What is the respiratory system made of?
The respiratory system it is the set of organs and structures that allow gaseous exchanges between the surrounding environment (charged with oxygen) and the human body (carbon dioxide). It consists of: n aso, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, pleura, bronchi and bronchioles. The bronchi are the ducts that allow and ensure the passage of air from the trachea to the bronchioles and pulmonary alveoli. The structure of the bronchi resembles the shape of a tree, which is why they are commonly referred to as the bronchial tree .
What are respiratory infections?
Respiratory infections are infectious disorders that affect the organs of the respiratory system.
They mainly affect young and old subjects. Symptoms depend on the agent responsible and which part of the respiratory system is affected.
What are the most common?
- Cold: This is the most common respiratory infection. It is a viral disorder associated with nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. These symptoms can also be linked to a sore throat, cough, headache and other minor annoyances, such as muscle aches and low fever.
- Pharyngitis: inflammation of the pharynx ( sore throat ). It manifests itself with a sense of burning and difficulty in swallowing; in some cases, fever and general malaise appear.
- Tracheitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the trachea, causes a sense of oppression and burning in the chest and behind the breastbone, wheezing, fever, general malaise and an initial dry cough that, over the days, becomes rich in phlegm .
- Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the bronchi. Bronchitis it can be acute or chronic , depending on the duration of the inflammatory state. The acute episode is usually caused by viruses and has a short duration. If the inflammation recurs and continues over time it is defined as chronic, in some cases attributable to smoking. Symptoms can be cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing and fever.
What are the "grandmother's remedies"?
- Cover up well on cold days, avoiding sudden changes in temperature.
- Eat lots of seasonal fruit . Preferring the one rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits.
What are the natural remedies?
The natural remedies useful for fighting respiratory tract infections are different, for example:
- Ribes nigrum , with anti-inflammatory action
- Echiancea , with immunostimulating properties
- Grapefruit seed extract , high in vitamin C, phenolic compounds
- Elderberry , has decongestant, anti-inflammatory and bronchial secretion stimulating properties
Furthermore, suffimiges enriched with nigella oil or with essential oils with expectorant activity can certainly be useful, such as:
- Eucalyptus : anti-inflammatory, expectorant, balsamic properties.
- Mint: balsamic, decongestant, anti-catarrhal properties.
- Lemon : antiseptic properties.