Briefly explain the main cause or mechanism of increase in respiratory rate or depth and/or respiratory difficulties in the following cases: (one to two sentences only)
1. Initiation of exercise
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When we initiate exercise, our body needs oxygen which is transported by blood to our lungs. As a result of the neurological modifications that took place, which then sent various impulses to the dorsal respiratory group, our breathing rate will increase.
2. Moderate exercise
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As the workout gets intense, the rate of our respiration will increase as well. Thus, our body needs more oxygen to supply the muscles and blood that are active during the workout.
3. Asthma attack
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During asthma attacks, the muscles around the airways constrict, generating mucus that causes the bronchial tubes to tighten up, resulting in the inflammation and swelling of the airways.
4. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
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High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) occurs when excess fluid builds up in our lungs, which causes breathing problems even at rest. Feeling weak and fatigue are common symptoms.
5. Pneumonia
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The formation of fluid in the membranes in the chest cavity would make it more difficult for the affected person to breathe. The primary cause may be an infection that causes the lungs' air sacs to become fluid or pus-filled.
6. Paralysis of phrenic nerve
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This disorder causes the diaphragm to become weak, which significantly reduces lung capacity. As a result, it will be aggravating for the patient to control both their breathing and gas exchange.
7. Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
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This condition is commonly known as pulmonary fibrosis since a tissue in the lung is damaged. A patient with this condition will usually experience shortness of breath as well as lung damage that can not be repaired.
8. Severe anemia
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Lack of red blood cells (RBC) makes it difficult for the body's different organs to receive enough oxygen. Because of this, the lungs will overcompensate in order to take in more oxygen, which will cause breathing difficulties.
9. Advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
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This condition constricts the airflow of the lungs as well as tissue destruction. The forced expiratory volume is reduced by the inflammatory response and airway blockage, while airflow restriction and decreased gas exchange are brought on by tissue damage.
10. Advanced pregnancy
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Pregnant women experience breathing difficulties as a result of the diaphragm's resting position shifting 5 cm upward as the pregnancy progresses.
References:
Agarwal, A. (2022, August 8). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - StatPearls. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559281/
Altitude Sickness: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention. (2020, September 23). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15111-altitude-sickness
Asthma attack - Symptoms and causes. (2021, October 1). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20354268
Nazario, B. (2021, September 20). Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-pneumonia-basics
Paralyzed Diaphragm. (n.d.). Cedars-Sinai. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/paralyzed-diaphragm.html
Pulmonary fibrosis - Symptoms and causes. (2018, March 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353690
Respiratory physiology of pregnancy - PMC. (n.d.). NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818213/
10 Symptoms of Anemia You Shouldn’t Ignore. (2020, July 24). Texas Medical Institute. https://www.texasmedicalinstitute.com/10-symptoms-of-anemia-you-shouldnt-ignore/