The Nature of Science 11.5 The respiratory system and health
Science in Society 1. An inherited and environmental factor that affects the respiratory system – asthma
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways. A person suffering from asthma has very sensitive airways which react to cold air or substances like dust. This reaction causes the muscles around the airways to tighten which makes the airways narrower. The lining of the airways becomes swollen and produces mucus. This makes it difficult for the air to flow in and out. Asthma affects over 470,000 people in Ireland. A person can develop asthma at any stage in their lives, but the likelihood is greater if a family member has asthma.
Symptom Free
Muscle layer in walls of airways
Lining of the airways
Fig. 10 Asthma is a condition that affects the airways.
Make a presentation about asthma. Consider the following factors: What are believed to be the main causes/triggers of asthma? How does this disorder affect the airways? What are the symptoms of this disorder? How does this affect the patient? What is the treatment for asthma?
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Science in Society 2. A lifestyle factor that affects the respiratory system – smoking
There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke. Many of these chemicals cause cancers of the mouth, lungs and other body organs. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer.
Research the effects of smoking on the respiratory system and other body systems. Consider the following questions: What are the most toxic chemicals found in cigarettes? Besides lung cancer, what other respiratory diseases can be caused by smoking? In what specific part of the respiratory system does lung cancer usually begin? What are the effects of inhaling second-hand smoke?
