When you take in oxygen, the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs begin to contract. This event causes the chest cavity and the lungs to expand. At the same time, the pressure inside the lungs become lower than the pressure in the external environment. In this case, the air flows into the lungs and causes them to be filled with oxygen.

Smoking can cause the following respiratory problems:

1. Pneumonia: This disease is characterized by the inflammation of the lungs due to infection.
2. Bronchitis: This disease is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchi due to exposure to smoke and other pollutants.
3. Emphysema: This disease damages the walls alveoli over time.
4. Tuberculosis: This infection causes nodules to form in the lungs, which later on damage the surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.
5. Lung cancer: This is a type of cancer that begins to spread in the lungs.

Washing our hands with soap regularly would cause bacteria, viruses, germs, and other harmful pathogens to be rinsed away. In this way, once our hands get in contact with our nose and mouth, diseases and infections in the respiratory system can be prevented.

External respiration refers to the process wherein the oxygen flows from the lungs, then into the bloodstream. In turn, the carbon dioxide goes from the blood, then into the lungs.

On the other hand, internal respiration is a process that involves the movement of oxygen from the blood then into the cells, whereas the carbon dioxide moves from the cells then into the blood.

When encouraging your friend to stop smoking, you must remember that you must offer support and encouragement. However, you should also respect that your friend is the one in charge of her lifestyle change.

One way to convince them to quit smoking is to have a positive conversation that would remind her of the harm smoking would cause to their health. It is crucial that she understands that it is not only an unhealthy habit that affects her but also to the people around them. Avoid inducing fear or making berating remarks to your friend.

Let her know that you can get what they need, such as providing activities that would keep their mind off smoking, giving candies and other snacks that they can munch on, and helping with a few chores that would lighten the stress that they feel while on the process of quitting smoking.

A sample dialogue that encourages a family member to consider the negative effect of bicycling in major streets during rush hour is shown below:

You: It is good that you are using your bicycle when going to work. It is good for the environment. However, those streets during rush hour contain the worst amount of pollutants in the air. Are you aware of the harmful effects it may bring to your health?

Family member: No, I am not sure how it can affect me. I look totally fine. My body does not seem to show any health issues.

You: Then, let me explain it further. Whenever you inhale the air pollutants, it may affect your respiratory system and cause respiratory diseases.

Family member: How does it happen?

You: As you inhale these pollutants, they may irritate and damage your cells and tissues in your respiratory organs. This would cause them to become inflamed and cause difficulty in breathing. In worst cases, you may develop sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and emphysema.

Family member: Really? I should have known that a long time ago. Gee, thanks for letting me know.

You: You are welcome. You should really start taking care of your lungs.

A sample dialogue that encourages a family member to consider the negative effect of bicycling in major streets during rush hour is shown below:

You: It is good that you are using your bicycle when going to work. It is good for the environment. However, those streets during rush hour contain the worst amount of pollutants in the air. Are you aware of the harmful effects it may bring to your health?

Family member: No, I am not sure how it can affect me. I look totally fine. My body does not seem to show any health issues. (Click to see the full solution)

Breathing occurs when oxygen is inhaled into the body through the nose and mouth. The air travels into the trachea, then into the lungs. Then, once oxygen is absorbed by the cells, carbon dioxide is released. Carbon dioxide is diffused into the lung capillaries and exhaled out of the body.