Sanchez Family Medicine, P.C.
2512 Deerford Street Lakewood, CA 90712
562-366-0804 office phone
562-366-0813 fax line
Lung Disease
Anatomy of the Lungs: Your respiratory system starts at the level of the mouth and nose. When you breath in a negative pressure is created by the diaphragms (muscle under lungs) creating a vacuum and forcing gases in. The gases pass into the trachea. At mid-chest the trachea splits forming left and right bronchus. The bronchus split into smaller and smaller passages called bronchioles. The smallest of the bronchioles align themselves with capillaries (where gas exchange occurs and is placed into the blood system.).
Physiology of the Lungs: As previously stated the lungs function as a means of gas exchange. Oxygen which is needed by healthy cells is exchanged for Carbon dioxide, the end product of metabolism. In a sense the lung are one of the systems responsible for ridding the body of waste.
Diseases of the Lungs: There are many types of diseases that involve the lungs, for this discussion we will only touch on some of the common ones.
Asthma: Asthma is a disorder of the lungs that occurs when a trigger causes the bronchi to constrict. The triggers are usually an allergen, cold air, infections or chemicals. When the bronchi constrict (airway diameter gets narrow) this causes a trapping of the gasses in the lung. Gas exchange is compromised which will cause a change in blood chemistry. Left untreated this can lead to death.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Also known as COPD, this disorder is very similar to Asthma. This disorder also causes air trapping and problems with gas exchange but is usually due to a long term insult, such as smoking, chronic infections, environmental destructions to the lining of the lungs. The lungs expand and trap gas compromising gas exchange. The lungs will appear very long and enlarged.
Bronchitis: Bronchitis is termed inflammation of the bronchus, although much of the problem is in the smaller airways. This condition can be caused by infection (bacteria, viral or fungus), chemical such as breathing in noxious gases/dispersions, and autoimmune (when the white cells of the body attack itself). The inflammatory response or infection will obscure the gas exchange and lead to shortness of breath.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs (bacterial, viral or fungal). One or several lobes of the lungs can become completely obscured and block any exchange of gasses. It is evident that pneumonia will lead to shortness of breath, but the infection can also spread to the blood system known as Sepsis. Left untreated pneumonia can lead to debilitation or death.
Treatments: Treatments for lung disease are different for each condition. Many of the symptoms can be lessened by the use of bronchodilator (albuterol) and steroids. With infections the treatment is dependent on the type on infection. All treatments should be administered by a licensed physician. Always consult your doctor.
