The Human Body: Living Proof of Evolution

In this article, I will briefly mention the amazing wonders of the human body with respect to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Many ailments can or may be attributed to the processes of the human body. However, OSA is a common sleep apnea not often spoken of but why not shed some light on this topic?

Most of us are aware of the idea that the human body is a complex machine. Many different systems work in a perfect symphony to allow us to do everything we need to in our daily lives. From walking to talking, every action is the result of impulses that are sent through our bodies to the appropriate organs or nerves in order to get things done. Even breathing, our respiratory system is one of many organ systems that work to help keep us going. The Respiratory System is one of the body’s systems that consist of a series of organs, such as the pharynx, nasal cavity, trachea, and etc. that is responsible for taking in oxygen and dismissing carbon dioxide. The main organs of the respiratory system are the lungs. They absorb oxygen and push out carbon dioxide when we breathe. Red blood cells (also known as erythrocytes) assemble the oxygen from the lungs and carry it to certain parts of the body where it is needed. During that course of action, the erythrocytes gather the carbon dioxide and transport it back to the lungs where it leaves the body when exhaled.

           Within every body system there is a chance to develop disorders. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition involving the respiratory system. Some symptoms include snoring, fatigue or sleepiness during the day, headaches in the morning, and so on. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that results in the breathing of a child repeatedly stopping and starting during their sleep. While the children are asleep, the airway has either become narrowed, locked, or droopy. The tonsils or adenoids are involved in this disorder. Tonsils are part of the lymph system and are two small tissues in the throat that entraps germs or bacteria that we breathe in. Adenoids on the other hand, are also formed from similar tissues to that which makes up the tonsils and their function is to help defend the body from infection. Adenoids also contain antibodies that work to prevent and fight off throat and lung illnesses. Infections can cause these tissues to enlarge which is the most common cause and when that happens, the swollen adenoids can entirely block the nasal route and make the children’s breathing extremely complicated and, in the worst possible cases, impossible.

           The condition is treated in children and adults in three different ways. The first step is by surgical removal in both variables. Surgical removal consists of getting rid of the tonsils and adenoids. It is typically recommended and is usually successful. Other means of treatment that can often be successful if surgery is ineffective are called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure), and VPAP (variable positive airway pressure). These positive airway pressures are machines that people who are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea utilize. It has been said that these machines have had a tremendous amount of helpful results on those with OSA. The last step is the healing of oral faculties. The commonly used item resembles a mouth guard and is worn by the person during their sleep. It is sometimes uncomfortable at first but once it becomes a habit, the person becomes more at ease. The overall point of the item is to help keep the airway open during sleep, thus stopping snoring when sleeping.

           Every system in the human body has its own strengths and weaknesses. Each system can be damaged. The most harmful thing we can consciously choose to do to our respiratory system is smoking. Smoking is the practice of inhaling poisonous substances from cigarettes that can limit the ability of the body to function normally. A persistent cough may develop by long term smokers called a chronic cough (colloquially known as a smoker’s cough) in which symptoms prevail for a period of time greater than two to three weeks. The main cause of the cough is a term called Bronchectasis and the purpose of that is to inform the smoker that they run a higher risk of harmful respiratory illnesses because the structures in their body are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, which can eventually lead to more health hazards. The important parts in the body are not protecting against, nor removing detrimental bacteria throughout the body. Now, the human respiratory system is an amazing thing and with the right diet and exercise, the lungs can become more efficient which allows us greater endurance in the day-to-day activities. A side-by-side comparison of a smoker's lung and a nonsmoker's lung shows us that nonsmoker's lungs are better, stronger, and overall, more attractive than smoker's lungs. Non-smokers are less likely to develop the cough because they are not inhaling any unhealthy materials.

            Our lungs are integral to our ability to speak and sing. A professional singer might make it look like anyone can just stand up and sing like they do, but it can take years training their voice and strengthening their lungs so they can hit all the different notes. Singers employ a variety of skills in their craft, including a precise control of their breathing when they need to hold long notes during their songs, so there must be some muscles that help control their breathing. The intercostal muscles are the main muscles responsible. They are located in between the rib cage and they play an important role in those singers doing their best. Another of the most important muscles involved in singing and voice control is the diaphragm. Along with the rest of the abdominal muscles, it gives the professional singers the ability to sing while breathing and holding and a note simultaneously. This also comes in handy for other kinds of musicians, if they play an instrument that is powered by lungs. Music would be a vastly different landscape if humanity did not have control over their breathing. The diaphragm is a muscle that functions as the primary muscle for respiration and plays a very important role in the breathing process. It also separates the lower organs from the heart and lungs.

           People who are serious about running need to have their lungs in great shape. It would be impossible to run 26.2 miles if the lungs ran out of steam before completing the first mile. Running a good marathon requires a good set of lungs as much as it requires a strong set of legs. The most dedicated runners will often train on mountains or at higher elevations so they can strengthen their lungs and increase the distance they can get while using less oxygen.

           Many systems, one machine. Maybe that describes a computer or a maybe it describes the working relationship between the different branches in a major company, but it also describes the human body. Our respiratory system is one of many working throughout our body, and it enacts one of the most important processes that humans need for life. Treated well, our lungs will work perfectly with other systems to help provide essential oxygen to our brains which will help keep our motors running throughout our lives. However, nothing can stay strong indefinitely if it is treated poorly. Our respiratory system is not invincible, it needs us to be a careful overseer, and a mindful steward and in turn it will take good care of us.

           There are things we can do to avoid long term damage or potentially life-threatening illnesses. It's obvious we should take care of ourselves, do the right things for our bodies such as avoiding smoking or people who smoke, eating healthy food, and getting the right exercise. Not everything has a preventable or foreseeable cause, there are many reasons why a person might get Obstructive Sleep Apnea such as age, body shape, tonsil size or a few other causes. Given these variances in cause, Sleep Apnea is more treatable than preventable, but the best course of action is still clear: If we do the best we can to take care of ourselves, our bodies will do the best that they can to take care of us. We won't always be able to see everything coming, and there are always possibilities for a surprise, but as long as we do our best, then our bodies will be the strongest and most well-equipped to handle and fight off any challenges that might occur during the course of our lives.