What is the respiratory system, and how is it organized?
The respiratory system is the collection of organs and structures that enable gas exchange between the body and the environment: delivering oxygen to the cells and removing carbon dioxide (CO₂). It is divided into the upper airways (nose, pharynx, larynx—filtration, humidification, and temperature regulation of the air) and the lower airways (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and pulmonary alveoli—the site of gas exchange). Supplements for respiratory health and respiratory essential oils are available in the store.
- Lungs: Central Organ — 700 million alveoli covering an exchange surface area of 70 to 80 m² — each alveolus is surrounded by blood capillaries — O₂ passes into the blood by passive diffusion while CO₂ is expelled (gas exchange)
- Respiratory muscles: diaphragm (primary muscle—inhalation)—intercostal muscles—accessory muscles (scalenes, sternocleidomastoids) engaged during exertion or distress—strengthening them improves ventilatory capacity
- Mucosal defenses: mucociliary clearance (cilia + mucus trapping foreign particles)—innate mucosal immunity (secretory IgA, alveolar macrophages)—first line of defense against inhaled pathogens
What are the common disorders of the respiratory system?
- Asthma: chronic inflammation with bronchial hyperreactivity — 4 million people in France — multifactorial causes (genetics, allergies, pollution, secondhand smoke) — maintenance therapy (inhaled corticosteroids) + acute treatment (bronchodilators)
- Bronchitis and COPD: acute bronchitis, most often viral — chronic bronchitis + emphysema = COPD (3.5 million in France, 80% linked to smoking) — active smoking: Tabac Info Service 3989
- Bronchiolitis and pneumonia: bronchiolitis (RSV in infants < 2 years old—pediatric consultation required)—pneumonia (bacterial or viral alveolar infection—specific medical treatment required)
- Sleep apnea: repeated breathing pauses lasting > 10 seconds—diagnosis via polysomnography—associated symptoms (snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches)—treatment: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or mandibular advancement device
- Respiratory discomfort and difficulty breathing: exertional or resting dyspnea — requires medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause
How can you maintain respiratory health?
- Quitting smoking: the primary modifiable preventive measure — smoking irritates the airways, reduces mucociliary clearance, and increases the risk of COPD, lung cancer, and recurrent infections — mucociliary function begins to recover within the first few weeks after quitting
- Prevention in children: smoke-free environment — vaccination against influenza, pertussis, and pneumococcal disease — strict hand hygiene — reduction of exposure to indoor allergens (dust mites, mold)
- Inhaled medications: bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids — direct delivery to the airways (rapid absorption, reduced systemic effects) — proper inhalation technique is essential for effectiveness — training by a healthcare professional is recommended
- Improving respiratory capacity: aerobic exercise 150 min/week (WHO)—diaphragmatic breathing and exhalation exercises—swimming, brisk walking, yoga—supportive supplements: vitamin C (mucosal immunity) and vitamin D3 (immune modulation—deficiency is common in our part of the world)
