Respiratory Diseases that Affect your Health

The respiratory system consists of:

1. The nose and the air sinuses.
2. The pharynx and tonsils.
3. The larynx (voice box) and trachea.
4. The lungs which include the bronchial tubes and the air sacs.

The common colds are caused by a group of very small micro-organisms called viruses. The symptoms are dryness of the nose and throat, followed by sneezing, blocking of the nose, and watery discharge which later becomes thicker.

If colds are not taken care of they can cause trouble in the air sinuses and infection of the inner ear. Colds can spread downwards into the lungs, causing bronchitis and even pneumonia.

A person “catches” cold more easily if he has not been obeying the laws of health. Plenty of sleep, plenty of fresh air, sufficient exercise, and eating a balanced diet will protect you against colds. Getting over tired and getting chilled will make you more susceptible to colds.

Lemon, oranges and tomatoes all contain vitamin C which helps to ward off colds. If there is a fever, the patient should stay in bed. She/he should drink plenty of water and fruit juices. A hot foot bath will often help. If the cold does not go away in a few days, or if there is a high fever, or a deep chest cough, it is best to see a doctor.

If you have a cold, prevent its spread to others by:
1. Covering your mouth with a handkerchief or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing.
2. Not leaving handkerchief or paper tissues lying around after they have been used.
3. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or handling food for others.
4. Not sleeping near others, or where ventilation is not good.

Situated inside the throat on both sides, are two glands known as tonsils. The tonsils and the adenoids act as watch dogs of the body to warn of infection. Of cause even good watch dogs can be overpowered and killed: This can also happen to the tonsils. Infection in this gland is called tonsillitis. The gland becomes swollen and red, and may have white patches on them. It is difficult and painful to swallow. There is a fever and a headache. Quite often there are repeated attacks of those sour throats.

Same as the common cold obey the laws of health and keep your body in the best conditions possible. A physician should be consulted and treatment received as soon as possible, because repeated attacks of tonsillitis will cause other troubles and can damage the heart and kidneys. The doctor may suggest that the tonsils be taken out, if they are affecting the general health.

The word pneumonia means an inflammation or infection of the lungs. This may be caused by many different kinds of germs. The symptoms are fever, pain in the chest, and cough. Usually in pneumonia, the disease starts suddenly and the patient quickly becomes very ill. He complains of pain in his chest and coughs often, sometimes coughing up small amounts of blood.