Breathe Easy

Breathing is a basic necessity in our everyday life. It is vital to our bodies and allows us to absorb oxygen to help with energy production and bodily functions. It also helps to remove carbon dioxide from our bodies, which is the primary role of breathing. Effective breathing not only provides us with more oxygen, but it also allows us to live.

Why is Breathing Important?

Our respiratory system is made up of your lungs, airways (trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose, and mouth. The main function of your respiratory system is to breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. This also helps to protect you from harmful particles and germs. It can also help you to smell and to speak. By breathing in and out, you are allowing a gas exchange to happen between your alveoli or the little air-filled sacs in your lungs. Your respiratory system helps to protect your body from dry air and potentially harmful particles. Think about it, when you inhale, your sinuses help to regulate the temperature and humidity of the air that you breathe in and out. As the air moves through your nostrils and down your airways, tiny hairs (cilia) filter out dust, germs, and other irritants to keep them from getting into your airways and lungs. When you do breathe in irritants or germs, they are usually trapped in mucus. The fine hairs (cilia) move in a wavelike motion to push the mucus out of your body when you cough or sneeze.

What are the Other Functions of the Respiratory System?

The main function, as previously mentioned, is to pull in oxygen for your body’s cells and get rid of carbon dioxide. This is done through simply breathing in and out. But did you know what other functions your respiratory system does? Your respiratory system:

• Warms and adds moisture to the air you breathe in.
• Protects your body from particles you breathe in.
• Allows you to talk by vibrating your vocal cords, which makes sounds.
• Helps you to smell by breathing air in past your olfactory nerve, which sends messages to your brain about the way something smells.
• Balances the level of acidity in your body by removing carbon dioxide from your body. Too much carbon dioxide can actually lower your blood’s pH, which can make it acidic.

What Makes Up the Respiratory System?

The respiratory system is actually divided into the upper and lower respiratory tract. Your upper respiratory system is made up of your nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box). The main function of your upper respiratory system is to filter, warm, and humidify incoming air and helping to transport it toward your lungs. The lower respiratory system is made up of your trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes (bronchi), bronchioles, and lungs. The main function of your lower respiratory system is to carry air to your lungs and facilitate gas exchange between your lungs and bloodstream.

Respiratory System Infections

Between your upper and lower respiratory systems, there are a few different infections that we are all at risk for. Your upper respiratory system can develop common colds, the flu, sinusitis, and sore  throats. Your lower respiratory system can develop bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis. These different illnesses can be caused from viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergies, and even  environmental factors such as air pollution and chemicals. Common symptoms of a respiratory tract illness include a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sometimes wheezing.

What is the Treatment for Respiratory Tract Illnesses?

Treatment of a respiratory tract illness depends on what is causing the illness and how severe it may be. Treatment may include:

• Rest – getting plenty of rest helps your body fight off infection.
• Over-the-Counter Medications – decongestants, expectorants, and pain relievers can help relieve your symptoms.
• Antibiotics – usually prescribed for bacterial infections.
• Antivirals – may be used for viral infections, especially in high-risk individuals.
• Inhalers – delivers medicine directly to your airways to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Hospitalization – in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for oxygen therapy, intubation, and other supportive measures.

Even though hospitalization is a possibility for the severe cases of respiratory tract illnesses, it is not always warranted. It is important to notify your provider when you start to have any sign and symptom of a possible respiratory tract system illness or infection.

How Do I Prevent a Respiratory Tract Illness?

A respiratory tract illness can happen to anyone. It is good to know of ways to prevent it from happening. St. Luke’s states that Respiratory infections such as colds and the flu (influenza) are
common…They may share some symptoms. But not all respiratory infections are the same.

Some make you sicker than others. You can prevent common respiratory infections. And if you get sick, you can take care of yourself to keep the infection from getting worse.” Here are some
things you can do to help prevent respiratory illnesses:

Hygiene Practices – wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching your face, using the bathroom, or being around sick people. Use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Vaccination – get vaccinated against influenza and other  recommended respiratory viruses, such as pneumococcal disease. Stay up to date with your vaccinations, as they can sometimes reduce
your risk of infection significantly.

Social Distancing – maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people who are sick. Avoid crowded places, especially during peak infection
season. Wear a mask in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Environmental Measures – improve indoor air quality by ventilating rooms regularly or using an air purifier. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, countertops, and light switches.

Lifestyle Habits – get enough sleep to boost your immune system. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly to strengthen your body’s defenses. Manage stress effectively through techniques such as yoga, meditation, or exercise.

Additional Tips – avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help soothe irritated
airways. If you are sick with a respiratory infection, stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience severe symptoms, such as a high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

These tips are just some ways you can prevent a respiratory infection and keep it from spreading. By following these simple tips, you are
decreasing your risk of developing a respiratory infection and protecting yourself and others from. 

Conclusion

Respiratory infections and illnesses are sometimes inevitable. But there are ways to keep your risk low and keep the infections from spreading. Your respiratory system is made up of many different things, and each thing has a purpose in keeping you safe and healthy. When you feel like you are coming down with something, reach out to your provider. By following some simple steps, you can definitely breathe easy.