{"id":41559,"date":"2023-08-03T15:03:55","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T09:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/"},"modified":"2023-08-03T20:40:05","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T14:55:05","slug":"lungs-structure-diseases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/","title":{"rendered":"Lungs- Definition, Structure, Location, Functions, Diseases"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Lungs are the respiratory organs in our body. All the gas exchange that occurs in our body takes place in the lungs. Normally humans have two lungs on either side of the lungs, left and right.&nbsp;They inspire oxygen and expire carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2<\/sub>). Lungs play a major role in the supply of oxygen to our body, without which we will be dead in a minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Lungs.jpeg\" alt=\"Lungs\" class=\"wp-image-38331\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lungs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#structure-of-lungs\" title=\"Structure of Lungs\">Structure of Lungs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#location-of-lungs\" title=\"Location of Lungs\">Location of Lungs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#relations\" title=\"Relations\">Relations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#functions-of-lungs\" title=\"Functions of Lungs\">Functions of Lungs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#mechanism-of-breathing\" title=\"Mechanism of Breathing\">Mechanism of Breathing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#disease-and-disorder-of-the-lungs\" title=\"Disease and Disorder of the lungs\">Disease and Disorder of the lungs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd\" title=\"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)\">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#asthma\" title=\"Asthma\">Asthma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#pulmonary-fibrosis\" title=\"Pulmonary fibrosis\">Pulmonary fibrosis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#lung-cancer\" title=\"Lung Cancer\">Lung Cancer<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#lung-conditions-due-to-microbial-agents\" title=\"Lung conditions due to Microbial Agents\">Lung conditions due to Microbial Agents<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#sars-cov-2\" title=\"SARS-CoV-2\">SARS-CoV-2<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#pneumonia\" title=\"Pneumonia\">Pneumonia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#tuberculosis\" title=\"Tuberculosis\">Tuberculosis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#influenza\" title=\"Influenza\">Influenza<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#acute-bronchitis\" title=\"Acute bronchitis\">Acute bronchitis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#pertussis\" title=\"Pertussis\">Pertussis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#common-tests-to-be-carried-out-to-determine-the-cause-of-breathing-difficulty\" title=\"Common tests to be carried out to determine the cause of breathing difficulty\">Common tests to be carried out to determine the cause of breathing difficulty<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#spirometry\" title=\"Spirometry\">Spirometry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#lung-plethysmography-test\" title=\"Lung plethysmography test\">Lung plethysmography test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#diffusing-capacity-of-the-lungs-test\" title=\"Diffusing capacity of the lungs test\">Diffusing capacity of the lungs test<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/#references\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"structure-of-lungs\"><\/span><strong>Structure of Lungs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The respiratory system can be divided into two parts. Upper respiratory system and Lower respiratory system. The upper respiratory system begins from the nose, nostrils, larynx, and trachea, whereas the lower respiratory system completely comprises of lungs. The lung contains the following parts functioning in different functions. Trachea, alveoli and bronchi and pleura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Structure-of-Lungs.jpeg\" alt=\"Structure of Lungs\" class=\"wp-image-38334\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Figure: Structure of Lungs<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"location-of-lungs\"><\/span><strong>Location of Lungs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Lungs are present on either side of the chest. They are situated in the thoracic cavity, one each on either side of the mediastinum above the diaphragm. They are covered by a pleural sac and protected by the rib cage.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lungs can be called left and right lungs concerning sides they are situated in our body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Anatomically lung presents with four features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Apex- which is a conical end-directed upwards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Base \u2013 it is the broader end and directed downwards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three borders-\n<ul>\n<li>An anterior margin is a thin layer that faces forward,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The posterior margin is a rounded border that faces inwards,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The inferior margin is a semilunar-shaped margin that separates the coastal surface and medial surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two surfaces-\n<ul>\n<li>A coastal surface is a convex surface which directed outwards&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A medial surface is a flat surface directed outwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"relations\"><\/span><strong>Relations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Apex- apex anteriorly is about subclavian artery, internal thoracic artery, and scalenus anterior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Base- base is separated from the liver on the right side by the right dome of the diaphragm and separated from the spleen and fundus of the stomach on the left side by the left dome of the diaphragm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The size of the lung varies from birth as we keep aging. At birth, the weight of the lung is around 40g, and in an adult, it is approximately 1kg. and the height of the lung at total capacity is 27cm, and at normal breathing, capacity is 24cm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The left lung is smaller than the right lung. The right Lung has three lobes, and the left one has two lobes. Both the lungs are suspended by lung roots, and the membrane called mediastinum divides the lungs from each other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each lung contains a tube-like structure called Bronchi, they open from the trachea into the lungs. Further, bronchi are branched into smaller tubular structures called bronchioles.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bronchioles aid the flow of air into tiny organs called alveolars. It is estimated that each human lung contains 30 thousand bronchioles and 600 million alveoli combined.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"functions-of-lungs\"><\/span><strong>Functions of Lungs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>The very important function of the lungs is to provide oxygen to the body. When we breathe in, the process is called inhaling, the air enters the lungs through the mouth, nose, and trachea. In the lungs, the air moves into bronchioles and fills up the alveoli.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And this is where the gas exchange occurs. Alveoli are connected to the blood vessels, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the <a href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/heart-anatomy-functions\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"38537\">heart<\/a> and carbon dioxide from the heart to the lungs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lungs also help in the immune system of the body. Alveolar macrophages are the most prolific innate immune cells present in the distal lung tissue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are present in the luminal surface of the alveolar space<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They also indulge in homeostatic functions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"mechanism-of-breathing\"><\/span><strong>Mechanism of Breathing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>When we inhale, the oxygen is taken in, and after the gas exchange in the lungs, carbon dioxide is exhaled out of the body.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The inhaled oxygen then flows into the lungs through the trachea and then to the bronchus, bronchioles, and the alveoli. From alveoli, the oxygen is diffused into blood vessels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The blood vessels which carry blood from the lungs to the heart are called Pulmonary veins, these carry oxygenated blood, in which oxygen molecules are bound to hemoglobin molecules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And the ones which carry blood from the heart to the lungs are called pulmonary arteries, which carry deoxygenated blood from the heart, which contain carbon dioxide then released into the lungs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mechanism-of-Breathing.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38337\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure: Mechanism of Breathing. Image Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-vector\/process-breathing-explained_13634439.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">FreePik<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>During inhalation, the diaphragm moves down, and the intercoastal muscle is pulled upwards the low pressure created in the chest cavity draws in oxygen from the atmosphere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves upwards, and the intercoastal muscle relaxes and moves downwards, which pushes the carbon dioxide out of the lungs into the trachea and then exhaled out of the body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"disease-and-disorder-of-the-lungs\"><\/span><strong>Disease and Disorder of the lungs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd\"><\/span><strong>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It is a type of lung disease where the functioning ability of the lungs declines over the period. Globally 65 million people are affected, and 3 million deaths are reported every year due to Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a smoking-associated chronic disease. Smokers are 13 times more prone to COPD, and air pollution is also a potential reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, there is also a chance that disease can be transmitted genetically and found in people with immunocompromised hosts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The complication of this may lead to pneumonia, lung cancer, COPD, heart failure, and various other lung complications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"asthma\"><\/span><strong>Asthma<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It is one of the most common lung conditions found in the community. It caused due to the chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;It is one of the underrated diseases despite the fact it requires excellent skill to diagnose the condition.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clinically, asthmatic patients exhibit common symptoms like recurrent episodes of wheezing, a cough, chest tightness, and shortened breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specific immunotherapy for asthma is not practically possible. However, there are some therapies that can help in optimizing the functions of the lung.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elimination of the allergens which trigger the asthmatic condition can be one of the most efficient ways to control the disease. Obesity also can be one of the reasons for the condition, hence weight reduction will help in the improved health of the lungs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"pulmonary-fibrosis\"><\/span><strong>Pulmonary fibrosis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pulmonary fibrosis is caused due to alveoli injury, which may lead to chronic inflammation and deposition of extracellular components in the lungs, mainly containing collagen, which will result in scarring of the lung tissue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is mainly found in genetically susceptible individuals. Sometimes it may also be due to microbial agents, chemotherapeutic agents, and occupational inhalants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is complicated, but conventional treatment options include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and antifibrotic agents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the condition is due to microbial agents, it can be treated using antimicrobial agents such as antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal drugs depending upon the causative agent.<sup>6<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lung-cancer\"><\/span><strong>Lung Cancer<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Lung-Cancer-Stages.jpeg\" alt=\"Lung Cancer Stages\" class=\"wp-image-38339\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure: Lung Cancer Stages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The leading cause of cancer death in the world.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking is one of the major reasons for lung cancer, along with other risk factors such as genetic reasons, radiation exposure, exposure to radon gas, and other carcinogens.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Developed due to the repeated damaging of the cell line of the lungs, which causes normal cells to act abnormal and eventually cause cancer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms include short breath, coughing blood, pleural effusion, and chest pain.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatments are only good if detected in the early stages. Multiple surgical techniques are available such as including wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lung-conditions-due-to-microbial-agents\"><\/span><strong>Lung conditions due to Microbial Agents<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"sars-cov-2\"><\/span><strong>SARS-CoV-2<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is a global pandemic that the world is dealing with currently. It is the third-highest infective virus that the world has ever seen.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are primarily transmitted to respiratory droplets.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transmission through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, aerosols, and fecal-oral routes is also reported.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They infect the lungs and colonize them, causing difficulty in respiration and failure of respiration in complicated cases. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and dyspnea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/SARS-CoV-2_-What-We-Know-About-Its-Effects-on-Respiration.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-38340\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Figure: SARS-CoV-2_ What We Know About Its Effects on Respiration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"pneumonia\"><\/span><strong>Pneumonia<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>It is one of the most common infections of the lungs seen in individuals, especially in elderly patients. It is the acute inflammation of the lower respiratory tract and lung parenchyma.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pneumonia can be caused either by bacterial agents or viral agents. The most common bacterial agent that causes pneumonia is <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apart from this, <em>Klebsiella pneumonia, Hemophilus influenzae<\/em>, and <em>Staphylococcus sp. <\/em>can also cause pneumonia.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 commonly cause viral pneumonia. These pathogens colonize the lung tissue and cause inflammation of the lung tissue. This will lead to the complications such as fever, cough, malaise, and shortness of breath.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If untreated, the death of the patient may occur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The treatment of pneumonia mainly depends upon the causative agent, and therefore the diagnosis of the disease should be carried out very carefully.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with an appropriate antibacterial agent, and viral pneumonia can be treated with antiviral drugs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tuberculosis\"><\/span><strong>Tuberculosis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pulmonary tuberculosis is the chronic infection of the lungs caused by the bacteria called <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>. The transmission of the disease occurs through droplet infection.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They enter the lungs by inhalation of aerosols containing the bacteria and infect the lung and colonize the upper parts of the lungs. Children and immunosuppressed individuals are more prone to the disease.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The most common symptoms of TB include fever, night sweats, abnormal fatigue, cough, and hemoptysis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tuberculosis should be diagnosed very carefully to distinguish between latent tuberculosis infections. The treatment includes 2 months of antibiotic therapy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"influenza\"><\/span><strong>Influenza<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Influenza, commonly called flu, is an acute viral infection that affects the respiratory system caused by influenza viruses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are three types of Influenza virus that cause infection in humans, among which Influenza A is responsible for most of the cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be transmitted through airborne, direct contact, saliva, and by touching contaminated surfaces.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;It causes the impairment in the air sac of the lungs and creates difficulty in breathing, leading to pneumonia.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms are like that of the severe common cold, including high fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"acute-bronchitis\"><\/span><strong>Acute bronchitis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes by pathogens commonly, virus and bacteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking is one of the major etiological factors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms of bronchitis include coughing, which lasts about weeks, chest pain, fever, and fatigue.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment depends on the causative agents of the infection. Bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics. While the viral infection is mild and self-limiting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"pertussis\"><\/span><strong>Pertussis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Also called whooping cough, it is an inflammatory condition of the respiratory tract caused by <em>Bordetella pertussis<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is highly contagious and spreads from person to person. Symptoms include extreme coughing with a whooping sound, coughing fits, and breathing difficulty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;It can be treated with antibiotics.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vaccines are available to prevent infection in infants and adults.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"common-tests-to-be-carried-out-to-determine-the-cause-of-breathing-difficulty\"><\/span><strong>Common tests to be carried out to determine the cause of breathing difficulty<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"spirometry\"><\/span><strong>Spirometry<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;It is one of the pulmonary functioning tests which is used to evaluate how quickly air can flow in and out of the lungs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a very useful tool in the management of individuals with chest restriction and mixed disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lung-plethysmography-test\"><\/span><strong>Lung plethysmography test<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Optoelectronic plethysmography is a procedure where we measure chest wall movements and lung volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is an accurate method to measure lung volume. It helps to monitor the respiratory patterns in children, adults, and patients with breathing difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"diffusing-capacity-of-the-lungs-test\"><\/span><strong>Diffusing capacity of the lungs test<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this test, the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide that is diffused in the bloodstream is measured. Based on these results functioning of one\u2019s lungs can be determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"references\"><\/span><strong>References<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Human Anatomy By Matthew Hoffman, MD Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on June 21, 2021<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anatomy of the Lungs A spongy organ that moves oxygen through the bloodstream By Colleen Travers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rabe KF, Watz H. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lancet. 2017 May 13;389(10082):1931-1940. doi: 10.1016\/S0140-6736(17)31222-9. Epub 2017 May 11. PMID: 28513453.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mims JW. Asthma: definitions and pathophysiology. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2015 Sep;5 Suppl 1:S2-6. doi: 10.1002\/alr.21609. PMID: 26335832.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lommatzsch M, Virchow JC. Severe asthma: definition, diagnosis and treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2014 Dec 12;111(50):847-55. doi: 10.3238\/arztebl.2014.0847. PMID: 25585581; PMCID: PMC4357024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chioma OS, Drake WP. Role of Microbial Agents in Pulmonary Fibrosis\u2029. Yale J Biol Med. 2017 Jun 23;90(2):219-227. PMID: 28656009; PMCID: PMC5482299.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harrison AG, Lin T, Wang P. Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Pathogenesis. Trends Immunol. 2020 Dec;41(12):1100-1115. doi: 10.1016\/j.it.2020.10.004. Epub 2020 Oct 14. PMID: 33132005; PMCID: PMC7556779.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reynolds JH, McDonald G, Alton H, Gordon SB. Pneumonia in the immunocompetent patient. Br J Radiol. 2010 Dec;83(996):998-1009. doi: 10.1259\/bjr\/31200593. PMID: 21088086; PMCID: PMC3473604.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Su\u00e1rez I, F\u00fcnger SM, Kr\u00f6ger S, Rademacher J, F\u00e4tkenheuer G, Rybniker J. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 Oct 25;116(43):729-735. doi: 10.3238\/arztebl.2019.0729. PMID: 31755407.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liou TG, Kanner RE. Spirometry. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2009 Dec;37(3):137-52. doi: 10.1007\/s12016-009-8128-z. Epub 2009 Apr 4. PMID: 19347610.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Massaroni C, Carraro E, Vianello A, Miccinilli S, Morrone M, Levai IK, Schena E, Saccomandi P, Sterzi S, Dickinson JW, Winter S, Silvestri S. Optoelectronic Plethysmography in Clinical Practice and Research: A Review. Respiration. 2017;93(5):339-354. doi: 10.1159\/000462916. Epub 2017 Mar 23. PMID: 28329750.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Structure of the Respiratory System Christopher A. D\u2019Angelis, \u2026 Rita M. Ryan, in Pediatric Critical Care (Fourth Edition), 2011<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anatomy of upper limb and thorax- Vishram Singh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wilson R, Rayner CF. Bronchitis. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 1995 May;1(3):177-82. PMID: 9363050.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joshi N, Walter JM, Misharin AV. Alveolar Macrophages. Cell Immunol. 2018 Aug;330:86-90. doi: 10.1016\/j.cellimm.2018.01.005. Epub 2018 Jan 20. PMID: 29370889.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nieves DJ, Heininger U. Bordetella pertussis. Microbiol Spectr. 2016 Jun;4(3). doi: 10.1128\/microbiolspec.EI10-0008-2015. PMID: 27337481.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gaitonde DY, Moore FC, Morgan MK. Influenza: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Dec 15;100(12):751-758. PMID: 31845781.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hoy H, Lynch T, Beck M. Surgical Treatment of Lung Cancer. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2019 Sep;31(3):303-313. doi: 10.1016\/j.cnc.2019.05.002. Epub 2019 Jul 5. PMID: 31351552.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Henry Gray (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lungs are the respiratory organs in our body. All the gas exchange that occurs in our body takes place in the lungs. Normally humans have two lungs on either side &#8230; <a title=\"Lungs- Definition, Structure, Location, Functions, Diseases\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/lungs-structure-diseases\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Lungs- Definition, Structure, Location, Functions, Diseases\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":41554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6190],"tags":[6358,6359],"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Lungs.jpeg","author":{"name":"Shouri Kushal","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/01e3e0ef42ec3f15ce1ab0812c6e7789?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"categories":[{"term_id":6190,"name":"Human Anatomy and Physiology","slug":"anatomy-and-physiology","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":6190,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<strong>Human anatomy is the science that deals with the physical morphology and structure of the human body.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHuman anatomy is further divided into two groups; gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy involves study related to anatomical structures that can be seen with unaided eyes, while microscopic anatomy is the study of minute anatomical structures, histology, and cytology.\r\nHumans belong to the Subphylum Vertebrate of the Phylum Chordata as they have the characteristic internal skeleton with a backbone of vertebrae.\r\nOther typical mammalian structures in humans include hair, mammary glands, and highly developed sense organs.\r\nBesides, among mammals, humans have a predominantly two-legged (bipedal) posture, along with a highly developed intellectual.\r\nThe chemical composition of the human body is composed of water and organic compounds like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.\r\nThe human body is composed of specialized systems for different purposes; the digestive system for digestion, the respiratory system for respiration, the reproductive system for reproduction, and the skeletal and muscular system for movement.\r\nCells are the fundamental units of the human body consisting of trillions of cells in the body. The cells together form tissues.\r\nFour basic types of tissues are found in humans, each of which is specialized for a particular purpose; epithelial tissue for covering the body, muscular tissue for movement, nerve tissues for signaling, and connective tissue for transport of nutrients.\r\nThe following organization of the human body is organs. An organ is composed of a group of specialized tissues from a structural and functional unit.\r\nOrgans are followed by the system as the final organization of the human body. The body includes nine major organ systems, each composed of various organs and tissues that work together as a functional unit.\r\nInformation on human anatomy is essential during the analysis of signs of symptoms of different diseases and disease diagnoses.\r\nIt also allows an understanding of the relationship between different organ systems and the changes occurring in the body's anatomy during growth.\r\n\r\n<strong>Human physiology is a branch of natural science that deals with the functioning of the human body.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt includes various physiological activities like digestion, respiration, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and excretion, all of which occur in a coordinated way between various organs and systems.\r\nPhysiology includes the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical, and biochemical functioning of a healthy human body.\r\nA normal human body works as a result of the regulated system of networking between different systems. These interactions work towards maintaining homeostasis.\r\nThe concept of homeostasis is important in human physiology as it explains that the internal environment of an organism moves in a direction to maintain an equilibrium.\r\nIn the human body, homeostasis is maintained at the system level with each system trying to maintain its homeostasis.\r\nHuman physiology, like human anatomy, describes the mechanisms from the molecular to the cellular level, integrating the working of the entire body.\r\nBased on the information obtained via studies done on human physiology, it is understood that the cells, tissues, organs, and systems together work to maintain a healthy human body.\r\nBesides, certain compounds or chemicals produced in the body like enzymes and hormones also aid in the process of human physiology.\r\nA slight change in the working of a single organ in the body might affect the working of the entire body overall.\r\nHuman physiology is closely related to human anatomy where the anatomy of an organ or tissue plays a significant role in the physiology of the said organ or tissue.\r\nHuman physiology is also interrelated with clinical medicine and microbiology where different microorganisms found within the body aid in different processes like bacteria in the gut producing acid and other enzymes that aid in digestion.\r\nDuring the life cycle of humans, the body undergoes multiple changes which are influenced by changes in anatomy and changes in environmental factors.\u00a0 The physiology of the body thus adapts to such changes to maintain homeostasis.","parent":0,"count":73,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":6190,"category_count":73,"category_description":"<strong>Human anatomy is the science that deals with the physical morphology and structure of the human body.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHuman anatomy is further divided into two groups; gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy. Gross anatomy involves study related to anatomical structures that can be seen with unaided eyes, while microscopic anatomy is the study of minute anatomical structures, histology, and cytology.\r\nHumans belong to the Subphylum Vertebrate of the Phylum Chordata as they have the characteristic internal skeleton with a backbone of vertebrae.\r\nOther typical mammalian structures in humans include hair, mammary glands, and highly developed sense organs.\r\nBesides, among mammals, humans have a predominantly two-legged (bipedal) posture, along with a highly developed intellectual.\r\nThe chemical composition of the human body is composed of water and organic compounds like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.\r\nThe human body is composed of specialized systems for different purposes; the digestive system for digestion, the respiratory system for respiration, the reproductive system for reproduction, and the skeletal and muscular system for movement.\r\nCells are the fundamental units of the human body consisting of trillions of cells in the body. The cells together form tissues.\r\nFour basic types of tissues are found in humans, each of which is specialized for a particular purpose; epithelial tissue for covering the body, muscular tissue for movement, nerve tissues for signaling, and connective tissue for transport of nutrients.\r\nThe following organization of the human body is organs. An organ is composed of a group of specialized tissues from a structural and functional unit.\r\nOrgans are followed by the system as the final organization of the human body. The body includes nine major organ systems, each composed of various organs and tissues that work together as a functional unit.\r\nInformation on human anatomy is essential during the analysis of signs of symptoms of different diseases and disease diagnoses.\r\nIt also allows an understanding of the relationship between different organ systems and the changes occurring in the body's anatomy during growth.\r\n\r\n<strong>Human physiology is a branch of natural science that deals with the functioning of the human body.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt includes various physiological activities like digestion, respiration, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and excretion, all of which occur in a coordinated way between various organs and systems.\r\nPhysiology includes the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical, and biochemical functioning of a healthy human body.\r\nA normal human body works as a result of the regulated system of networking between different systems. These interactions work towards maintaining homeostasis.\r\nThe concept of homeostasis is important in human physiology as it explains that the internal environment of an organism moves in a direction to maintain an equilibrium.\r\nIn the human body, homeostasis is maintained at the system level with each system trying to maintain its homeostasis.\r\nHuman physiology, like human anatomy, describes the mechanisms from the molecular to the cellular level, integrating the working of the entire body.\r\nBased on the information obtained via studies done on human physiology, it is understood that the cells, tissues, organs, and systems together work to maintain a healthy human body.\r\nBesides, certain compounds or chemicals produced in the body like enzymes and hormones also aid in the process of human physiology.\r\nA slight change in the working of a single organ in the body might affect the working of the entire body overall.\r\nHuman physiology is closely related to human anatomy where the anatomy of an organ or tissue plays a significant role in the physiology of the said organ or tissue.\r\nHuman physiology is also interrelated with clinical medicine and microbiology where different microorganisms found within the body aid in different processes like bacteria in the gut producing acid and other enzymes that aid in digestion.\r\nDuring the life cycle of humans, the body undergoes multiple changes which are influenced by changes in anatomy and changes in environmental factors.\u00a0 The physiology of the body thus adapts to such changes to maintain homeostasis.","cat_name":"Human Anatomy and Physiology","category_nicename":"anatomy-and-physiology","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41559"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41559"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41559\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbenotes.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}