Common Homeostatic Imbalances of the Respiratory System

Cleft Palate
Cleft lip is the failure of bones forming a palate (partition) to fuse medially. It results in breathing difficulty and problems with oral cavity function such as chewing and speaking.

Rhinitis
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Excessive mucus produced results in nasal congestion and postnasal drip. It is caused by the cold virus and various allergens.

Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is caused the inflamed and swollen pharyngeal tonsil. This obstructs the nasal pharynx and forces mouth breathing. In mouth breathing, air is not properly moistened, warmed, or filtered before reaching lungs.

Heimlich Maneuver
The Heimlich Maneuver is a procedure in which air in a person’s lungs is used to expel obstructive objects. It is a relief for choking. Tracheal obstruction is life-threatening because through the trachea is the only way air can enter the lungs.

Effects of Smoking
Smoking inhibits ciliary activity and therefore destroys the cilia. Coughing is now the only way to prevent mucus from accumulating in the lungs.

Wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound, caused by diseased respiratory tissue, mucus or pus producing abnormal sounds.

Lung Cancer
One cigarette alone increases heart rate, disrupts the flow of air in the lungs, and affects one’s brain and mood. Long term effects of smoking include atherosclerosis, heart disease, strokes, cataracts, and osteoporosis.
Smoking overwhelms sticky mucus and action of cilia from protecting the lungs from chemical and biological irritants
Smoking slows movement of cilia.

Asthma
Asthma is caused by chronically inflamed, hypertensive bronchial passages that respond to any irritants, including dust mite, dog dander, and fungi.