åndedretts

Åndedretts is a Norwegian adjective relating to respiration and the structures or processes involved in breathing. In medical contexts, it prefixes terms that describe the respiratory system, organs, and functions, such as åndedrettsorganer (respiratory organs) and åndedrettssystemet (the respiratory system).

The respiratory system comprises the upper airways (nasal passages, pharynx, larynx), the lower airways (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles), and the lungs, which contain the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles drive ventilation, enabling air to flow in and out of the lungs.

Breathing involves two linked components: ventilation, the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs, and gas exchange, the transfer of oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of it. Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood, while carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction to be exhaled. Regulation is centralized in the brainstem, with chemoreceptors sensing blood gas levels and adjusting rate and depth of breathing via the autonomic nervous system.

Clinical relevance includes a range of conditions affecting the åndedretts system, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Diagnostic tools include spirometry, peak flow measurements, arterial blood gas analysis, and pulse oximetry. Treatments focus on relieving symptoms, improving airflow, and supporting gas exchange, through medications (bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories), oxygen therapy, and, in severe cases, mechanical ventilation.

Terminology notes: åndedretts is used to describe things pertaining to respiration in Norwegian, and is related to terms like respirasjon and respiratorisk in other languages.