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Respiratory System

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Disorders and Overview

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.

respiratory systemThe primary function of the respiratory system is breathing. We can’t exist without it, yet how we breathe doesn’t really entail an in-depth discussion. Therefore, I will focus on the health of our respiratory systems.

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

The alveoli transfer the oxygen we breathe in. The alveoli are the tiny balloon-like sacs at the end of the bronchioles. The capillaries (which are very tiny blood vessels) then carry the oxygen throughout our circulatory system to our cells. Deep breathing often benefits 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
  • Common cold
  • Sinusitis
  • Croup
  • Influenza / Flu
  • Acute bronchitis
  • Pneumonia

Some statistics on respiratory system disorders and diseases

According to the CDC, there are roughly 158,000 deaths per year from lung cancer, 125,000 deaths per year from COPD, 52,000 deaths per year from pneumonia, anywhere from 3,000 to 49,000 from the flu, and 3,400 from asthma. More startling is that globally 1.5 million children under the age of 5 die from pneumonia each year. Also, according to the American Lung Association, 438,000 deaths occur per year related to smoking. Smoking affects every organ in the 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 help the body to remove these white blood cells, germs, mucous, and other byproducts of the infection.

Respiratory System

Some natural health experts believe that the common cold is merely the body’s natural response to fighting off and eliminating the infection. If that is true, you might think that taking medication to suppress the symptoms of a respiratory infection or the common cold could cause you to get sicker because it prevents the body from eliminating the germs.

I tend to feel this way when I’m sick and try to ride out the fever, carrying around my box of Kleenex. I have often thought that may be why it has been so challenging to figure out how to get rid of the common cold. You also want to be mindful of over-treating yourself when you are sick, as there has been a 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. Quitting smoking can also increase your stress, so you may want to supplement with a good Multi Vitamin or B-Complex. 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, nutritional, and natural support are what make our bodies strong. You can view several herbs and supplements from Nature’s Sunshine Products via our Respiratory Support Product Page. My favorite for helping the body deal with allergies is Histablock. When I start coming down with a cold, I grab CC-A. I always have Sinus Support and ALJ on hand to help me with that congested feeling. For supporting healthy lungs, Lung Support and Bronchial Formula work well. You can also take our Brilliant Body Health Assessment to help you determine which body system is in most need of support.

Stop Smoking Resources

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

Visit the American Lung Association. Every year in the U.S., over 392,000 people die from tobacco-caused disease, making it the leading cause of preventable death. 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 Center 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