What are the functions and conditions of the lungs?

From the Guidelines

The lungs are vital organs responsible for gas exchange, and their proper functioning is crucial for maintaining overall health and quality of life. The structure and function of the lungs are complex, involving the processes of growth and development, as well as the mechanisms and effects of diseases, as highlighted in the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement 1.

Key Aspects of Lung Function

• The lungs are located in the chest cavity, protected by the ribcage, with the right lung having three lobes and the left lung having two lobes to accommodate the heart.
• When we breathe in, air travels through the trachea, which branches into bronchi, then smaller bronchioles, and finally into millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli.
• These alveoli are surrounded by capillaries where oxygen from inhaled air passes into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide moves from the blood into the lungs to be exhaled.

Importance of Lung Health

Maintaining lung health is essential for preventing diseases and ensuring overall well-being, as emphasized by the need for standards in quantitative assessment of lung structure 1.

• Avoiding smoking and minimizing exposure to air pollutants are critical for lung health.
• Regular exercise and practicing good respiratory hygiene to prevent infections are also vital.
• Healthy lungs have a pinkish color and spongy texture, with an adult pair weighing about 2.5 pounds and containing approximately 1,500 miles of airways.

From the FDA Drug Label

The prime action of beta-adrenergic drugs is to stimulate adenyl cyclase, the enzyme which catalyzes the formation of cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In vitro studies and in vivo pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that albuterol has a preferential effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors compared with isoproterenol. While it is recognized that beta2-adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, data indicate that 10% to 50% of the beta-receptors in the human heart may be beta2-receptors Albuterol has been shown in most controlled clinical trials to have more effect on the respiratory tract in the form of bronchial smooth muscle relaxation than isoproterenol at comparable doses while producing fewer cardiovascular effects

The lungs are affected by albuterol through bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, which is a result of the drug's preferential effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors. This leads to improvement in pulmonary function, as measured by FEV1. The effects of albuterol on the lungs are rapid, with most patients exhibiting an onset of improvement within 5 minutes. The maximum average improvement in pulmonary function usually occurs at approximately 1 hour following inhalation of albuterol, and clinically significant improvement can continue for 3 to 4 hours in most patients 2.

From the Research

Lungs and Respiratory System

• The lungs are a critical part of the respiratory system, and various studies have investigated ways to improve lung function and reduce exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3, 4, 5.
• Azithromycin has been shown to be effective in reducing treatment failure and improving pulmonary function in patients with COPD 3, 4, 5.
• A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that azithromycin reduced treatment failure by 27% in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD requiring hospitalization 3.
• Another study published in the American Journal of Translational Research found that azithromycin improved clinical effects and pulmonary function in patients with COPD and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis in the stable phase 4.
• Long-term azithromycin therapy has also been shown to reduce acute exacerbations in patients with severe COPD 5.

Assessment and Examination of the Respiratory System

• A comprehensive assessment of the respiratory system is crucial in identifying patients at risk of deterioration and initiating appropriate interventions 6, 7.
• The airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) approach to patient assessment is essential in evaluating the respiratory system 7.
• Nurses should possess core critical care skills, including respiratory assessment, to identify problems early and initiate specific interventions to improve patient outcomes 7.
• Clinical decision-making tools and evidence-based practice can support clinical diagnosis and reduce the risk of omitting serious illness 6.