Diseases that affect the human breathing system- Grade 5

The human breathing system is affected by many diseases. They include:

1. Tuberculosis (TB)

Is a disease that affects the breathing system. It mainly affects the lungs. TB is caused by bacteria. It spreads from one person to another through sneezing, coughing or spitting.

Signs and symptoms of TB

1. Night sweats

2. Coughing up blood

3. Unintentional weight loss

4. Coughing that last for three or more weeks

5. Chest pain or pain when breathing or coughing

Prevention of TB                 

1. Staying dust free, well-ventilated rooms

2. Vaccinating infants

3. Covering the mouth when sneezing

4. Wearing a mask in public if you are already infected

5. An infected person should finish his or her entire course of medication

2. Pneumonia

Is caused by germs such as bacteria and viruses. It can also be called fungi.

Signs and symptoms of Pneumonia

1. Chest pains when breathing or coughing

2. Cough that may produce mucus

3. Sweating and shaking

4. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

5. Fatigue

6. Shortness of breath

7. Fever

Prevention of Pneumonia

1. Vaccination against pneumonia

2. Keeping immune system strong

3. Practicing good hygiene

4. Not smoking Colds

Colds are caused by a virus. The virus affects the nose and the throat.

Children under the age of six years are at greatest risk of getting it.

Signs and symptoms

1. Running or stuffy nose

2. Congestion in the nose

3. Sneezing

4. Mild fever and generally feeling unwell

5. Sore throat and cough Mildhead.

Prevention of colds

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.

2. Disinfecting items

3. Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing

4. Avoid sharing utensils

Asthma

Is a disease that narrows and swells the airways in the lungs, producing extra mucus.

This makes breathing difficult. Being exposed to substances such as pollen, dust mites, infections such as common cold, cold air, pollutants such as smoke, strong emotions and some kinds of medications can cause asthma.

Signs and symptoms of asthma

1. Shortness of breath

2. Chest pains

3. A whistling sound when breathing out Prevention of asthma

4. Getting vaccinated for influenza na pneumonia

5. Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers

6. Monitoring your breathing

7. Treating early attacks

8. Taking medication as prescribed by the doctor.

9. Carefully following your medication plan.

Coughs

Can be caused by smoke exposure, infections, asthma and presence of mucus in the throat.

Signs and symptoms

1. Frequent throat clearing and sore throat

2. Wheezing and shortness of breath

3. Persistent coughing

4. Running nose

5. Hoarse voice

Prevention of coughs

1. Avoiding smoke particles and dusty places

2. Avoiding smoking

3. Drinking a lot of water

4. Avoiding unhealthy surroundings and crowded places

Influenza

• It is commonly called the flu. It is caused by a virus. The flu is transmitted through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks.

Signs and symptoms of influenza

1. A high fever

2. Chills and sweats

3. Dry and persistent cough

4. Nose congestions

5. Aching muscles

6. Headache

7. Fatigue and weakness

8. Sore throat

Prevention of influenza

• Yearly flu vacation for any person who is six months old and above.

• Thorough and frequent hand-washing

• Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing Avoiding crowds during peak flu season.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID - 19)

• COVID-19 is a disease of the breathing system. It is caused by a virus, known as coronavirus. The virus looks like a round ball with a spiky crown.

• When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets are spread into the air. These droplets contain the virus.

• One can get infected if he or she touches a surface with the virus. The virus enters a person’s system if one touches their nose, eyes or mouth

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19

1. Fever

2. Dry cough

3. Sore throat

4. Headache

5. Tiredness

6. Loss of taste or smell

Prevention of COVID-119

1. Wash your hands well frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and running water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer.

2. Use a handkerchief or tissue when sneezing or coughing. If you do not have one, sneeze or cough into your elbow.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

4. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects.

5. During an outbreak, stay home. If you need to go out put on the right face mask

6.  During an outbreak, keep social distance of about 2 metres from other people

7. If you feel sick, tell your parents or guardians. You will be taken to see a doctor. You will be put on treatment.