COMMON DISEASES AND

DISORDERS OF THE
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
 DISEASES VS. DISORDER
A definite pathological process in
the body with a specific cause and
characteristic symptoms. These are
transmittable and caused by
external factors (e.g. virus/bacteria)
Irregularity, disturbance, or
interruption of normal functions.
These are non-transmittable and
caused by intrinsic abnormalities
(e.g. genetic malfunction)
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OF THE
RESPIRATORY TRACT
 COMMON COLDS
CAUSES: It is a contagious infection of the upper
respiratory tract and is usually the result of a viral infection
by a rhinovirus

Rhinovirus
 COMMON COLDS
SYMPTOMS: Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, & mild fever
TREATMENT: Taking enough rest and drinking lots of water. The
disease usually lasts for about a week.
 INFLUENZA
CAUSES: It is a contagious illness caused by several influenza
viruses called orthomyxovirus. These can be transmitted by
inhaling respiratory droplets from the infected person or by
indirect contact such as drinking a contaminated glass.
INFLUENZA
SYMPTOMS:
chills, fever, severe headache,
muscular pains, runny nose, and
general discomfort. Influenza
could lead to pneumonia & death.

TREATMENT:
Influenza vaccine, bed rest,
taking medicine, and drink extra
fluids.
 PNEUMONIA
CAUSES: It refers to any infection of the lungs caused by
bacteria, virus, fungi, or protozoa in rare condition. This
disease causes inflammation of the alveoli, which
become filled with pus of fluid.
 PNEUMONIA
SYMPTOMS:
fever, sharp or stabbing chest
pain, shaking chills, fluid in the
lungs, cough with phlegm and
difficulty in breathing

TREATMENT:
Taking prescribed medication
(fluids and antibiotics), breathing
warm moist air, have follow-up
check-up like sputum and blood
check and chest x-ray.
 TUBERCULOSIS
CAUSES: It is caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, which can spread through respiration
droplets by coughing, sneezing, or spitting phlegm. In
general, it needs a long exposure to be infected.
 TUBERCULOSIS
SYMPTOMS:
bad cough lasting for 3
weeks or more, discolored
or bloody sputum, weight
loss, fatigue, slight fever
(usually in the afternoon),
nigh sweats, loss of appetite,
and pain while breathing or
coughing.
RESPIRATORY
DISORDERS
ASTHMA
SYMPTOMS:
shortness of breath, weakness,
frequent cough, and wheezing while
exhaling and inhaling.

TREATMENT:
Cannot be cured but symptoms can
be controlled. It includes eliminating
triggering agent, use of
bronchodilator, short term dose of
corticosteroids, and live an active life.
 BRONCHITIS
CAUSES: It is the inflammation or swelling of the bronchial
tubes, pathway between the nose and the lungs. It is often
caused by viral infections and pollutants.
 BRONCHITIS
SYMPTOMS:
difficulty of breathing and cough with
phlegm.

TREATMENT:
Acute bronchitis should be treated
with proper rest and drinking enough
fluids. Chronic bronchitis should be
given proper medical attention.
 EMPHYSEMA
CAUSES: It is the long-term disease of the lungs caused by
prolonged exposure to respiratory irritants such tobacco
and air pollutants. Alveoli burst and fuse into enlarged air
spaces. Surface area for gas exchange is reduced.
EMPHYSEMA
SYMPTOMS:
difficulty and pain during breathing,
shortness of breath even during
resting

TREATMENT:
Stop smoking, use of bronchodilator,
antibiotics to stop infection, steroids,
and surgical procedure to remove the
damage lung tissue
 CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
It is associated with a group of lung diseases:
emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. It is
progressive which means that disease gets worse over
time. The only prevention to this is to avoid smoking
(second hand)
COPD
 LUNG CANCER
CAUSES: Abnormalities in the cells that line in the bronchi
due to long term exposure to carcinogen such as
asbestos and tobacco smoke. The abnormal cells do not
develop into healthy lung tissue, they divide rapidly and
form tumors.
 LUNG CANCER
SYMPTOMS:
coughing with blood, mucus
production, weight loss, shortness of
breathing, and blockage of airways

TREATMENT:
Surgical removal of damaged parts,
chemotherapy, and radiation