Common Digestive and Respiratory System Disorders

Digestive Tract Diseases

Dental Health and Caries

Dental caries is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that affects the hard tissues of teeth. Bacteria feed on carbohydrates in the mouth and produce acids that cause cavities in teeth.

Constipation

Constipation is a disorder that hinders the evacuation of the stool. It is due to the excessive absorption of water by the intestine, which causes a dry, hard stool.

Ulcers

Ulcers are open sores on the inner walls of the digestive tract; they occur in the stomach and duodenum.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the membranes lining the inner stomach and intestine. It is due to an infection caused by viruses or bacteria.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease that involves the progressive death of liver tissue, which implies that the organ works poorly. It is often associated with the excessive consumption of alcohol.

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system takes charge of the oxygen in the air outside, takes it to the blood, and removes carbon dioxide. It is formed by the lungs and the respiratory airways, which are cavities through which the air passes from outside to inside the lungs and vice versa. These are formed by the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles.

Gas Exchange Process

Air full of oxygen enters the respiratory system through the nasal passages, where it is heated, cleaned, and moistened. Particles are retained because the hairs covering the vestibule trap them via airway mucus secretion. The air continues through the pharynx and larynx to the trachea. From the trachea and bronchi, it moves to the bronchioles afterward, ending in the alveoli that are surrounded by numerous blood capillaries.

Pulmonary Ventilation Mechanics

Pulmonary ventilation is the process by which atmospheric air enters the interior of the lungs and then leaves the lungs into the atmosphere. This involves:

• Diaphragm: A muscle that lies below the lungs and separates the chest from the abdomen. Its ascending and descending movement varies the capacity of the thoracic box.
• Intercostal muscles: These join one rib with others. They contract and relax, varying the volume of the lungs.

Pulmonary ventilation is performed through two movements: inspiration and expiration.

Respiratory System Diseases

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi due to infection from a bacterium which causes breathing difficulties. It involves the production of abundant and lasting mucus accompanied by a cough.

Asthma

In asthma, there is a temporary narrowing of the airways, causing difficult breathing and a deficit of oxygen in tissues. This can be due to allergic causes, intense exercise, or respiratory infections. Symptoms include a sense of cough and shortness of breath with whistling breathing.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis is a contagious illness caused by a bacterium that destroys lung tissue. It is transmitted from person to person through the air.

Colds and Flu

Colds and flu are highly contagious infections of the airways caused by viruses. There is no curative treatment; they typically resolve after a few days. Symptoms include tiredness, sneezing, excessive mucus, and a sore neck.