Diseases of the Respiratory System

MSCE Biology for Form 4: Master Key Concepts

Asthma
- Description: Asthma causes the bronchi and bronchioles to constrict, leading to difficulty in breathing.
- Cause: Often triggered by an allergic response to substances such as dust, pollen grains, sprays, grass, or mites.
- Signs:
  - Wheezing sound in the chest
  - Feeling exhausted due to low oxygen levels
Bronchitis
- Description: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs.
- Cause: Mucus buildup damages the cilia, leading to persistent coughing.
- Signs:
  - Persistent cough
  - Production of mucus

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
- Description: A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs.
- Cause: Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and transmitted through airborne droplets.
- High-Risk Groups: Elderly, infants, individuals with weakened immunity (e.g., HIV/AIDS).
- Signs:
  - Fever
  - Persistent cough
  - Fatigue
  - Weight loss
  - Chest pain
  - Difficulty in breathing

Lung Cancer
- Description: Tumors form in the alveoli due to abnormal cell mitosis.
- Cause: Often stimulated by tar from tobacco smoke.
- Signs:
  - Persistent cough
  - Chest pain
  - Difficulty in breathing
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- Description: Poisoning caused by inhalation of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas.
- Sources: Burning charcoal, running engines.
- Effects: CO forms carboxyhemoglobin, which prevents oxygen from dissociating easily and reduces oxygen supply to tissues, including the brain.
- Signs and Symptoms:
  - Headache
  - Nausea and vomiting
  - Loss of hearing
  - Cardiac arrest
  - Weakness
  - Blurred vision
- First Aid for CO Poisoning:
  - If Mildly Affected:
    - Stay calm and act quickly
    - Immediately leave the area and get fresh air
    - Turn off the source of CO
  - If Severely Affected:
    - Move the victim to an open area
    - Administer artificial resuscitation if necessary
    - Call for medical help
- Prevention:
  - General awareness
  - Proper ventilation
  - Install CO monitoring devices
  - Seek medical help if needed
  - Avoid burning fuels in poorly ventilated areas
Smoking
- Effects on the Respiratory System:
  - Irritation of the trachea
  - Reduced lung function
  - Impaired lung clearance system
  - Damage to air sacs

Effects on the Circulatory System:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Tightening of blood vessels in the skin
- Reduced oxygen transport due to constriction
- Increased risk of blood clotting
- Damage to artery linings
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack

Impact on the Immune System:
- Increased susceptibility to diseases
- Long-lasting respiratory diseases
- Low levels of vitamin C in the blood