Respiratory system: how important is it

The respiratory system is made up of the upper airways and a series of branches that connect them to the lungs. Responsible for carrying out gas exchange with the environment and obtaining oxygen for cellular respiration, it is a set of organs with vital functions for the human body. ¹

Any impact on lung activity can harm the body’s oxygenation and, consequently, harm the functioning of other organs. The cardiac system and central nervous system are directly affected.  ¹

The situation may be low risk, resulting in malaise and fatigue. However, more serious cases can cause brain damage or even death. ¹

The problem is that the respiratory system is constantly exposed as it continually interacts with the environment around it. Thus, despite all its importance, it is always subject to the invasion of microorganisms that are harmful to health, such as viruses and bacteria. ¹

To help you prevent these threats and show you how to take better care of your health, we created this post about the importance of the respiratory system for human well-being. In it, you will find explanations about the functions, composition and common diseases that affect the airways, as well as tips for investing in preventing this type of problem. ¹

Keep reading and stay informed!

What is the respiratory system?

The respiratory system or apparatus is the set of organs and branches responsible for capturing oxygen from the environment and eliminating carbon dioxide produced by metabolic activity. This process is called gas exchange. The main representatives of this system are: lungs, alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, trachea, larynx, pharynx and nasal cavities. ^{1 2}

What is the function of the respiratory system?

As mentioned, the main function of the respiratory system is to carry out gas exchange with the environment in which it lives, inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide). The body needs oxygenation to maintain metabolism and energy production.  ^{1 2}

For pulmonary breathing, the entry and exit of air from the lungs, the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm perform the movements of inspiration (inhalation) and expiration.  ^{1 2}

In the meantime, so-called cellular respiration occurs, which works as follows  ^1 2 :

• Once captured by the airways and filtered by the lungs, oxygen is transported through the bloodstream to other areas of our body;
• Once delivered to cells, these organic structures use oxygen gas to produce energy and perform their biological functions;
• as a product of this activity, carbon dioxide is produced in cells;
• circulation captures carbon dioxide and takes it back to the lungs, thus eliminating this gas full of toxins.

In addition to gas exchange, the respiratory system participates in other important activities for the body. They are  ^1 2 :

• speech (phonation), production of sounds by moving air through the vocal cords, located in the larynx;
• acid-base balance, which removes excess carbon dioxide from the blood to prevent it from becoming more acidic than ideal;
• pulmonary defense, which is the function of capturing particles, foreign bodies and pathogens in the upper respiratory tract, preventing them from reaching the lungs and causing more serious health problems.

How does the process of inhaling and exhaling work?

Inhalation is done by contracting the diaphragm, which advances downwards, towards the abdomen, to lengthen and expand the thoracic cavity. This process creates lower intrapulmonary pressure, pulling air into the body. ^two

 

When exhaling, this set of muscles relaxes and causes the internal space of the chest to return to its original size. This movement increases pressure in the chest cavity, pushing air out of the lungs. ^two

As mentioned, inspiration and expiration are activities related to pulmonary breathing. ^two

What organs are part of the respiratory system?

The respiratory system is made up of the nasal cavities, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and lungs. These organs can be divided into upper airways, also called conductors, and lower airways, treated as the actual respiratory portion. ^two

As the names suggest, the first part has the role of capturing and conducting gases from the environment to the body and vice versa, while the second is responsible for lung breathing. ^two

This separation is important because diseases that affect the upper respiratory system are considered to be of lower risk, such as the common cold and inflammation of the mucous membranes.

On the other hand, conditions that affect the entire upper and lower apparatus are more serious and impactful, as is the case with flu, pneumonia and covid-19. ^two

However, before addressing respiratory infections, let’s explain in detail the main components of the respiratory system and what they are for. ^two

Nasal cavities

The nasal fossa or cavities are parallel ducts that connect the nostrils to the pharynx, in the back of the throat. Inside the nose, they are lined by the epithelium, a mucous tissue with hair follicles and glands that secrete mucus. They serve to filter, humidify and heat the inhaled air. ^two

This is why it is better to breathe through your nose than through your mouth. This is because, in this way, it is possible to prevent or reduce the presence of microorganisms in the lower respiratory tract, in addition to preparing the air before it reaches the lungs. ^two

There is also an area of ​​the nasal mucosa lined with sensory cells, responsible for olfactory capacity. ^two

Surrounding the fossae are the paranasal sinuses, adjacent cavities lined by epithelial tissue that can store mucus and air. ^two

Pharynx

The pharynx is a structure that connects the nasal cavities to the larynx, in the upper part of the esophagus. This set allows the passage of both air and ingested food, therefore serving the respiratory and digestive systems simultaneously. ^two

The part closest to the nasal duct is called the nasopharynx. Just below it is the oropharynx, a region that connects to the nostrils and oral cavity. Advancing these ducts, we reach the laryngopharynx, which is below the epiglottis and connects the esophagus, larynx and trachea. ^two

In addition to serving as connecting tissue between these areas, the pharynx acts as a resonance chamber for the sound produced in the vocal cords. ^two

Larynx

The larynx is a tubular structure located between the pharynx and the trachea. It is formed by plates of cartilaginous tissue, where more rigid structures are located, such as the thyroid gland. These pieces are connected to each other by fibroelastic connective tissue. ^two

This soft tissue is covered by a mucosa that constitutes the vocal folds, which move to allow the passage of air to form speech. The organ’s covering and shape are irregular and change slightly from one person to another, which makes each person have a unique voice. ^two

Trachea

The trachea is the continuation of the larynx, connecting it to the branches of the pulmonary bronchi. This duct is formed by a semi-rigid wall with four main layers: mucosa, submucosa, rings of hyaline cartilage and adventitia (connective tissue). ^two

The main function of the trachea is to keep the air passage in and out of the lungs open. Furthermore, the internal mucosa is capable of producing secretions that act as an additional barrier to prevent the entry of dust particles and foreign bodies. ^two

Finally, there are defense cells on the surface of the tracheal mucosa, composed mainly of lymphocytes, which help protect the airways from viruses and bacteria. ^two

Bronchi

At the end of the trachea, the duct divides into two main branches, which are the left and right primary bronchi. The structure of the respiratory mucosa in this part is similar to that of the trachea. However, as the ducts continue to divide, the secondary and tertiary bronchi develop new characteristics. ^two

Little by little the tissue becomes more elastic and loses the cartilaginous layer, until it reaches the bronchioles. ^two

Bronchioles

Bronchioles are the final branches of the bronchial tree, before reaching the pulmonary alveoli. They are about one millimeter in diameter and can be divided into terminal and respiratory bronchioles, the latter of which connect to the alveolar duct. ^two

Alveoli

Lung alveoli are small sacs made up of a very thin and elastic membrane. The grouping of these structures is called an alveolar sac. It is in this region that gas exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. ^two

Lungs

The lungs are two conical-shaped organs with a spongy structure, where the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli of the lower respiratory system are located. Each is divided into sections called lobes, with the right one having three and the left only two. This occurs because the left lung needs to share space in the rib cage with the heart, therefore it is smaller. ^two

 

Its elastic structure allows continuous expansion and contraction, so that the bronchial tree can inflate with inhaled air and relax with exhalation.  ^two

The lungs are lined by two layers of slippery membrane, called the parietal and visceral pleura. Between them there is a lubricating liquid, called interpleural, which allows one tissue to slide over the other during breathing ²

What are the main diseases that affect the respiratory system?

Among the main diseases of the respiratory system, we can highlight ¹ :

• asthma;
• sinusitis;
• pneumonia;
• the flu;
• cold;
• rhinitis;
• bronchitis;
• bronchiolitis;
• Covid-19;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Despite all the defense mechanisms that try to protect the airways, there are many health conditions that can affect it, whether they are caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens or other types of foreign bodies. ¹

Check out relevant information about each of these diseases below.

Asthma

Asthma, also known as asthmatic or allergic bronchitis, is a recurrent inflammation of the lung bronchi. It generally occurs after contact with an inhaled allergen, such as dust or pollen, responsible for triggering the allergic reaction. ³

The inflamed bronchi become dilated, irritated, sensitive and stiff. This scenario can cause partial obstruction, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and persistent cough , with or without phlegm. ³

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are around the nostrils. It can be caused by acute infections and chronic conditions. It is common for both sides of the face to be affected, but it can occur unilaterally depending on the cause. ⁴

The main symptoms of sinusitis are ⁴ :

• nasal congestion;
• runny nose;
• feeling of pressure on the face;
• headache;
• reduced olfactory capacity;
• difficulty breathing;
• fatigue;

Regarding the causes, sinusitis can be viral, bacterial or allergic. ⁴

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lung alveoli, which lose their flexibility and ability to inflate normally due to inflammation. This process impairs respiratory function and can severely impact the body’s oxygenation. ⁵

 

The symptom picture of pneumonia consists of ⁵ :

• High fever;
• persistent cough;
• chest pain;
• shortness of breathe;
• weakness, fatigue and lack of energy;
• wheezing;
• yellowish or greenish sputum.

In more serious cases, the lack of oxygen in the brain can cause mental confusion, in addition to secondary symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and general malaise. ⁵

Most of the time it is caused by bacteria that take advantage of the organism weakened by a previous infection. For example, pneumonia is one of the most worrying complications of flu cases, especially in the elderly. It can also be caused by viruses, fungi and even toxic substances. ⁵

The flu

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the Influenza virus. It is one of the most common viruses worldwide, as the pathogen has different variants and high mutagenic capacity, maintaining recurrent circulation. ⁶

Capable of affecting the entire respiratory system, from the upper tract to the lungs, it causes the following symptoms ⁶ :

• High fever;
• headache and body pain;
• runny nose ;
• nasal congestion;
• pain and inflammation in the throat;
• cough;
• reduction in smell and taste;
• fatigue and indisposition.

Cold

The cold is another respiratory virus that can only affect the conductive portion of the airways. It can be caused by more than 200 different types of viruses, with mild or moderate intensity in most cases. ⁷

Symptoms include ⁷ :

• blocked and runny nose;
• cough;
• headache;
• sore throat;
• tiredness;
• feeling of uneasiness.

Fever does not usually occur due to the common cold, except in children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity. Even so, the increase in temperature does not compare to that of more serious conditions, such as the flu. ⁷

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which may or may not be allergic. In the case of allergic rhinitis, the most common causes are: dust, pollen, mites, mold, fungi and animal hair. The non-allergic version cannot be linked to a single allergen or pathogen, although it usually occurs after a previous infection, such as a cold or flu. ⁸

The symptoms of rhinitis are ⁸ :

• nasal congestion;
• rhinorrhea (runny nose);
• nasal and eye itching.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the bronchioles, small internal branches of the lungs, where the pulmonary alveoli are located. The disease mainly affects babies and children under two years of age. ⁹

Symptoms are similar to those of a cold, including ⁹ :

• nasal discharge;
• cough;
• fever;
• short or difficult breathing;
• wheezing or whistling in the chest when inhaling.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, branching ducts of the trachea that spread throughout the lungs. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria and allergies, the inflammation affects the bronchial mucosa and prevents the absorption of excess mucus, causing a cough, most of the time productive, difficulty breathing, fever, chills and wheezing. ¹⁰

Covid-19

Covid-19 is a respiratory infection caused by Sars-Cov-2, also called new coronavirus. Responsible for the global pandemic from 2019 onwards, it has characteristics similar to the flu, such as ¹¹ :

• symptomatic picture;
• high transmission capacity;
• possibility of impacting the entire respiratory system;
• pathogen with high mutation capacity.

Several strains, variants of the virus, have been identified since the beginning of the pandemic. Classic symptoms of covid-19 include ¹¹ :

• fever;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• shortness of breathe;
• reduction in smell;

The risk of the disease progressing and causing complications is high, especially in the elderly, people with weakened immunity and patients with comorbidities. ¹¹

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a recurrent condition that causes narrowing of the airways, especially in the lung bronchi, which greatly impairs breathing and oxygenation of the body. ¹²

It can be caused by emphysema, chronic bronchitis and smoking. Furthermore, COPD increases the risk of serious complications in cases of acute respiratory infections, such as flu, covid or pneumonia. ¹²

How to prevent respiratory system diseases?

Prevention of respiratory diseases is important to preserve lung activity and prevent conditions that impair related vital functions. In this context, the main recommendations are ^{13 14} :

• take good care of personal and environmental hygiene;
• practice healthy habits to strengthen immunity;
• avoid smoking;
• take all vaccines;
• wear masks when necessary.

Personal and environmental hygiene

Concern for hygiene is one of the main measures to prevent diseases of the respiratory system, as it aims to combat the most common methods of transmitting pathogens and airborne allergens. ¹³

To do this, you must ¹³ :

• keep the environment clean and ventilated;
• carry out adequate maintenance of air conditioners and air conditioning units;
• disinfect shared surfaces and objects daily, such as switches, doorknobs, furniture and handrails;
• wash your hands well with soap and water, especially before meals;
• avoid touching your face without having clean hands;
• use alcohol gel to disinfect your hands when you cannot use soap and water;
• use the inside of your elbows to cover your face when coughing or sneezing.

Strengthening immunity

Strong immunity helps fight various pathogens and prevent infections. Good habits can strengthen the body’s defenses and reduce the incidence or intensity of certain diseases. In this case, you can adopt the following precautions ¹⁴ :

• practice physical activities regularly;
• invest in quality of sleep, sleeping around 8 hours per night;
• prioritize a natural, healthy and balanced diet;
• consume vitamin supplements to complement the diet, when necessary.

Fight against smoking

Tobacco is one of the biggest villains for the respiratory system, as it damages the mucous membranes of the airways and weakens the body’s defenses, leaving it vulnerable to chronic health problems and acute infections. ¹⁴

Quitting smoking is an essential measure for the health of the respiratory system. In addition to cigarettes, it is good to avoid cigarillos, pipes, hookahs and electronic cigarettes (vapes). ¹⁴

Vaccination

Being up to date with your vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent respiratory diseases. It is currently possible to find immunizations against certain types of flu, pneumonia and covid-19. ¹⁴

The flu vaccine is updated annually to combat the variants of the Influenza A and B virus that are most circulating each period. Public health immunization campaigns are aimed at higher risk groups, such as the elderly, children under five years of age, people with immunosuppressive diseases and chronic health problems. ¹⁴

The pneumonia vaccine is specific to the bacterial version of the disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , which is one of the most common causes of this condition. ¹⁴

The vaccine against Covid-19 was developed in record time during the pandemic and continues to be updated to combat the predominant strains of the disease. The public health network already offers the two initial doses plus two booster doses, which increase protection even among people who have been previously infected. ¹⁴

Furthermore, it is worth pointing out that keeping your vaccination card up to date also helps to prevent respiratory conditions. After all, this process preserves the immune system and avoids conditions that weaken the body’s defenses. ¹⁴

Thus, even without direct protection, immunizations reduce the frequency of conditions that harm health. ¹⁴

Use of masks

The use of masks was mandatory during much of the pandemic. It is currently optional in most cases. Despite this, it remains recommended to prevent the inhalation of airborne pathogens, not only coronavirus, but also Influenza, rhinovirus and many others. ¹⁴

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as sore throat, cough and runny nose, and need to leave the house or interact with other people, wearing a mask minimizes the chances of contaminating those around you. ¹⁴

Likewise, if you have to visit a person with these symptoms, you can put a mask on your face so you don’t run as much risk.

Benegrip Family

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Visit the official Benegrip Family page and find out more!

Conclusion

The respiratory system is extremely important for your health, as it is related to vital functions and activities of other organs, which depend on continuous gas exchange to keep cells at full steam.

It is made up of a series of ducts and structures that transport, condition and use oxygen to support cellular respiration and energy production, which generates carbon dioxide that must be eliminated when exhaling.

Your direct relationship with the environment around you, through inhaled air, puts you in constant exposure to pathogens, allergens and particles that threaten your health. There are many respiratory diseases that affect air flow and cell oxygenation, which can cause complications in other areas of the body, including severe consequences.

To avoid this risk, prevention is the best medicine. That’s why we recommend measures that minimize exposure and strengthen the immune system’s defense mechanisms.

This concludes the post. We hope you found the information useful in answering your questions and learning about the importance of the respiratory system. To the next!