A. ACTIVITY
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
Our body needs oxygen to make energy, thus the respiratory rate increases to conform to the body's metabolic needs, or the need for oxygen.
2. Moderate exercise
As exercise intensity increases, our body's need for energy increases. Consequently, the respiratory rate increases as well as it detects the demand for more oxygen .
3. Asthma attack
During an asthma attack, our airways get inflamed and swollen, coupled with our airways contracting, as well as mucus buildup, our airways are narrowed down.
4. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
Since the air in higher altitudes has lower levels of oxygen, our body has not yet adjusted to that condition. An abrupt ascent will cause our body to increase respiratory rate because of the lower levels of oxygen that we receive from the air in higher altitudes.
5. Pneumonia
Due to the inflamed alveoli, as well as the fluid build up, oxygen has a hard time getting into the bloodstream.
6. Paralysis of phrenic nerve
The phrenic nerve is one that controls the diaphragm, and the paralysis of this nerve, causes the body to not be able to control our breathing. Which means we are not inhaling nor exhaling air.
7. Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
With severe tuberculosis, the airways are much smaller, which causes an increase in air velocity and displacement in our body. The scarring then causes the lungs to be less elastic than normal, which means that less oxygen is being taken.
8. Severe anemia
When one has sever anemia, there is an overcompensation in the lungs, to be able to get more oxygen. The low levels of hemoglobin also hinders oxygen reaching to their brain.
9. advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
This disease lessens the elasticity and the ability of the airways and air sacs in the lungs to shrink, therefore, lessens the amount of oxygen being absorbed.
10. Advanced pregnancy
The fetus in a pregnant woman, takes space in the body, especially near the diaphragm. This causes pressure to be placed on the diaphragm, making it hard to breath and take in the normal amount of air.
REFERENCES
Asthma attack - Symptoms and causes. (2021). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20354268
Phrenic Nerve: Anatomy & Function. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22270-phrenic-nerve#:~:text=Your%20phrenic%20nerves%20are%20critical,of%20breath%20and%20sleep%20problems.
Why Do Some Pregnant Women Have Trouble Breathing? (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth. (2016). Kidshealth.org. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents
10 Symptoms of Anemia You Shouldn’t Ignore | Texas Medical Institute. (2020, July 24). Texas Medical Institute. https://www.texasmedicalinstitute.com/10-symptoms-of-anemia-you-shouldnt-ignore/#:~:text=With%20anemia%2C%20the%20lungs%20overcompensate,oxygen%20from%20reaching%20the%20brain.