The characteristics of a healthy respiratory system depend on the general health of each structure involved, as well as the sufficient functioning of the system as a whole. The respiratory system is responsible for accumulating and transferring gases in and out of the body, without which humans could not survive. For this reason, maintaining a healthy respiratory system is of the utmost importance in sustaining life.
There are dozens of anatomical structures involved in the complexities of gas transfer, but to understand the respiratory system, it is easier to describe a few key players. The mouth and nose are the connections of this system with the outside world. People obtain the oxygen necessary for cellular life and emit poisonous metabolic byproducts through interaction with the environment. After the gas enters the nose and mouth, it is transferred to the lungs, where small sacs called alveoli fill with this rich air. Gas transfer takes place in these vascular sacs, where oxygen enters the blood, through which it will reach the organs, cells and tissues of the body, while carbon dioxide is expelled to the lungs for exhalation to the environment.
If any of these basic structures are damaged, then it is difficult to maintain a healthy respiratory system. There can be numerous factors that contribute to the degradation of these structures, including smoke inhalation and genetic disorders. A number of chronic problems, such as cystic fibrosis, affect the respiratory system, often in life-threatening ways. A more common compromise of a healthy respiratory system is asthma, which causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes (tubes that connect the mouth to the lungs) and other structures important for breathing.
Smoke inhalation, through intentional or secondary measures, can also be detrimental to a healthy respiratory system. This can cause a variety of negative conditions, including the very deadly lung cancer. Steps should also be taken to improve respiratory health, such as choosing a healthy environment, refraining from smoking, and exercising regularly.
Choosing a healthy environment can help improve air quality, which over time contributes to healthy gas exchange. Quitting or never starting smoking can also help develop a healthy respiratory system. This is easier said than done; however, there are several therapeutic and pharmacological mechanisms available to help smokers stop this harmful habit. Exercise can also improve the cardiovascular system in ways that increase the efficiency of gas exchange. There are also specialists who are available to consult on maintaining a healthy respiratory system.