Human Respiratory System
Primary 6 · Science and Elementary Technology
Human Respiratory System
Lesson 4 of 5
15 min
Let's begin
Habimana's grandfather has smoked cigarettes for forty years. Every morning he coughs for a long time and gets out of breath climbing the hill to the market.
"Is Grandpa's cough the same as a cold?" Habimana wonders. Today you will learn about the main diseases of the respiratory system and how to prevent them.
| Disease | Cause | Signs | Prevention and care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuberculosis (TB) | Bacteria that spread through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes | Cough lasting more than two weeks, sometimes with blood; fever; sweating at night; losing weight | BCG vaccine for babies; ventilated rooms; covering coughs; early testing. TB can be cured if the medicine is taken every day for about six months. In Rwanda, TB testing and treatment are free at health centres. |
| Pneumonia | Bacteria or viruses that infect the lungs; the alveoli fill with fluid | Fast or difficult breathing; fever; cough; chest pain | Vaccines; good food; warm clothes in cold weather; clean air; quick treatment at the health centre |
| Bronchitis | The lining of the bronchi swells, because of germs or smoke and dust | Cough with mucus; wheezing; tiredness | Avoid smoke and dust; never smoke; cover coughs |
| Asthma | The airways swell and narrow when something triggers them, such as dust, smoke, pollen, cold air or animal fur | Wheezing (a whistling sound), tight chest, coughing, shortness of breath | Asthma is not catching. A doctor may give an inhaler; the person avoids their triggers. |
| Lung cancer | Mostly smoking; also badly polluted air | A cough that will not go away; chest pain; losing weight | Never smoke; avoid smoky air |
TB and pneumonia are caused by germs, so they can pass from person to person. Asthma and lung cancer cannot be caught from someone else, so there is no reason to keep away from a person who has them.
Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals. Three of the worst are:
Smoking can cause lung cancer, bronchitis, heart disease, a cough that never ends, bad breath and stained teeth, and it wastes money. Passive smoking means breathing in other people's smoke. It harms everyone nearby, especially children. That is why Rwanda's law does not allow smoking in public places.
If someone offers you a cigarette, you can say: "No thanks, I want strong lungs for football." Then walk away and choose friends who respect your choice.
Tip
Germs or not?
TB and pneumonia come from germs, so they can spread. Asthma and lung cancer do not come from germs, so you cannot catch them.
For smoking, remember N-T-C: Nicotine hooks you, Tar clogs you, Carbon monoxide steals your oxygen.
Try each one on your own first, then tap Show answer to check.
Which disease has these signs: a cough for more than two weeks, sweating at night and losing weight?
Answer: Tuberculosis (TB).
Can you catch asthma from a classmate?
Answer: No. Asthma is not caused by germs, so it does not spread.
Which substance in tobacco makes people addicted?
Answer: Nicotine.
Ishimwe's uncle smokes inside the house next to the children. Is this harmful to the children? Explain.
Answer: Yes. The children breathe in his smoke (passive smoking), which can damage their lungs and cause illness.
Give two ways to prevent TB.
Answer: Any two: BCG vaccine, open windows, cover coughs, early testing and treatment of sick people.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Quick check
Match each disease to what happens or what causes it.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
