The lung is prone to many infections and other deadly diseases such as cancers, etc. These are the results of injuries, causing varying degrees of impediments to the transfer of nerve impulses from the brain. Improved surgical techniques repairing of spinal injuries is a respite, indeed. Listed below are some of the types of respiratory disorders that can affect people:

Types of respiratory disorders
Respiratory muscle paralysis can occur if the spinal cord is severed or seriously damaged in the neck (cervical) or the chest (thoracic) region.

Poliomyelitis, a viral infection that destroys neurons, can affect the respiratory center and motor neuron that control the respiratory muscles. Universal vaccination against poliomyelitis has eradicated this scourge. Another cause for failure of respiratory muscle is the respiratory center being affected by anesthetics and central nervous system depressants when taken in large doses.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB), another the scourge of humanity, has steadfastly refused to yield to human endeavors to solve it. Of course, these endeavors did not get the cooperation of humanity they deserved for one reason or the other. The 18th century and early 19th century saw an outbreak of TB in Europe and North America. It was in 1882 that German microbiologist Robert Koch discovered that the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis’ as the root cause of this scourge. Subsequent developments of vaccines and effective drugs gave rise to the hope this will be eradicated.
However, it did reappear in 80s and by 93 it was declared a global emergency by WHO.

Appearance of HIV complicated matters. HIV incapacitates the immune system and the weakened system cannot fight the TB. The treatment is long drawn and needs to be undergone without disruption. Add to this malnutrition and poor hygiene in less developed countries, and it did not help matters. Consequently, the TB bacteria developed resistance to the drugs and it has come that the patients have to take a combination of the appropriate drugs till it is cured, a tall order for many in the less developed countries.

Inclusion of the tuberculosis vaccine BCG during childhood has greatly helped in prevention and early detection. Greater awareness and monitoring has helped in ensuring proper and completion of the treatment especially in the economically and educationally societies. Cheaper drugs, simpler and shorter treatment regimens and closer monitoring and enforcement will be a great help.