Why do lungs collapse?

Why do lungs collapse?

Air is a vital element that stimulates the person to breathe. This process is called ventilation. In ventilation, also known as breathing, the function of the respiratory system, particularly the lungs, is enhanced and the mechanism for any person to breathe is regulated. Air is a mixture of several gases and oxygen is the most essential element that man need to survive. The lungs and the rest of the respiratory ensures that the amount of air breathe in is adequate enough to meet the demands of the body.

The lungs are one of the most vital organs in the body. It is in the lungs that exchanges of oxygen and carbon dioxide occur as well as diffusion of oxygen to the bloodstream. The ability of the lungs to normally expand and collapse is essential in maintaining normal body mechanisms. Once the lungs are injured, its ability to expand and recoil maybe gravely affected depending on the extent of injury. In cases where there are obstructions with the absorption of gases, fluids in the lung are evident or changes in the detergent-like agent that reduces the surface tension, called surfactant, occurs, the lungs have the great tendency to collapse and not expand again. This condition is called atelectasis. Other instances that may cause the lungs to permanently collapse are presence of tumors in the lungs, trauma to the thorax, infections, and other underlying conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis. Even shallow respirations were found to be one of the causes why lungs collapse. Although not fully understood, it is said to collapse the lungs because of the increasing tension within the lungs that occurs when one exhibits shallow respirations.

Lungs are significantly needed for every person to breathe and live. Without it, no person would live.