When it comes to diseases of the respiratory system, these occur primarily in the bronchioles and the alveoli unless one takes into account choking and drowning which are basically conditions that affect the larger passageways to the lungs such as the trachea and the bronchi. In the world of today, the diseases that most often affect the bronchioles and alveoli include COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, flu, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary embolisms. These are by far the major diseases of the respiratory system killing millions of people all over the world.
COPD
COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is in technical terms a progressive disease. It is most often caused by long-term irritation of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is usually both progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to certain foreign particles and gases. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of this disease.
Bronchitis
Non-chronic bronchitis has the same symptoms as chronic bronchitis but while chronic bronchitis lasts for three months or more, non-chronic bronchitis is short term. In most cases the infection is viral in origin. Occasionally, bacteria can cause bronchitis. If the condition is not acute and you are otherwise in good health, the mucous membrane will return to normal after you’ve recovered from the initial lung infection.
Asthma
In many ways, asthma is a lot similar to bronchitis. In fact, people with asthma often also experience an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, a condition called asthmatic bronchitis. Asthma is however a chronic disease that affects the breathing of the person suffering from this respiratory system disease. Asthma is mainly caused by a faulty immune system.
Allergies
Everyday, our body tissues and blood are being exposed to allergens including pollen, foods, chemicals and dander. If your body sees any of the above-mentioned things as invaders, you will have an allergy problem. As is the case with any other disease, to deal with a condition, you better deal with the cause rather than just suppressing the symptoms. The key to stopping allergies is to clean allergens out of your soft tissue and blood
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic mutation that disrupts what is called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein. This results in poorly hydrated and thickened mucous secretions in the lungs, pancreas, sinuses and sex organs. In cystic fibrosis, an abnormal gene causes mucus to become thick and sticky blocking the airways. Over time, this causes serious lung infections because it makes it easy for bacteria to grow.