LRS - Airways & Waterways Flashcards
What do I need to know about the lower respiratory context - around airways and waterways?
In this session we are aiming to:
* Recap in a detailed way the anatomy and physiology of the lower respiratory system, to inform the understanding of the diseases described in the next lesson
* Consider the interplay of air and fluid in the respiratory spaces, and how disease processes upset this balance
* Explore how adjunct treatments, both complementary and orthodox, can
improve lower respiratory function
Which is upper and which is lower respiratory system?
Upper or lower – which structure goes where?
As the upper and lower respiratory systems are continuous with each other, it is useful to
draw an imaginary line across the top of the neck, around the structures considered upper respiratory (structures in the head and phayrnx), and those considered lower (larynx, trachea, bronchi - airways- and then the lungs and alveoli - more the waterways).
The trachea decends into the primary bronchi (specific epethelium here; with goblet cells and so lubricated), then into bronchioles into the respiratory bronchioles where we get to the ‘seashore’ in the clustered alveoli where the air system connects with the liquid or blood supply system. Bathed in tissue fluid and covered with a thini membrane for gas exchange.
Thinking point – do ‘respiratory’ herbs directly or indirectly impact the tissues of the
bronchi?
Lung disease and liquid - what can go wrong?
- Mechanical dysfunction
- **inflammatory processes or **
-
Reduced mobility, disordered breathing….
Can lead to: - Inadequate mucous clearance
Which can lead to - Stagnation and infection (eg pneumonia) in the alveoli as they are not supposed to have liquid/ mucous in them for long periods
Also think about circulation to the pulmonary system - if this is poor there may be inadequate perfusion of blood.
Liquid and air need to not be out of balance in this system
- Thinking point – can you name a few expectorant herbs that would help clear stagnant mucous?
What are some orthodox and complementary treatments for respiratory
function?
Orthodox treatments:
* Pulmonary rehabilitation - exercises tailored to people with poor lung function can help empower them
* Vaccination against flu and pneumonia
* Oxygen therapy for COPD
* Smoking cessation
Complementary together with herbal medicine
* Yoga
* Nutritional therapy
* Massage therapy
* Hypnotherapy - good for late onset asthma
* Stress reduction techniques - good for late onset asthma
* Breath training e.g. Buteyko
