Pulmonalen

Pulmonalen is an adjective and noun relating to the lungs, the organs responsible for breathing. In medical use, pulmonal describes structures, diseases, and processes connected with the respiratory system. The term appears in several languages, with closest equivalents in English as pulmonary and in Latin as pulmonalis.

Anatomy: The lungs are paired organs in the thoracic cavity, protected by the rib cage and the pleura. The right lung has three lobes, the left two. The airway tree begins with the trachea, dividing into bronchi and finer bronchioles, and ends in alveolar sacs where gas exchange occurs. Blood reaches the lungs via the pulmonary arteries and returns via the pulmonary veins.

Physiology: The primary function is gas exchange: oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into blood, while carbon dioxide moves from blood to be exhaled. Ventilation and perfusion must be matched for efficient exchange. Alveoli provide a large surface area; diffusion depends on membrane thickness and blood flow.

Clinical relevance: Pulmonalen disorders include COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. Symptoms commonly involve cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Diagnosis uses spirometry, DLCO, arterial blood gas, chest radiography, CT, and sometimes MRI.

Treatment and management: depends on diagnosis; bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, oxygen therapy, and vaccination reduce complications. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise tolerance. Severe cases may require mechanical ventilation or surgical interventions such as lobectomy or transplantation.

Development and prevention: Lungs develop in utero; prematurity increases risk of respiratory distress. Risk factors for pulmonalen diseases include tobacco smoke exposure, air pollution, and occupational inhalants. Prevention focuses on smoking cessation, vaccination, air quality, and protective equipment.