Respiratory Diseases
Overview
Symptoms
Treatment
Products
Resources
Respiratory Therapy is needed by patients who have an intermittent or
continual need for oxygen, as well as those who simply want to improve the air
they breathe. Today more than 30 million Americans are living with chronic lung
disease such as asthma and C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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The lungs supply oxygen to a person’s blood while also removing carbon
dioxide from it. COPD obstructs a person’s airways and interferes with their
breathing, thereby inhibiting their lung’s ability to perform this function.
Shortness of breath and a chronic cough are the most common symptoms (other
symptoms include chest tightness, increased mucus production, frequent throat
clearing and wheezing when exhaling). However, COPD patients each have different
symptoms because they usually manifest more than one of these diseases. Their
primary symptoms reflect the disease – chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma –
that affects them the most.
Asthma: See section on Asthma.
Chronic bronchitis is the long-term inflammation and eventual scarring of the
lungs. The walls of the bronchial tubes thicken, narrowing the lung’s opening
and reducing the amount of air that can enter upon inhaling. The primary
symptoms include coughing and increased mucous production, resulting in
increased lung congestion and further difficulty in breathing.
Emphysema is the inflammation of the alveoli, which are the small air sacs
located on the ends of the numerous tubes called bronchioles in the lungs. When
these sacs loose their natural elasticity to expand and deflate for holding and
releasing oxygen, then air becomes trapped in the lungs the patient experiences
shortness of breath and coughing.
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Respiratory Treatment
The quality of life for COPD patients is affected over time as the disease
progresses. Existing medications work to manage the disease and decrease its
symptoms rather than prevent or stop chronic lung disease (no cure exists as of
yet). Patients need to nebulize their medications, use supplemental oxygen, and
eventually often need mechanical respiratory assistance to breathe. But by using
a combination of oxygen therapy, proper medication, daily activity and a
positive attitude, many COPD patients regain their lung function and enjoy a
more normal life.
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Respiratory Products
Oxygen benefits respiratory patients with severe lung impairment. This
therapy relieves low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) and improves mental
functioning. Oxygen can be supplied as:
- Liquid Oxygen
- Gas Cylinders
- Portable Oxygen Systems
Concentrators take room air and remove most of the other gases present to
supply the respiratory patient with 90 to 95 percent pure oxygen. The
concentrators can be set to deliver a specific oxygen flow ranging from 1 to 6 LPM (liters per minute).
Ventilators maintain normal respiratory functions for patients who are unable
to continue breathing on their own.
Nebulizers convert liquid respiratory medication into aerosol and enable this
mist to penetrate deeply into the lungs and bronchi. Nebulizers are available in
two styles:
- Compressors
- Ultrasonics which are often small hand-held units that are ideal for use
outside of the home and when traveling.
Peak Flow Meters measure the exhaled force of the lungs. By checking this
measurement daily at the same times, patients are able to monitor their asthma
and prevent an attack by recognizing early warning signs.
Vaporizers and
Humidifiers help to making breathing easier and eliminate
irritation by adding moisture to the air.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) units are designed for patients
with sleep apnea. Patients sleep with a mask and the pressure provided prevents
their larynx from collapsing.
BiPAP differs from CPAP in that it is “bi-level” and enables the patient to
enjoy a more natural breathing pattern. Patients use the same mask but have the
option of decreased pressure during exhalation.
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Respiratory Resources
American Lung Association
800 586-4872
www.lungusa.org
U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services
www.nlm.nih.gov
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