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The respiratory system is a biological system used for gas exchange in animals and plants. It is responsible for moving oxygen around the body and removing carbon dioxide.

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What are the Major Organs in the Respiratory System? 

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What are the Major Organs in the Respiratory System? 

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The major organs in the Respiratory System are :

The Lungs

Trachea

Bronchi

Nasal cavity and Mouth

Alveoli

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They are two large tubes that connect the trachea to the two lungs, and lead air into the lungs.

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The main organ in this system and where gas exchange occurs.

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It carries the oxygen into the bronchi and in lined with mucus to trap debris and move it out of the lungs. It is also lined with cartilage to hold the trachea open.

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1. The main organ in the respiratory system is the lungs

2. Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to shelter your heart

3. 70% of waste is eliminated through your lungs by breathing

4. You can live without one of your lungs

5. The respiratory helps protect the body by closing in/trapping harmful materials in mucus and taking them out

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Where air enters the body and it is filtered before moving through the system to the lungs

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Respiratory System | The Dr. Binocs Show | Learn Videos For Kids

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Alveoli are small air sacs on the end of bronchioles (branches inside the lungs) where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange happens, and where the blood diffuses into the bloodstream.

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You should see a pulmonologist when

You have a cough for longer then 3 weeks.

Wheezing.

Difficulty breathing, especially during excersise.

Chest pain or tightness.

Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.

Asthma that isnt well-controlled, or has undefined triggers.

Recurring or chronic bronchitis or colds that impact your respiratory system.

Extreme fatigue.

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Respiratory diseases, or lung diseases, are pathological conditions affecting the organs and tissues, making gas exchange difficult

An example of a common respiratory disease is asthma. Asthma is a condition where your airways narrow, swell and may produce extra mucus. Asthma makes breathing difficult and triggers coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Common causes of Asthma include having a parent with asthma, having a severe respiratory infection as a child, or having an allergic condition. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed. Methods of managing asthma include, using a steroid inhaler, choose heart-healthy foods, get regular physical activity and managing stress.

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Who specializes in the Respiratory system?

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Who specializes in the Respiratory system?

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A pulmonologist is a physician that specializes in the respiratory system. They work with patients with serious breathing problems like lung cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis and sleep apnea. To find a diagnoses they will use procedures like spirometry (taking a deep breath in as much as you can then blowing out hard and as fast as you can into a machine, usually they use this for testing asthma),bloodwork, chest x-rays, bronchoscopies and CT scans.

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https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/respiratory-system - Fun Facts

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Lungs are amazing organs. They allow us to breathe in the oxygen we need to live and breathe out a waste product called carbon dioxide.

How Lungs Work

There is always an opportunity to take better care of your lungs, and understanding their function is a good start. Read on to learn about how your lungs work, plus a few interesting facts about these incredible organs. For more support and information, please contact us.

Every part of your body needs oxygen from the air you breathe in order to survive. The delicate structure of the lungs performs the complex tasks of breathing and transferring oxygen to the rest of the body. At the same time, it helps protect the body from outside attack. Most of the time we are not even aware that our lungs are working, but they can be damaged in many ways and become less efficient at taking oxygen from the air and getting rid of waste carbon dioxide.

Every day we breathe about 22,000 times. Our breath, and our lungs, are incredibly fundamental to the functioning human body. Breathing is after all, a symbol of life.

Interesting lung facts

Your left lung is smaller than your right lung, to accommodate for your heart¹.

70% of waste is eliminated through your lungs just by breathing².

Can you live without one lung? Yes you can, it limits your physical ability but doesn't stop you from living a relatively normal life. Many people around the world live with just one lung³.

No matter how hard we exhale, our lungs will always retain 1 litre of air in the airways. This makes the lungs only human organs that can float on water⁴.

Oxygen only plays a small part in our breathing. The air we breathe contains 21% oxygen, but our bodies only use 5%, the rest is exhaled⁴.

Children and women are faster breathers than men because their breathing rate is higher¹.

Humans exhale up to 17.5 millilitres of water per hour¹.

Anyone can get lung disease. Take 2 minutes to check in with your lungs.

References

1. https://lunginstitute.com/blog/never-knew-breathing-facts/

2. https://www.livescience.com/52250-lung.html

3. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/humanbody/lungs.html

4. https://bronchiectasisnewstoday.com/social-clips/2016/10/14/8-curious-facts-about-lungs/3/

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How your lungs work - Lung Foundation Australia

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Lungs are amazing organs. They allow us to breathe in the oxygen we need to live and breathe out a waste product called carbon dioxide. There is always an opportunity to take better care of your lungs, and understanding their function is a good start.

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Pulmonologist's and what they do / when you should see them

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What is a pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in the respiratory system. From the windpipe to the lungs, if your complaint involves the lungs or any part of the respiratory system, a pulmonologist is the doc you want to solve the problem.

Pulmonology is a medical field of study within internal medicine. These doctors go through the same training as an internist. They receive their degree, complete an internal medicine residency, then several years as a fellow focused primarily on pulmonology and often includes critical care and sleep medicine. After that, they have to take and pass specialty exams, and only then are they able to take patients as a Board-Certified pulmonologist.

While the respiratory system is a specialty in itself, pulmonologists can specialize even further. Some of these doctors focus on certain diseases, like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and COPD, while others treat unique demographics, like pediatric patients or geriatric patients.

Because many lung and heart conditions present similar symptoms, pulmonologists often work with cardiologists while diagnosing patients. You'll also see them frequently in hospital settings. Patients that need life support or manual ventilation in order to breathe will have a pulmonologist overseeing that element of their care.

How a pulmonologist can help you

A pulmonologist works with patients facing serious or chronic breathing problems. While primary care doctors can handle mild or short-term conditions, such as those caused by a cold or respiratory infection, you'll need to see a pulmonologist to diagnose, treat and manage more complex illnesses that primarily affect the lungs.

If you're struggling with a respiratory disease, accurate diagnosis is the first step. A pulmonologist uses procedures such as spirometry , bloodwork, chest X-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopies and sleep studies to diagnose chronic lung disease. Your pulmonologist may ask you to repeat these tests even if you have already completed them to confirm the results.

Once you have a diagnosis, a pulmonologist will create a treatment plan. If you require surgery, that will likely be done by a surgeon who specializes in the heart and lungs. Beyond that, a pulmonologist will use medications, therapies and pulmonary rehabilitation to help you return to wellness.

Because lung diseases are often debilitating and require long-term care, pulmonologists are well-versed in working with you and your family and healthcare team. They should be able to adapt treatment plans to work with your situation and should be able to coordinate your care with other important members of the team. Examples include respiratory therapists, asthma educators, pulmonary rehab programs and local support groups such as the American Lung Association's Better Breathers Clubs. This can help you and your loved ones understand your condition and your path forward.

When should you see a pulmonologist?

A simple cough associated with allergies or a cold shouldn't send you looking for a pulmonary specialist. Urgent care or your primary care doctor should be your first stop, and then on to an allergist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

You should see a pulmonologist if that cough persists for more than 3 weeks, or if it becomes severe. This should be done in consultation with your primary care doctor.
When else should you see a pulmonologist? The below symptoms can be related to a lung condition and a pulmonary specialist may be helpful:

Chest pain or tightness

Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise

Fatigue

Wheezing

Recurring or chronic bronchitis or colds that impact your respiratory system

Asthma that isn't well-controlled, or has unidentified triggers

How to find a pulmonologist

If you're struggling with any of the symptoms above, or you're not satisfied with the results or answers you are getting from a general practice doctor, it's time to find a pulmonologist. There are several ways to find a new respiratory specialist. Here are some options:

#1. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral

Many doctors cultivate contacts among local specialists so that they can refer their patients to doctors whose work they know and trust. If you're not getting close to a diagnosis, ask your primary care provider if they can recommend a pulmonologist.

Your health insurance company might require you to get a referral to a specialist. Check the fine print on your policy to see if this is true for your health insurance plan.

#2. Look through your health insurance company's provider database

If you're looking for a second opinion, this is probably the route you want to take. Every health insurance company offers an online database of all its contracted in-network doctors. You should be able to find it by accessing your health insurance member site. Search for a pulmonologist or respiratory specialist.

If you have a few options to choose from, conduct a Google search on each one. Read reviews, look for any specialties they focus on and see if they're taking new patients. Then, it's time to make an appointment.

With lung complaints-especially if you're having trouble breathing-you want to see a doctor as quickly as you can because these problems can quickly worsen. If one doctor can't see you soon, call another. If you're still having trouble booking an appointment, ask your primary care doctor's office to make the call for you. Some doctors set aside emergency slots for situations like this.

For lung conditions, there's no type of doctor better than a pulmonologist. While it can still take time to receive a diagnosis-and longer still for treatments to take effect-trust in these highly trained professionals to make your well-being their highest priority.

Have a question? Contact the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA.
Brenda Kimble is a writer and caregiver based in Austin, TX. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging to support local causes and connecting with others in her field. Outside of her work, Brenda loves doing yoga, completing new DIY projects around her home, as well as spending time with her husband and three children.

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Know Your Providers: What Does a Pulmonologist Do?

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Whether you're seeking a diagnosis for a lung condition or you've finally figured out why you're struggling to breathe, a pulmonologist is a type of doctor you may be referred to see. But what do they do? Who do they treat? How can they help you? Here's what you need to know about pulmonologists.

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Respiratory diseases

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Overview

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it's important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times - such as when exercising - or have symptoms all the time.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

Shortness of breath

Chest tightness or pain

Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children

Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:

Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome

Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well your lungs are working (peak flow meter)

The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:

Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry

Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust

Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency treatment

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Work with your doctor to determine what to do when your signs and symptoms worsen - and when you need emergency treatment. Signs of an asthma emergency include:

Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing

No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler

Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity

Contact your doctor

See your doctor:

If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from getting worse over time.

To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.

If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if your medication doesn't seem to ease your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often.

Don't take more medication than prescribed without consulting your doctor first. Overusing asthma medication can cause side effects and may make your asthma worse.

To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments.

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Causes

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and inherited (genetic) factors.

Asthma triggers

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste

Respiratory infections, such as the common cold

Physical activity

Cold air

Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)

Strong emotions and stress

Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat

Risk factors

A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. They include:

Having a blood relative with asthma, such as a parent or sibling

Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis - which causes red, itchy skin - or hay fever - which causes a runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes

Being overweight

Being a smoker

Exposure to secondhand smoke

Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution

Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing

Complications

Asthma complications include:

Signs and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work and other activities

Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups

A permanent narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes), which affects how well you can breathe

Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks

Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma

Proper treatment makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma.

Prevention

While there's no way to prevent asthma, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks.

Follow your asthma action plan. With your doctor and health care team, write a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Then be sure to follow your plan.

Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life.

Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia. Staying current with vaccinations can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.

Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of outdoor allergens and irritants - ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution - can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.

Monitor your breathing. You may learn to recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.

But because your lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or symptoms, regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter. A peak flow meter measures how hard you can breathe out. Your doctor can show you how to monitor your peak flow at home.

Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your symptoms.

When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an oncoming attack, take your medication as instructed. Also, immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.

Take your medication as prescribed. Don't change your medications without first talking to your doctor, even if your asthma seems to be improving. It's a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit. Your doctor can make sure you're using your medications correctly and taking the right dose.

Pay attention to increasing quick-relief inhaler use. If you find yourself relying on your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, your asthma isn't under control. See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.

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Find out what can trigger asthma and how to relieve your symptoms and breathe easier.