respiratory system

Respiratory System: Overview and Disorders

ByMara Gerke Last Updated

I think everyone would agree that we can go several days without water, and over a week without food, but only a few minutes without oxygen. I’m not sure about you, but to me, this makes our respiratory system extremely important. The importance of oxygen to our bodies is crucial, and it is our respiratory system that performs the function of respiration or breathing. Breathing is defined as the process of taking in oxygen through inhalation and releasing carbon dioxide through exhalation.

Organs of the Respiratory System

respiratory system

The organs that make up the respiratory system are responsible for the exchange of gases. These organs include the:

  • Nose
  • Pharynx
  • Larynx
  • Trachea
  • Bronchi
  • Lungs

How We Breathe

The primary function of the respiratory system is breathing. We can’t exist without it, yet how we breathe isn’t complicated. The alveoli transfer the oxygen we breathe in. The alveoli are the tiny balloon-like sacs at the end of the bronchioles. The capillaries (very tiny blood vessels) then carry oxygen throughout our circulatory system to our cells. Deep breathing often benefits the respiratory system.

Disorders of the Respiratory System

Numerous diseases can impact the respiratory system. There are some infectious diseases, and some of them are not.

Some non-infectious respiratory system disorders include:

  • Asthma
  • Hay fever
  • Allergic rhinitis (which is an inflammation of the nasal passages)
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Chronic bronchitis

Some infectious respiratory illnesses include:

  • Common cold
  • Sinusitis
  • Croup
  • Influenza / Flu
  • Acute bronchitis
  • Pneumonia

Some Statistics on Respiratory System Disorders

According to the CDC, lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and it causes more deaths than any other cancer. This is true for both men and women.

COPD is a disease that prevents airflow to the lungs, causing severe breathing problems. Common types of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The CDC says it is mainly caused by smoking, but chemical exposure and air pollution can also increase your risk and contribute to it.

Pneumonia, the flu, and asthma are other common respiratory problems that can affect the respiratory system. Smoking also affects your lungs as well as every other organ in your body.

The symptoms can be very similar for many different respiratory diseases. They can include:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Watery eyes
  • Mild headache
  • Mild body aches
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Wheezing
  • Fever

It is very easy for the respiratory tract to get invaded. It starts with someone being sick and sneezing. We breathe in the germs through our nose, and they can eventually be carried inside our respiratory tract. Once the germs are inside, the immune system responds by producing white blood cells to help fight off the infection. Coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose are common responses to respiratory infections and can help clear mucus and irritants from the airways.

Respiratory System

,When I’m sick, I tend to give my body time to rest and recover, carrying around my box of Kleenex. You also want to be mindful of over-treating yourself when you are sick, as there is growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I know my doctor is much more cautious when prescribing antibiotics and wants to ensure it’s a bacterial infection, not a virus.

Prevention is always best

  • Don’t Smoke. If you smoke, do whatever it takes to quit. I quit back in 1997 and know how difficult it is to quit! The American Lung Association offers resources to support you. I also found it helpful when I quit to avoid sugar and alcohol for the first week.
  • Wash your hands. This simple habit is well worth developing
  • Clean hard surfaces regularly, like doorknobs, steering wheels, and countertops
  • If you have to cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve
  • If you are sick – STAY HOME
  • Make sure you are getting enough sleep
  • Eat your fruits and vegetables
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Exercise – great for moving your lymphatic system and releasing stress.

Prevention, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits play a role in supporting overall health. If you’re interested in nutritional and herbal support, you can explore Nature’s Sunshine respiratory products. You can also take our Brilliant Body Health Assessment to help you determine which body system is in most need of support.

For more practical ways to support healthy lungs and breathing, read our Breathe Freely article.

Stop Smoking Resources

Get the American Cancer Society’s Guide to Quitting Smoking.

Visit the American Lung Association. Learn what can be done to stop smoking and break your cycle of addiction. Also help them educate our youth on the hazards of smoking.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control for support in quitting, including free quit coaching, a free quit plan, free educational materials, and referrals to local resources.

References: American Lung Association, CDC, Ohio State Medical Center

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