Understanding how our lungs work can be tricky. Here’s a simpler look at some of the challenges they face when it comes to breathing:
Alveolar Surface Area: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs. A large surface area helps us take in more oxygen and push out carbon dioxide. But if someone has a lung disease, this area can shrink, making it harder for the body to get enough oxygen.
Ventilation-Perfusion Mismatch: This is a fancy way of saying that the air flow and blood flow in the lungs aren’t working well together. If there’s a problem here, it can lead to lower oxygen levels in the blood.
Diffusion Barriers: Sometimes, the walls of the alveoli can get thicker because of a condition called fibrosis. When that happens, it becomes harder for gases to move in and out of the lungs. This slows down the breathing process.
To help with these problems, doctors may suggest treatments that focus on improving how air flows in and out of the lungs. This can help reduce swelling and improve how we exchange gases, making it easier to breathe.
Understanding how our lungs work can be tricky. Here’s a simpler look at some of the challenges they face when it comes to breathing:
Alveolar Surface Area: Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs. A large surface area helps us take in more oxygen and push out carbon dioxide. But if someone has a lung disease, this area can shrink, making it harder for the body to get enough oxygen.
Ventilation-Perfusion Mismatch: This is a fancy way of saying that the air flow and blood flow in the lungs aren’t working well together. If there’s a problem here, it can lead to lower oxygen levels in the blood.
Diffusion Barriers: Sometimes, the walls of the alveoli can get thicker because of a condition called fibrosis. When that happens, it becomes harder for gases to move in and out of the lungs. This slows down the breathing process.
To help with these problems, doctors may suggest treatments that focus on improving how air flows in and out of the lungs. This can help reduce swelling and improve how we exchange gases, making it easier to breathe.