Question

What do you understand by the term respiratory diseases? Name any three common respiratory diseases.

Answer 1

Any of the diseases and disorders that affect human respiration are called Respiratory diseases. Diseases of the respiratory system may affect any of the structures and organs that have to do with breathing, including the nasal cavities, the pharynx (or throat), the larynx, the trachea (or windpipe), the bronchi and bronchioles, the tissues of the lungs, and the respiratory muscles of the chest cage.

1. Bronchitis — It is a respiratory infection in which the lining of the bronchi becomes inflamed. As this irritated membrane begins to swell, it narrows or shuts off the bronchial passages, resulting in breathlessness and coughing spells.
2. Asthma — It is a chronic disease that also causes inflammation and swelling in the airways. But this happens periodically. During an asthmatic attack, a patient experiences tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and wheezing. This condition improves considerably with medication.
3. Pneumonia — It is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria. This bacteria enters the air sacs, multiplies there and the air sacs may get filled with fluid. This disease causes chest pain, chills, and high fever.