Instructions: 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)
Initiation of exercise
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Initiation of exercise increases muscle respiration to cope up with the body’s demand for more oxygen to execute strenuous body movement.
Moderate exercise
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Muscles move a lot during exercise which causes the body to use more oxygen. Respiratory rate increases to make more oxygen.
Asthma attack
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During an asthma attack, airways are filled with mucus and bronchial tubes become narrow which makes it hard for the air sacs to function properly.
Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
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At high altitudes, the oxygen content in blood is reduced. This leads to breathing instability.
Pneumonia
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With pneumonia, alveoli are inflamed and filled with fluid. This decreases the oxygen level in the body which results in increased respiratory rate as a coping mechanism.
Paralysis of phrenic nerve
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Phrenic nerve enables the diaphragm to inflate and deflate. Paralysis of phrenic nerves disrupt the functioning diaphragm which leads to shortness of breath and other breathing problems.
Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
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Chest pain and shortness of breath are the common symptoms of tuberculosis due to buildup of fluids between the pleura.
Severe anemia
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Severe anemia lowers the hemoglobin count in the body which leads to inadequate oxygen level. The respiratory system becomes exhausted from trying to compensate for the oxygen deficiency of the body.
Advanced COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
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COPD causes the airways to lose their ability to stretch and shrink back. It also destroys the walls between air sacs leading to reduced air flow.
Advanced pregnancy
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During pregnancy, lung volume and chest wall changes as a result for diaphragm elevation. Pregnancy also increases the demand for oxygen.