Respiratory system disorders

The respiratory system controls breathing which involves the transfer of fresh oxygen to the lungs then bloodstream when breathing in and the removal of carbon dioxide from the lungs when breathing out. Disorders and diseases associated with the lungs essentially restrict or impair the ability to breathe.

There are various disorders of the respiratory system—some conditions, such as asthma, may only affect a person mildly whilst other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, can be life threatening.

Links to specific types of respiratory system disorders:

• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Chronic obstructive airways disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

(The Australian Lung Foundation 2008; University of Maryland Medical Center 2008)

References:

University of Maryland Medical Center 2008, Respiratory Disease, University of Maryland Medical Centre, Baltimore, viewed 9 January 2009, <http://www.umm.edu/respiratory/anatomy.htm>.

The Australian Lung Foundation 2008, COPD, The Australian Lung Foundation, Brisbane, viewed 9 January 2009, <http://www.lungnet.com.au/content/view/1/3/>.

Links to specific types of respiratory system disorders