Living in the net

The arrival of winter heralds the season of colds, flu and many other respiratory illnesses. To help you better understand where problems may occur, here is a brief review of how the respiratory system works. Every time you breathe, air enters through your nose or mouth, continues down your windpipe (trachea) and into the lungs. The air travels through bronchial tubes (bronchi) in the lungs until it reaches tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the passageways. In the air sacs, there is an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is passed into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is passed back from the bloodstream into the air sacs to be exhaled out of the body. Without a constant supply of oxygen, the cells in the body cannot function. Two common types of respiratory infections are BRONCHITIS and PNEUMONIA.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. The airways narrow, the air flow is
reduced, and heavy mucus or phlegm is produced. This infection may be caused by a virus or bacterium. There are two types of bronchitis: Acute bronchitis – usually occurs after a severe cold, when the body’s immunity is weakened. The condition often clears up in two weeks or less. Chronic bronchitis is commonly associated with cigarette smoking. Repeated bouts of acute bronchitis can also lead to development of chronic bronchitis. If left untreated, serious respiratory problems, lung damage or heart failure may develop.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The air sacs (alveoli) fill up with pus or fluid and prevent oxygen from reaching the blood. Pneumonia can be caused by a virus or bacterium, by inhaling food or liquid into the lungs or by prolonged time in bed because of surgery or illness. Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu. If left untreated, some forms of pneumonia can be fatal.

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