Respiratory Function and the Effects on Smokers, Non Smokers, and Asthmatic People - Lab Report Example

“The respiratory system helps regulate the balance of acid and base in tissues, a process crucial for the normal functioning of cells. It protects the body against disease-causing organisms and toxic substances inhaled with air”. (Encarta 2005)

            Using several instruments and random sampling methods for smokers, non-smokers, and asthmatic persons, the respondents are being measured with their adult lung volumes using a spirometer. The peak expiratory flow rate is also measures as well as the respondent's vital capacity using a lithograph.

INTRODUCTION

            The aim of this practice is to introduce the student to measuring human lung volumes, together with observing the control of respiration. Respiration refers to the overall gaseous exchange between the atmosphere, blood, and body cells. In this context, respiration is taken to mean the movement of air into (inspiration) and out of (expiration) of the lungs. More accurately, inspiration and expiration are termed ventilation. An inspiration followed by expiration is called one respiration. The number of respirations per minute gives the respiratory rate (RR). A healthy adult averages a respiratory rate of between 12 to 18 respirations per minute. During this respiratory process, various amounts of air are exchanged between the lungs and the atmosphere. These amounts of air are referred to as lung volumes, which can be recorded using a spirometer, or a peak flow meter which is a measuring instrument used to know the vital capacity of the lungs.

            Respiration is controlled by the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Chemoreceptors within the arterial system detect CO2 levels and this information is relayed via afferent nerves to the central nervous system. High CO2 levels in the blood (hypercapnia) lead to increased respiratory rates (hyperventilation). Low CO2 levels (hypocapnia) leads to respiration rates that are slow and shallow. This is termed hypoventilation.

            Spirometric tests and peak expiratory flow are the tests used primarily to assess lung function (Laszlo 1991, p311). There are many other tests involved in assessing lung function, some of which will be undertaken during this practical session, along with consideration of the homeostatic control of respiration.

METHODOLOGY

            This study is conducted randomly by examining smokers, nonsmokers, and asthmatics. Vitalograph and spirometer are the instruments used to measure the Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, and Peak Expiratory Flow, and Vital capacity of the respondents.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Effects on smokers and nonsmokers:

            In checking the inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume, normally, the volume of air that comes out is almost similar to what a person exhales.  It was observed that both women who are nonsmokers have low readings in Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, and Peak Expiratory Flow.

            Table 3 shows the result of each person’s Predicted PEF, Vitalograph PEF, and Peak flow rate. Rob is the youngest attained the highest measurement of the three key result areas.

When the respondents were checked with regards to the amount of poison that they are carrying from their blood, it was expected and observed that nonsmokers have lesser findings compared to smokers. Significantly, the presence of poison that is circulating from the blood of non-smokers may come from other elements other than smoking.

After measuring the amount of air that is expired by the respondent after one complete inspiration, it is observed that nonsmokers also have a lower rate of vital capacity compared to smokers. Vital capacity also has a relation with the age of a person. As observed in the graph, Rob has the highest rate of vital capacity compared to others. Rob is only 19 years old compared to other respondents who are from 23-27 years old. It is also noted that Elyse, a non-smoker and is 27 years old had the lowest vital capacity.

            There are 6 asthmatic persons, who are randomly taken with samples in identifying the rate of vital capacity, the Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, and Peak Expiratory Flow. 3 of them, Jasmine, Anita, and James are in their late teenage stage or early 20’s. These 3 persons are the youngest among the group and it was observed that these three have the highest VC, FVC, FEV, and PEF measures. These indicated closely that these four factors are affected in relation to the age of the respondent.