Lungs
The location of the lungs is on both side of the thorax, which is the chest. The most important job of the lungs is to provide oxygen to the blood.
Each lung is divided into lobes. The right lung has three and the left lung has only two lobes to provide space to the heart. The lungs contain a bronchial tree that is made up of a system of air passages that supply the air to the lungs.
Having a respiratory disorder is one of the most common reasons to go to the doctor. The majority of the respiratory problems are consequence of the air filled with dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses and chemicals. Some infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis, affect the upper respiratory tract, and others, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, affect the lower respiratory tract.
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Some common respiratory disorders are explained briefly here.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that can limit your airflow and cause shortness of breath. It has been linked to lung cancer as well. COPD can be diagnosed in adults as early as their 20s and 30s. It is also on the rise in older population. The diagnosis of COPD can be confusing because it may include Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, or both.
Emphysema: Lung damage caused by years of smoking. It can cause significant shortness of breath, and coughing. Patient benefit most from quitting smoking and oxygen therapy.
- Chronic Bronchitis : Chronic bronchitis means you have a cough with mucus most days of the month for 3 months of the year for at least 2 years in a row. It is mostly associated with smoking.
- Acute bronchitis: Acute bronchitis usually comes on quickly and gets better after 2 to 3 weeks. It can occur as a complication of an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold.. Most healthy people who get acute bronchitis get better without any problems. Some patients, however, might need treatment with antibiotics.
- Lung cancer: Lung cancer, a smoking-related illness, remains a leading cause of death among adults.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia causes the smallest parts of the lungs (bronchioles and alveolar tissue) to become inflamed. Pneumonia can be fatal for elderly people, children, and others with lowered immune systems.
- Asthma: Asthma attacks are caused by constricted airways. Allergic asthma—a type caused by allergens—often develops in childhood. The number of cases of childhood asthma continues to rise. Allergies can be a common trigger for asthma attacks.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs. It continues to be a problem for people living in undeveloped countries.
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