HOW THE LUNGS WORK

AND WHAT THEY SOUND LIKE!

INSPIRATION:

• During inhalation (Inspiration), the chest expands up and outward

• The diaphragm contracts and moves downward

• The thoracic cavity expands• Air moves from outside (high

pressure) to inside the body (low pressure)

EXPIRATION:• During expiration (exhalation), the

chest contracts inward• The diaphragm relaxes and moves

upward• The size of the thoracic cavity

decreases• Air moves from inside the body (high

pressure) to outside the body (low pressure)

The lungs always stay partially inflated, even upon exhalation

A collapsed lung is also called a Pneumothorax.

What happens if the thoracic cavity is compromised?

•A pneumothorax is a collection of free air in the chest cavity (thoracic cavity) that causes the lung to collapse.

•Pneumothorax may occur on its own in the absence of underlying disease; this is termed spontaneous pneumothorax.

•Pneumothorax may also occur as a consequence of an injury or underlying lung disease.

Causes of pneumothorax:

• Most result from injury• Spontaneous pneumothorax has no

overt cause. Abnormal, small, air-filled sacs in the lung called "blebs" typically rupture and leak air into the pleural space

• Pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, and severe bronchitis are also causes of a collapsed lung.

Symptoms of a pneumothorax

• Sharp pains upon inspiration• Radiating chest pain• Shortness of breath (SOB)• A dry, hacking cough

Whatever the cause may be, seek medical attention!

Pneumonia:

• An inflammatory condition of the lungs affecting the alveoli

• It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Symptoms_of_pneumonia.svg

COPD:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It makes it difficult to breathe.

• There are two main forms of COPD:• Chronic bronchitis, which involves a

long-term cough with mucus• Emphysema, which involves

destruction of the lungs over time

EMPHYSEMA

ASTHMA:

• Asthma is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Cystic Fibrosis

• Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body.

• It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.

Abnormal Breath Sounds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOB0nM0PRTc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7BtrWATfg8