The lungs or the pulmonary system is one of the vital and most important parts of the air-breathing animals. The primary function of these organs is to transport the oxygen that we breathe in into our bloodstream and to release the carbon dioxide from our bloodstream into the atmosphere.
There are certain lung diseases that would affect the proper functioning of the lungs in particular and pulmonary system in general,. These are referred to and known as the URTI and the LRTI or the upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection respectively.
The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, the pharynx, and the larynx.
The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, the bronchi, and the lungs.
If in any circumstances these parts get infected mostly due to irritation and bacterial invasion, the body coughs up and helps eradicate the foreign bodies.
Functions Of The Lungs
The main functions and responsibilities of the lungs include the following:
- Ventilation: This includes the inhalation and exhalation process.
- Circulation: The right side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood while the other side pumps deoxygenated blood. This cycle allows other organs to receive the necessary nutrients to allow them to function as they are supposed to.
- Gas exchange: Another major function of the lungs is to exchange air (oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the external environment and within the individual itself.
Lung Disorders
The disorders affecting the lungs and the pulmonary system are named based on the particular area affected by the infection:
- Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the airways responsible for transporting airflow from the trachea into the lungs or the bronchi.
- Coughing helps clear the breathing passageways from foreign particles and the like.
- Tuberculosis is a deadly infectious disease attacking the major parts of the lungs.
- Pneumonia is an illness of the lung characterized by the inflammation of the alveola.
- Asthma is used to refer to the chronic inflammation of one’s lungs wherein there is an observed narrowing of the airways.
How to Keep Lungs Healthy?
- Increase in fluid intake will help relieve and decrease complications.
- Deep breathing exercises will help expand the lungs.
- Ideal diet to treat this condition would have to be high in protein.
- Individual needs to have a generous consumption of healthy and nutritious food.
- Foods that would tend to irritate the respiratory tract should be avoided.
- Deep breathing exercises can be done to help strengthen the lungs. Breathing in through the nose and then out to the mouth would be helpful.
- Following an exercise regimen also helps.
- Swimming is also good for lungs.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking is the most common cause for lung disorder.
- Related Topics
- Congested Lungs | Causes, Home Remedies, Treatment for Lung Congestion
- Collapsed Lung Recovery: Symptoms And Treatment For Collapsed Lungs
- Hyperinflated Lungs Asthma Treatment: Hyperinflation Of Lungs Symptoms
- Crackles In The Lungs: Causes Of Crackling In Lungs When Breathing
- Chronic Airway Obstruction: Causes Of Obstructive Lung Disease Or COPD
