Health Issues Related to the Human Respiratory System

8.4

Health Issues Related to the Human Respiratory System

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) comprises asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
In emphysema, the alveolus wall is damaged, the total surface area of the alveolus decreases, and the gaseous exchange becomes less efficient.
In chronic bronchitis, the bronchiole becomes inflamed, swollen, and blocked.
This reduces the flow of air and causes difficulties in breathing.
For an asthmatic patient, the bronchiole walls become swollen and thick.
The opening of the bronchiole tube becomes smaller and the air passage becomes narrower.
This leads to difficulties in breathing and causes breathlessness.