The respiratory system brings oxygen into the lungs and removes carbon dioxide. It includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, and lungs. There are several types of drugs that can help treat respiratory infections, including antibiotics, antihistamines, expectorants, and more. Antihistamines such as Allegra block histamine to relieve allergy symptoms. Expectorants like Robitussin thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Antibiotics kill bacteria and treat bacterial infections, with examples being Cipro.

1. Respiratory System
Presentation 6
Cynthia Galvez
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 1

2. The Respiratory System
 Responsible for brining fresh air into the lungs
 exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide between the air
sacs of the lungs and the blood system/stream
 Exhaling the stale air
 Organs in the Respiratory System
 Nasal cavity
 Pharynx
 Larynx
 Trachea
 Bronchial tubes
 Lungs
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 2

3. Respiratory Pharmacology
 Drugs that could help with respiratory infections
 Antibiotic
 Antihistamine
 Antitussive
 Bronchodilator
 Corticosteroids
 Decongestant
 Expectorant
 Mucolytic
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 3

4. Antihistamine
 Blocks the effects of histamine that has been
released by the body during an allergy attack
 Treats immune system response that leads to
allergy symptoms
 Itchy eyes
 Running nose
 Running eyes
 Effective on seasonal symptoms
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 4

5. Allegra
 An Antihistamine
 Releives allergy symptoms
 Running nose/eyes, hives, itiching, sneezing
 Blocks histamine
 Over the counter drug, do not need a prescription
 Side effects
 Cough
 Fever
 Stomach ache
 Severe allergic reaction is rare
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 5

6. Expectorant
 Improves the ability to cough up mucus from
the respiratory tract
 Thins mucus
 Signals the body to increase amounts of
hydration cause lubrication to the irritated
respiratory tract
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 6

7. Robitussin
 An Expectorant
 Temporary relief for cough, stuffy nose, and chest
congestion
 Helps thin mucus in lungs
 Also acts as a cough suppressant, helping to
reduce the urge to cough
 Does not cure common cold or shorten length
 Side effects
 Dizziness, headaches, nausea, nervousness, troubled
sleeping patterns
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 7

8. Antibiotic
 Kills bacteria causing respiratory infections
 Prohibits the growth of microorganisms
 Treats bacterial infections
 Does not treat viral infections
 In order to treat bacterial infection, must be taken
regularly for the instructed period of time.
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 8

9. Cipro
 Acts as an antibiotic
 Used to treat a variety of bacterial infections
 Stops the growth of the bacteria
 Does not treat common cold, flu or other viral
infections
 Overuse of an antibiotic can lead to a decrease in
effectiveness
 Common Side effects
 Nausea, diarrhea, lightheadedness, headache, trouble
sleeping
 Easily skin burned
June 2012 Biology 120: Medical Terminology 9