The average total lung capacity of an adult human male is about 6 litres of air. Tidal breathing is normal, resting breathing; the tidal volume is the volume of air that is inhaled or exhaled in only a single such breath.

What was the FEV1 (%) at the initial radius of 5.00 mm? The FEV1 at the initial radius was 73.9%.

Why is it impossible to further exhale the RV (that is, where is this air volume trapped, and why is it trapped?) This “dead space” of air needs to stay in your lungs constantly; otherwise the lung will completely deflate. If the lung has every bit of air sucked out of it, it will collapse and need to be re-inflated.

Lung capacity or total lung capacity (TLC) is the volume of air in the lungs upon the maximum effort of inspiration. Among healthy adults, the average lung capacity is about 6 liters. Age, gender, body composition, and ethnicity are factors affecting the different ranges of lung capacity among individuals.

Extra air is necessary for our lungs because it keep our lungs from collapsing and becoming useless. This extra air is called as residual volume.

In humans, a pair of lungs are designed in such a way that they are lined by a thin membrane, the smaller tubes called bronchioles a balloon-like structure called alveoli and a network of blood capillaries increase the surface area for the exchange of gases.

The alveoli are the sites of gas exchange; they are located at the terminal regions of the lung and are attached to the respiratory bronchioles. The acinus is the structure in the lung where gas exchange occurs. The sac-like structure of the alveoli increases their surface area.

Terms in this set (5)

• Pulmonary Ventilation. Movement of air in and out of the lungs passage (Thorax and Diaphragm).
• External Respiration. Exchange of gases between air and blood at pulmonary capillaries (Alveoli).
• Transport of gases through blood vessels.
• Internal Respiration.
• Cellular Respiration.

Three processes are essential for the transfer of oxygen from the outside air to the blood flowing through the lungs: ventilation, diffusion, and perfusion.

The alveoli are where the lungs and the blood exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide during the process of breathing in and breathing out. Oxygen breathed in from the air passes through the alveoli and into the blood and travels to the tissues throughout the body.

There is new hope for heavy smokers, people with asthma and those with chronic lung scarring. Stem cells have been discovered that rapidly rebuild alveoli, the tiny air sacs in lungs – a finding that could herald new treatments for people with damaged lungs.

Here are some ways to keep your lungs healthy.

1. Don’t Smoke.
2. Avoid Exposure to Indoor Pollutants That Can Damage Your Lungs.
3. Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution.
4. Prevent Infection.
5. Get Regular Check-ups.
6. Exercise.

In emphysema, the inner walls of the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli) are damaged, causing them to eventually rupture. This creates one larger air space instead of many small ones and reduces the surface area available for gas exchange. Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of emphysema?

• Frequent coughing or wheezing.
• A cough that produces a lot mucus.
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity.
• A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
• Tightness in your chest.

Lung diseases affecting your alveoli include:

• Pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis Pneumonia that slowly gets worse, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Emphysema.
• Pulmonary edema.
• Lung cancer.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Pneumoconiosis.

What are the four stages of COPD?

• Stage I: Mild COPD.
• Stage II: Moderate COPD.
• Stage III: Severe COPD.
• Stage IV: Very severe COPD.

Mild COPD or Stage 1—Mild COPD with a FEV1 about 80 percent or more of normal. Moderate COPD or Stage 2—Moderate COPD with a FEV1 between 50 and 80 percent of normal. Severe COPD or Stage 3—Severe emphysema with a FEV1 between 30 and 50 percent of normal.

People with COPD may notice their cough and breathing improve within 1 to 9 months. When people quits moking, they experience the following bodily changes, according to the Canadian Lung Association: After 8 hours of being smoke-free, carbon monoxide levels are half those of a smoker.

Most patients with COPD demonstrate mild disease. The cornerstone of management of mild disease is smoking cessation, which is the only proven intervention to relieve symptoms, modify its natural history and reduce mortality. For asymptomatic patients, it is the only required therapy.

Temperature and weather can cause COPD symptoms to worsen. Cold, dry air or hot air can trigger a flare-up. According to a study, temperature extremes, below freezing and above 90°F (32°C), are particularly dangerous. Add in other factors, such as wind and humidity, and the risk of a COPD flare-up increases.

Your COPD can make you feel even more tired. Get regular sleep every night and your body will have the energy it needs to work, despite your COPD. If you still feel tired after getting eight hours of sleep each night, talk with your doctor. You may have obstructive sleep apnea, which is common among people with COPD.

The most common combination inhalers used in COPD have two long-acting bronchodilators (LABA + LAMA): Umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta) Tiotropium/olodaterol (Stiolto) Glycopyrrolate/formoterol (Bevespi)

Signs of a COPD Flare-up Fever. Scratchy throat or other signs of a cold. Coughing up more mucus than usual, or it turns green, tan, or bloody. Swollen ankles.

The following are signs that may indicate that a person’s COPD is getting worse.

• Increased Shortness of Breath.
• Wheezing.
• Changes in Phlegm.
• Worsening Cough.
• Fatigue and Muscle Weakness.
• Edema.
• Feeling Groggy When You Wake Up.