Respiratory Trouble

Bacteria are one-celled living things. They can live in the respiratory system. Bacteria cause respiratory sicknesses, such as bronchitis. Viruses can take over cells in the respiratory system and make a person sick. For example, you can catch a cold or flu virus. Respiratory illnesses are also caused by low tidal volume. One such illness is asthma. Asthma makes the airways narrow. It keeps enough air from reaching the lungs.

Smoking also causes respiratory problems. When people smoke, they breathe unsafe matter into their lungs. This destroys the walls of the alveolar sacs.

The different parts of the respiratory system work together to keep the body breathing and healthy.View Larger Image

© Bo Veisland, Mi & I/Photo Researchers, Inc.