8.4 - Health Issues Related to the Human Respiratory System

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) comprises asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Asthma

• Bronchiole walls become swollen and thickened.
• Bronchiole openings become smaller and air passages narrow.
• Breathing becomes difficult and the patient experiences shortness of breath.

Chronic Bronchitis

• Bronchioles become inflamed, swollen and blocked.
• Airflow decreases and breathing becomes difficult.
• Excess mucus causes a persistent cough.
• Damaged cilia make mucus removal difficult.

Emphysema

• Alveoli lose elasticity and increase in size.
• Alveolus walls are damaged.
• The total surface area of alveoli decreases.
• Gaseous exchange becomes less efficient.