Answer Happy

Just Breathe… As anyone with COPD, a severe COVID-19 infection,or asthma will tell you, we often take breathing for granted. Thesimple action of bringing oxygen into the bloodstream and removingcarbon dioxide is such an integral part of our metabolic processthat issues that impact the lungs often cause catastrophic problemsin other parts of the body such as acidosis which can cause organsto shut down or others to work over maximum capacity. There are avariety of different respiratory disorders with some being genetic,like cystic fibrosis, and others being infectious as with COVID-19.Still, we need to remember the basics of the anatomy and physiologyof the respiratory system to understand how respiratory disordersoccur and impact quality and quantity of life. For example, we havethe upper respiratory tract, composed of the nose, throat, andmouth above the larynx or voice box. This is the site oftonsilitis, many of the common colds, and sinusitis. These areoften less dangerous and easy to treat. But once we start talkingabout the lower respiratory tract including the trachea, bronchi,bronchioles, and alveoli, we start to see an impact on the abilityto bring oxygen into the body and get carbon dioxide out. And itshould be noted that these are two distinct problems. Oftenpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) willreceive forced air oxygen in their lungs, but not only to pushoxygen into the collapsing alveoli, but to also give an avenue fortoxic carbon dioxide to get out. Respiratory disorders do notimpact everyone equally either. People living in poverty are morelikely to have COPD, asthma, or be exposed to toxins, pollution,and infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB). A common cold toone person can result in pneumonia and bronchitis in another basedsolely on their immune status and the conditions in which they liveand work. It does not mean the affluent are immune to respiratorydisorders. No, it is more that we need to understand the burden weput on our poorer communities when it comes to respiratoryillnesses. Let us explore an example of this in this week’s casestudy. Complete all questions below. Use your textbook and internetresources to formulate complete and detailed answers. Avoid directquotes, instead paraphrasing your content to show a deeperunderstanding of the material and scenario presented. Case Study:Alonso is a migrant worker who has been in the United States for 6months. He has been doing odd jobs, one of which has been cleaningchicken houses. While he is waiting for official citizenshippapers, he has been unable to obtain permanent housing. He went tothe health department when he could not stop coughing. He has lostten pounds in the last month and just does not feel well.