Disorders of the Respiratory System

There are various disorders that can affect the respiratory system this guide is a breakdown of some of the most common disorders.

Cancer of the larynx is mostly seen in people that are older than 60 years of age. There is a correlation between heavy alcohol use and tobacco use in patients diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. The signs and symptoms of larynx cancer include increased hoarseness, hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks, dyspnea and dysphasia.

Tonsillitis is the acute inflammation of the tonsils, usually strep. The signs and symptoms of tonsillitis are sore throat, fever, malaise, anorexia, enlarged purulent tonsils and the lymph glands of the neck are either enlarged or tender.

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an upper respiratory infection. The inflammation of the bronchial tree and the trachea cause the congestion common seen in acute bronchitis also secretions that are very thick are retained in the bronchi. The signs and symptoms of acute bronchitis are coughing, malaise, headache and wheezes or basilar crackles.

Legionnaire's disease is caused by the legionella pneumophila. The legionella pneumophila thrive in moist reservoirs and can take on two forms, either influenza or legionnaire's disease. The later is life threatening pneumonia with alveoli necrosis. Legionnaire's disease progresses rapidly and results in respiratory failure, bacteremic shock and even death. The signs and symptoms include dyspnea, headache, chest pain upon inspiration, temperature over 102, nonproductive cough with difficulty, rapid breathing, crackles or wheezes, possible hematuria if includes renal impairment.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by coronavirus, it is spread by close contact via air droplets it may also spread by indirect contact. The signs and symptoms of SARS include headache, fever greater then 100.4, generalized discomfort, mild respiratory symptoms, muscle aches, may experience a dry cough, dyspnea and hypoxia.

Tuberculosis is the chronic infection most commonly affecting the lungs, but it may also affect other bodily organs. Tuberculosis is caused by the tubercle bacillus and is usually inhaled by coughing or sneezing of a virulent person. Tuberculosis destroys alveoli and is most commonly seen in HIV patients. The signs and symptoms include night sweats, muscle fatigue, hemoptysis, cough, malaise, and daily recurring fever with chills.

Pneumonia is the infection of the respiratory tract and alveoli, it's a communicable disease and can occur anytime but is more commonly seen during fall and winter months. Some patients with respiratory problems, COPD, trachs, and recent anesthesia are more susceptible. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, fungus, virus or chemicals. Pneumonia develops from foreign particles or chemicals that become trapped in the lungs. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia include productive cough, fever, chest pain, painful cough, chills, and sputum characteristics.

Make sure you follow up with reading part 2 and part 3 in our respiratory disorder series.