XII - Biology – Respiration Part II by Ednexa

1. Tips to Crack 11th - Biology – Respiration Part II
Respiratory Disorders:
Asthama:
Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. People who
suffer from this chronic condition (long-lasting or recurrent) are said to be asthmatic.
The inside walls of an asthmatic's airways are swollen or inflamed. This swelling or inflammation
makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases your susceptibility to an
allergic reaction.
As inflammation causes the airways to become narrower, less air can pass through them, both
to and from the lungs. Symptoms of the narrowing include wheezing (a hissing sound while
breathing), chest tightness, breathing problems, and coughing.
What happens during an asthma attack?
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The muscles around your airways tighten up, narrowing the airway.

Less air is able to flow through the airway.
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Inflammation of the airways increases, further narrowing the airway.
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More mucus is produced in the airways, undermining the flow of air even more.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a disease that involves scarring of lung tissue as a result of breathing
in asbestos fibers. The scarring makes it hard for you to breathe and for oxygen to

2. get into the blood. The disease worsens slowly over time. In some people the
disease causes no symptoms, while in others it can cause severe symptoms.
There is no cure for asbestosis. A doctor can help you manage your symptoms. If
you have trouble breathing, shortness of breath and a very low blood oxygen level,
your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy.
Silicosis
Silicosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling tiny bits of silica. Silica is a
common mineral that is part of sand, rock and mineral ores like quartz. People who
work in jobs where they could breathe in these tiny silica bits—like sandblasting,
mining, construction and many others—are at risk for silicosis. The silica dust can
cause fluid buildup and scar tissue in the lungs that cuts down your ability to
breathe. Silicosis cannot be cured, but you can prevent it if you take specific steps
to protect yourself and your family.
Emphysema is a lung condition in which tiny air sacs in the lungs - alveoli - fill up with air. As
the air continues to build up in these sacs, they expand, and may break or become damaged
and form scar tissue. The patient becomes progressively short of breath. Emphysema is a type
of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The main cause of emphysema is long-term
regular smoking.
The alveoli turn into large, irregular pockets with holes in them. The surface area of the lungs is

3. gradually reduced, resulting in less oxygen entering the bloodstream.
The small elastic fibers that hold open the small airways leading to the alveoli also become
destroyed. When the patient breathes out they collapse, i.e. the patient has problems exhaling
air.
Emphysema is not curable, the condition cannot be reversed. However, treatment may slow
down its rate of progression and alleviate symptoms.
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