1) Initiation of exercise
- As one begins to exercise, our body from a resting state becomes more active. Consequently, there is an increase in respiratory rate (pulmonary ventilation) and the heart pumps more oxygenated blood to our muscles to cope with it.
2) Moderate exercise
- There will be an increase in oxygen usage and carbon dioxide production during moderate exercise, requiring more energy for the muscles to function correctly. Therefore, an increased respiratory rate would be observed in the exchange of gases during pulmonary ventilation.
3) Asthma attack
- Asthma attacks are described as the constriction of the muscles that surround the bronchial tubes, making it difficult for pulmonary ventilation to take place.
4) Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
- As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner causing a decrease in oxygen pressure. With this, the body's response is to hyperventilate to compensate for the lack of oxygen absorbed by the body.
5) Pneumonia
- Pneumonia is described as an acute infection or inflammation of the alveoli caused by damaging toxins released by certain microbes. These toxins fill the alveoli with fluid, causing difficulty breathing.
6) Paralysis of phrenic nerve
- The phrenic nerve is responsible for the contraction of the diaphragm during pulmonary ventilation. Paralysis of the phrenic nerve can cause diaphragm paralysis and may result in shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms.
7) Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
- Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue can cause decreased compliance of the lungs. Decreased compliance of the lungs can result in the resistance of the lungs and chest wall to stretch.
8) Severe anemia
- Anemia occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Patients with severe anemia experience hyperventilation and increased heartbeat due to their bodies' efforts to restore oxygen levels to normal.
9) Advanced COPD
- In the advanced stages of COPD, the tissue where oxygen is exchanged is destroyed. This may cause increased breathing because there is an excess amount of carbon dioxide in the lungs to be eliminated.
10) Advanced pregnancy
- During the latter weeks of pregnancy, the increased size and positioning of the uterus may affect neighboring organs like the diaphragm and lungs.
1) Initiation of exercise
- As one begins to exercise, our body from a resting state becomes more active. As a consequence, the heart pumps more oxygenated blood to our muscles to cope with an increase in pulmonary ventilation.