The main purpose of breathing is to supply oxygen to all cells in the body and remove carbon dioxide, which is the result of oxygen already used by cells.
For this to happen there is inspiration, that is, when air enters the lungs, and exhalation, that is, when the air leaves the lungs, and despite this process that occurs all the time, many details are involved.
According to the anatomy, the organs responsible for breathing in humans are:
To help with breathing movement, there are also the respiratory (intercorial) muscles and diaphragm.
Breathing occurs naturally, from the birth of the baby, without having to remember it, because it is controlled by the autonomous nervous system. For breathing to occur, the person breathes atmospheric air, which passes through the nasal passages, through the pharynx, the larynx., traffic, and when it reaches the lungs, the air always passes through the bronchials, the bronchioles, until finally reaching the alveoli, where oxygen passes directly into the blood.
Shortness of breath occurs when there is a change in the respiratory system, which prevents air from entering or leaving and, as a result, gas exchange is ineffective and the blood contains more carbon dioxide than oxygen.
Examples of respiratory diseases include
Flu or cold – occurs when viruses enter the respiratory system; in colds, the virus is only found in the nostrils and can reach the pharynx causing nasal congestion and discomfort; in the case of influenza, the virus can reach the lungs with a fever and a lot of mucus in the chest. Learn what flu symptoms are and how to treat.
Asthma: occurs in periods when the person has a decrease in bronchi or bronchioles, with a small mucus production.It is more difficult for air to pass through these structures and the person emits a high-pitched sound with each breath.
Bronchitis: causes contraction and inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, the result of this inflammation is the production of mucus, which can be expelled in the form of phlegm, but which can also be swallowed when it reaches the pharynge, heading towards the stomach.. Check symptoms and treatment for asthma bronchitis.
Allergy: Occurs when a person’s immune system is very reactive and understands that certain substances in the air are very harmful to health, causing warning signs every time the person is exposed to dust, perfumes or pollen, for example.
Pneumonia: It is usually caused by the entry of viruses or bacteria, but it can also occur from the presence of foreign objects, food scraps or vomiting inside the lungs, causing fever and breathing difficulties, the flu can get worse and cause pneumonia, but the common cold does not have this possibility Check all signs and symptoms of pneumonia
Tuberculosis: Usually occurs when a bacillus enters the lungs through the airways, causing fever, coughing with a lot of mucus and sometimes blood.This disease is highly contagious and passes through the air through contact with the secretions of the sick individual.Treatment is of paramount importance, because bacillus can reach the blood and spread throughout the body, causing tuberculosis outside the lungs.
Whenever symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, snot coughing with or without blood occur, it is important to consult a doctor so that this professional can evaluate the person and identify which disease he or she has, and which treatment is most appropriate., as you can use anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and sometimes hospitalization.
For more common symptoms such as flu or cold, you can make an appointment with a family doctor, especially if you haven’t yet made an appointment for breathing problems, your doctor may listen to your lungs, look for fever, and look for other signs and symptoms characteristic of respiratory diseases, but in the case of chronic diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis , it may be advisable to seek the help of a respiratory doctor, as he is more accustomed to treating patients with this type of disease, with more training to guide treatment and follow-up throughout the life of the person.