1. Initiation of exercise
As we start to exercise, our respiratory system starts to increase more oxygen intake and our cardiovascular system starts to pump more blood so as to prepare for the strenuous activity that will occur. While doing so, our sympathetic nervous system also stimulates.
2. Moderate exercise
During an exercise, our body requires more oxygen since our muscles use more energy when performing the activities and the gas that’s produced by our muscles is carbon dioxide therefore we breathe more when moving since we are in need of consumption of oxygen and releasing of carbon dioxide. Through these actions, we can observe that there is a gas exchange happening in the respiratory system.
3. Asthma attack
During an asthma attack, airways become inflamed and swollen. Furthermore, the airways will produce more mucus therefore exacerbating the passageway of air making it difficult for the person to breathe and may even cause episodes.
4. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
As the altitude increases, oxygen becomes thinner hence, at ascending higher altitudes, the reduced oxygen intake in the blood creates breathing instability and rapid and deep breathing are most commonly seen in order for the individual to have adequate oxygen supply.
5. Pneumonia
Is a lung infection that has been caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses and when a person is infected with pneumonia, the alveoli (air sacs) is inflammed filled with pus or fluid hence, it would be difficult for oxygen to enter through the bloodstream.
6. Paralysis to Phrenic Nerve
May lead to a weakness or paralysis in the diaphragm. When the diaphragm is unable to contract, there is insufficient exchange in air resulting in shortness of breath.
7. Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
The purpose of Macrophages is to patrol and kill foreign pathogens inside the body as well as eliminate dead cells. Severe tuberculosis is caused by mycobacterium entering the body resulting in destruction of macrophages. When this happens, there would be a destruction of immune cells which causes scars of tissues in the lungs or more commonly known as Fibrosis
8. Severe anemia
Anemic happens when there is a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. With this, low levels of blood prevents sufficient oxygen to transfer from the different parts of the body, therefore, our lungs overcompensate so that it can bring more oxygen into the body. This action causes difficulty in breathing which is why a symptom of an anemic person is hyperventilation.
9. advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Is a group of diseases that causes blockage in the flow of air in the lungs. Furthermore, the tissue in which oxygen is exchanged in the lungs is destroyed which is why there is insufficient flow of air
10. Advanced pregnancy
Many physical changes due to a growing fetus may occur in the respiratory tract when a woman is pregnant. Some of the most common may include upward movement of diaphragm, reduced lung capacity, and increased oxygen use which may cause shortness of breath.
Source: Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. (2019). Stanfordchildrens.org. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=the-lungs-in-pregnancy-90-P02468
Your lungs - an asthma attack - HSE. (2021). Hse.gov.uk. https://www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/lungs.htm#:~:text=During%20an%20asthma%20attack%20the,actually%20block%20the%20smaller%20airways.
San, T., Polat, S., Cingi, C., Eskiizmir, G., Oghan, F., & Cakir, B. (2013). Effects of High Altitude on Sleep and Respiratory System and Theirs Adaptations. The Scientific World Journal, 2013, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/241569
Learn About Pneumonia. (2022). Lung.org; https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/learn-about-pneumonia#:~:text=The%20infection%20causes%20the%20lungs,%2C%20chills%2C%20and%20trouble%20breathing.
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=When%20you’re%20healthy%2C%20abundant,oxygen%20from%20reaching%20the%20brain.