Healthy Lung
Alveoli
Alveoli in the lungs are where gas exchange occurs between the air breathed in and the blood. Here is where red blood cells release CO2 to be exhaled and exchange it for O2 to deliver to tissues in the body.
Bronchial Tree
The air breathed into the lungs travels through the bronchial tree to get to the alveoli for gas exchange.
Lungs
The lungs are the organ in the body that brings in O2 and exhales CO2. They are located in your chest, inside your rib cage.
Diseased Lung
COPD
COPD is a chronic lung disease where the barriers between the alveoli (parenchyma) break downs. This leads to the loss of alveoli and thus a decreased ability for gas exchange. One common symptom is shortness of breath.
Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory response in the lungs that closes off the bronchi and thus the ability to breathe. This chronic condition includes bronchi smooth muscle hypertrophy and increased mucus production which aids in closing off the bronchi.
Pneumonia
Alveoli in the lungs are where gas exchange occurs between the air breathed in and the blood. Here is where red blood cells release CO2 to be exhaled and exchange it for O2 to deliver to tissues in the body.
Lung Treatment
COPD -> Alveoli
In normal lung, acetylcholine signaling activates muscarinic receptors to promote bronchoconstriction and mucus production. In an attempt to increase bronchodilation and decrease mucus production, the long-acting antimuscarinic tiotropium can be used to treat COPD symptoms.
Asthma -> Bronchi
Bronchi smooth muscle hypertrophy occurs in asthma which aids in closing off the bronchi, which prevents breathing. Beta 2 receptors promote bronchodilator, so patients can be treated with the beta 2 receptor agonist, albuterol, for acute asthma attacks.
Pneumonia -> Lungs
Bacterial-induced pneumonia can be treated with the antibiotic azithromycin. It is important to note that antibiotics will have no effect on viral-induced pneumonia.
