Disorders of breathing mechanisms
Human Physiology & Health > Respiratory System
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways.
Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing.
There are many common conditions that can affect our lungs. We will describe some of the ones you hear about most often.
Diseases or conditions of the lung fall mainly into two classes–those that make breathing harder and those that damage the lungs ability to exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen.
Diseases or conditions that influence the mechanics of breathing:
- Asthma: The bronchioles constrict, reducing the size of the airways. This cuts down on the flow of air and makes the respiratory muscles work harder.
- Emphysema: The lungs become stiff with fibers and become less elastic, which increases the work of the respiratory muscles.
- Bronchitis: The airways become inflamed and narrower, which restricts the flow of air and increases the work of the respiratory muscles.
- Pneumothorax: Air in the chest cavity equalizes the pressure in the chest cavity with the outside air and causes the lungs to collapse. This is usually caused by trauma or injury.
- Apnea: Breathing slows or stops under a variety of conditions. There are many types of apnea, and they are usually caused by problems in the respiratory centers of the brain.