Common Ailments of Respiratory System

Cold
• is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the
mucous membranes lining the nose and throat.
Symptoms:
stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and headache

• when an infected child sneezes or coughs, the virus

spreads in the air and can be inhaled by other children.
Remedies:
• analgesics (which relieves aches and pains)
• decogestants (which help lessen nasal congestion)
Laryngitis

• is the inflammation of the voice box caused by a viral

infection. It can also be due to allergy to a drug, pollen
or other substances.

Symptoms:
hoarseness, pain or feeling discomfort in the throat,
fever and dry cough
Remedies:
• rest in bed
• avoid tobacco and alcohol
• anagesics can relieve pain
• antipyretics can reduce fever
Pharyngitis

• is an acute inflammation of the pharynx. This may

caused by viruses or bacteria.
Symptioms:
sore throat, slight fever, difficulty in swallowing, and
earache
Remedy:
• no treatment is usually required.
• gargling warm water with salt
• avoid lying flat
• take painkillers
Tonsilitis

• is the inflammation of the tonsils due to infection.

Symptoms:
sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, fever, earache,
headache and foul breath

Remedies:
• bed rest
• drinking plenty of fluids
• antibiotics )drugs that fight bacteria) be prescribed by a doctor
Bronchitis

• is the inflammation of te bronchi caused by viral

infection. Iyt may be caused by smoking and air
pollution. It produces phlegm and plenty of sputum.
Symptoms:
wheezing, brathelessness and persistent coughing

Remedies:
• inhaling steam
• drinking plenty of fluids
Brochial Asthma

• is an attack of breathlessness accompanied by

wheezing.
wheezing means breathing with difficulty, usually with a whistling
sound.

• caused by the contraction of the muscles difficult for air to pass.

• it occurs in people who are allergic to pollen, house mites,

fungal spores, animal dander and dust.
Pneumonia

• is an infection of the lungs caused by viruses or

bacteria. The infection may affect one lobe of a lung or
the bronchi and brionchioles.
Symptoms:
fever, chills, shortness of breath and cough which produces
yellow-green sputum and sometimes blood
Remedies:
mild pneumonia
treated at home
severe pneumonia
hospitalization: treatment include antibiotics, oxygen
therapy and artificial ventilation
Tuberculosis

• is an infection of the lungs caused by the tuberculosis

bacteria. This disease can eaily be passed from person
to person. Coughs and sneezes of an infected persons
can contaminate the air. When other persons breathe in
Symptoms:
contaminated air, the bacteria enter their lungs.
coughing, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, poor
appetite, and loss of weight.

• Chest X-ray or tests on the sputum and skin can be used to

diagnose if a person has TB.
Remedies
• Antibiotics can completely cure TB, provided the full
course of treatement i taken.
• Rest, freash air and the proper food should be taken
Emphysema

• is an ailment in which the alveoli in the lungs become

damaged. This is caused mostly by heavy cigarette
smoking and some degree, by long exposure to
pulluted air.
• the destruction of the alveoli makes them less elastic, so they
cannot work well.

Symptoms:
coughing, slight wheeze and a barrel-shaped chest
• It cannot be cured. Treatment can only control the
ailmet to prevent further damage. Dtugs widen the
bronchi are usually inhaled to reduce inflammation.
Lung Cancer

• is an uncontrolled growth of cells whch affect the lung

tissue. The main cause of this disease is cigarette
• passive
smoking.
smokers are also risk of lung cancer. People who live in
a place where there is high level of air pollution are also risk of
having this disease.

Symptoms:
coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and
wheezing
• X-ray examination and CT-scanning or ultrasound
scanning - test to dicovered the lung cancer.
• it is removed by surgery.
• Anticancer drugs and radiation therapy may be used to destroy
the cancerous cells and prevent their spread.
Proper Care of the Respiratory System
• Most respiratory diseases are airborne. It is important to
breathe clean, fresh air. Cover your mouth and nose when
you are in a crowded place or when the air is heavily
polluted. Wearing mask over the nose is now common in
urban areas and in factories.

• Cigarettes contain poisonous substances that are harmful

to the respiratory organs, especially the lung. Refrain from
smoking.
• Repiratory ailments are contagious. Colds and coughs are
visible signs of most respiratory ailments. Do not stay too
close to people who have them. When they cough or
sneeze, germs are sure to be in the air. you may catch
these germs and get sick, too.

• Go to place where the air is clean and do breathing

exercises. These will help make your lungs strong and
increase their capacity to hold air.
• At first sign of a serious respiratory infection, consult a
doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent
complications.
How should a person with a respiratory ailment be
cared for?
• Make the patient comfortable. There should be enough
light and air in the room.
• Provide the patient with proper diet and plenty of juices to
drink.
• Give the patient a daily sponge bath. This will help him or
her feel comfortable.
• Help the patient take the prescribed medicine on time.
• Let the patient have enough rest.
• Change bedsheets and pillowcases daily.