History of the lungs: what is it like, how does it work?

 History of the lungs: what is it like, how does it work?

Lung damage from minor infections or injuries can heal on its own, but damage from smoking, pollution or chronic diseases can be permanent.

The lungs are the main part of our respiratory system and work to deliver oxygen to the body and expel carbon dioxide.

How many breaths do you take in a minute? In seconds? Hardly counted. How long can you live without breathing? You have hardly inquired about this.

Because inhaling and exhaling is an automatic process, for which you do not need to make any extra effort. But what if that breath stopped suddenly? You definitely have the answer.

Not only is it essential for life, the lungs play a vital role in taking in and releasing oxygen, which is needed every moment.

The lungs, spread out in a soft sponge-like structure inside the chest, supply oxygen to the body and give it energy and expel toxic carbon dioxide.

What role does the lungs play in the continuous process from taking in oxygen to taking out carbon dioxide? Why are two lungs necessary? How much damage does smoking cause?

What is the function of the lungs and how is its structure?

Lungs are the main part of our respiratory system. It is made of soft and flexible tissue like a sponge and surrounds the heart inside the chest. The outer part of the lung has a thin membrane that protects it. It is divided into two parts: the right lung has three parts, 'upper, middle and lower'. There are two 'upper and lower' in the left lung. The left lung is slightly smaller because the heart occupies more space on the left side.

The respiratory system starts from the nose or mouth. Air enters the trachea through the throat. Then it is divided into two parts. The air we inhale enters separately for the right and left lungs. After reaching the lungs, the trachea divides 23 times like a branch of a tree and reaches into small tubes and ends by reaching the alveoli (air sacs).

Alveoli are thin membranous tissues like grape clusters, around which the blood vessels from the heart are spread like a spider's web. An adult person has 300 million to 600 million alveoli.

If the lung is fully expanded, its surface area is about 70-100 square meters, the size of a tennis court. The weight of the lungs is 1 to 1.2 kg. The right one is a bit bigger and heavier. Lungs are the only part of the body, which can float in water, because it is always filled with air. Even after breathing out completely, about 1 liter of air remains in it.

What is its main function?

The main function of the lungs is to deliver oxygen to the body and expel carbon dioxide, which is called gas exchange. This is possible through the thin membrane between the alveoli and the blood vessels.

Oxygen is absorbed from the outside air and enters the circulatory system and provides energy by reaching the various cells of the body. Likewise, carbon dioxide, a poisonous gas produced by the body's organs, enters the alveoli through the blood vessels and is expelled when exhaling. This process continues. The lungs also filter the air, which protects the body from infection.

It produces phlegm which traps dust, germs and pollutants and expels them when coughed out. We breathe 8,000 to 9,000 liters of air every day, but the body uses only 5 percent of the oxygen from this air. The lungs are closely connected to the heart, so heart problems can also affect the lungs.

Why do humans have two lungs? What happens if one lung is damaged?

The main reason for having two lungs is to balance and protect the body. Both lungs work separately but they support each other. If one lung develops a problem, such as cancer or infection, the other carries the burden of both, which helps save lives. It makes it easier to live in harmony with the heart and other organs.

Even if one lung is completely removed, the person can still live, but not at full capacity. A damaged lung can cause problems such as infection, blistering or bleeding, and its infection can spread to the other lung because there is no barrier between the two.

Pollution or other external factors affect both equally, but some diseases can affect only one side. If the damaged lung causes too much trouble, it may need to be surgically removed.

How do the lungs take in and expel air?

The process of taking air is called respiration, which consists of two stages - 'inhalation' to draw air in and 'exhalation' to throw air out. This process is controlled by the brain and happens 12-20 times per minute.

During inhalation, air from the nose or mouth passes through the throat, passes through the trachea, divides into bronchi, and reaches the alveoli through the small tubes of the lungs. The diaphragm muscle moves down and expands the space in the chest, which draws air in. One breath takes in about half a liter of air.

On exhalation, the diaphragm rises, the chest narrows and air is expelled from the lungs. This process is also called ventilation. It is affected in chronic lung diseases, which is called respiratory failure. Sudden problems such as: food stuck in the trachea or tumors can also affect it.

If the lungs are damaged, there is a possibility of recovery or not? How does smoking affect it?

The likelihood of lung damage depends on the type and level of damage. The lungs have some capacity to regenerate. It can heal on its own from minor infections or injuries, such as damage from the flu or pneumonia that can heal over time if treated and rested. But serious damage from smoking, pollution or chronic diseases such as COPD, fibrosis or cancer can be permanent and may not fully recover. In such cases, medical treatment, medication or surgery may be necessary.

Smoking is harmful to the lungs. It damages the hairs and membranes of the airways, making it easier for dust, smoke or viruses to enter the lungs. This increases the risk of pneumonia or other infections. Smokers' lungs are black/brown, inflamed and damaged. However, quitting smoking has a positive effect on the lungs. The lungs have various defense mechanisms, such as nasal hairs, which are damaged by smoking and are largely repaired after quitting.

Although not completely restored, the risk of infection decreases and health improves. Quitting smoking at any age up to 90 years is beneficial. A healthy lifestyle, exercise and avoiding pollution increase the chances of recovery, but this depends on individual health. If there is a problem, it is better to consult a doctor.

What are the main problems that appear in the lungs? And how to maintain lung health?

Lung problems such as cold, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, chest pain, respiratory tract problems and coughing or wheezing. In the long term, pneumonia, lung infection, asthma, lung fibrosis and lung cancer are the main ones. Lung infections, asthma and cancer are more common in Nepal. As diseases like asthma increase, lung capacity decreases, which affects daily life.

Lung health depends on daily air quality, diet and lifestyle. Healthy lungs are pink in color. To keep it healthy, you should stop smoking completely, do regular exercise which increases lung capacity.

To avoid pollution, wear a mask, take clean air, eat a balanced diet and drink enough water. If you have trouble breathing, cough or chest pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. Since the lungs are connected to the heart and other organs, it is necessary to pay attention to overall health.