics Analgesics Steam inhalation Tonsillitis Inflammation of the tonsils is called tonsilitis Etiology Viral Bacterial Streptococcus pyogenes Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pneumoniae Signs And Symptoms Sore throat Pain on swallowing Redness of Tonsils Fever up to 103 degree F Thick mucous Protocol Of Treatment Antibiotics Analgesic / Antipyretic Antihistamines Anti-tussives Multivitamins Pharyngitis The inflammation of the pharynx is called Pharyngitis.

Etiology Viral Bacterial Streptococcus pyogenes Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pneumoniae Signs And Symptoms Tickling sensation in throat Feeling of lump in throat Difficulty in swallowing Cervical glands enlarged Swollen and red pharynx Fever Protocol Of Treatment Antibiotics Analgesic / Anti-pyretic Antihistamines Anti-tussives Multivitamins Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media) Otitis media refers to inflammation in the middle ear area. Acute otitis media is the presence of fluid, typically pus, in the middle ear with symptoms of pain, redness of the eardrum, and possible fever. Typically it happens in children. Bacteriology: Most Frequent: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae Moraxella catarrhalis Less Frequent: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia trachomatis Treatment Protocol: Antibiotics, Analgesics/Antipyretics, Antihistaminic/Decongestant nasal drops

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Acute Bronchitis This condition is an acute inflammation of trachea and bronchi Pre-Disposing Factors Cold Dust Dampness Smoking Pre-existing infection of Upper respiratory tract Etiology Bacterial Streptococcus pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae Signs And Symptoms Irritating dry cough in the first symptom Chest pain Feeling of tightness in the chest Sputum, which is white colored initially but becomes yellowish later on due to addition of pus Fever of 38 39 degree C when the infection extends down the air passages Protocol Of Treatment Antibiotics Anti-tussives Analgesic / antipyretics Chronic Bronchitis Chronic inflammation of the airways. There is cough productive of sputum on most days for at least three months of the year for more than one year. Etiology Cigarette smoking is a major factor Climate and pollution Occupation Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs tissues. Etiology It is usually caused by bacteria.

Rarely viral infection can produce pneumonia. May also result from chemical causes e. g. aspiration of vomit. Pneumonia can have over 30 different causes.

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) The common pathogens are: Streptococcus pneumoniae (The most common pathogen) H. Influenzae Staphylococcus aureus Chlamydia trachomatis Legionella pneumoniae Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sign & Symptoms High grade fever with chills Chest pain Productive cough with thick rust colored sputum Rapid and difficult breathing Nausea / vomiting Investigations X-ray chest Sputum culture WBC count Blood culture Protocol Of Treatment Immediate antibiotic therapy Adequate hydration Treatment of cough Relief of pain Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Infection is contracted while the patient is hospitalized. Gram negative bacteria are common. Management is the same as in community acquired pneumonia. Immunosuppressed patients require high doses of broad spectrum antibiotics.