The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1940-01-20
The PEOPLES HEALT
By Samuel g. Pavlo, MD.
RESPIRATION

L
diseases of the respiratory organs,
and believe knowledge of the physi-
ology of respiration will greatly help
in understanding of these illnesses.
All living things require oxygen for
the essential chemical changes in the
tissue cells. This oxygen is acquired
by the living organism from the sur
rounding atmosphere. The process of
gaseous interchange between the liv-
ing thing and the environment is
called respiration. In men the process
of respiration serves to introduce oxy-
gen from the air into the lungs in
exchange of carbon dioxide from the
lungs to the exterior.
The organs of respiration are in
their order: the nose, pharynx larynx,
trachea, the bronchial trees 1.-TWO in
number) and two lungs. The latter
two organs are placed in the chest.
The air enters both nostrils where
the rich vascular mucous membrane
warns it and the fine hair filters it
from impurities. 1t then travels
through the throat (pharyng and
larynx) passes on through the wind
pipe (trachea) and the bronchi into
the lungs. The actual exchange of
the air takes place in the little sack
of the lungs, the alveoli.
The baby while in the uterus of the
mother does not breath. The first act
of breathing takes place when the
baby's head and face appear outside
the mother during childbirth. This
usually happens with the first cry of
the baby and that is why the attend
ant occasionally slaps the baby to
make the newborn cry. From then on
the process of respiration consisting
of an inspiratory and exploratory
phase continue throughout life. The
number of respirations in healthy in
dividuals is between 16 and 10 per
minute. In some diseases, such as
pneumonia, active lung tuberculosis,
ETC.; it may be as high as 35, 40 and
more per minute.
In the process of respiration the
lungs play passive role. They do not
draw the outside air in, neither do they
eXhale the air. When the muscles of
the chest expand it, the capacity of
the lungs increases and inspiration
occurs. The opposite process takes
place during expiration. The expan-
sion and contraction of the chest boun-
diaries resemble the action of bellows.
This understanding of the process
of respiration is utilized in treating
tuberculosis when only one lung is
involved. The removal of the ribs
with muscular excelsior of the affected
side stops the respiratory movement
of the lung and puts it at rest, giving
it chance to heal.
Cough is natures process of expell-
ing foreign material from the lower
respiratory tree. When cough is not
due to irritation alone but serves to
eXpell foreign material Ia productive
cough it is very beneficial. 1t should
be encouraged by medication which
loosen up the secretions and are
coughed out.
1t is interesting to learn that the
quantity of air drawn into and ex-
PEELED from the lungs in ordinary
respiration is only 1-8 of that which
can be inhaled and exhaled during
deep breathing. From this, it is quite
evident how exercise which deepen
respiration and help to prevent keep
ing stagnant air in the lungs, is ar
important factor in prevention of lung
diseases.
Taking 1915 deep breaths morning
and evening, with the mouth closed
before an open window is of great
benefit in the process of publication
of the air in the lungs.