1. Initiation of Exercise
- Exercise increases oxygen demand, which is the main cause of an increase in respiratory rate and depth because the body has to supply more oxygen to active muscles.
2. Moderate Exercise
- Increased respiratory rate and depth are mostly brought on by the necessity to exhale excess carbon dioxide produced by muscle action while maintaining healthy blood gas levels during moderate exercise.
3. Abrupt Ascent into High Altitudes
- Due to the progressive decrease in barometric pressure and oxygen pressure at high altitudes, the human body experiences respiratory difficulties. As a result, the body produces several crucial physiological reactions that help to cope with hypoxia and ensure that tissues receive enough oxygen.
4. Paralysis of the Phrenic Nerve
- When the phrenic nerve, which regulates the diaphragm's contraction and relaxation, is paralyzed, it might affect breathing because the diaphragm cannot function properly, reducing lung ventilation and resulting in shallow breathing.
5. Severe Anemia
- The body tries to compensate for the blood's reduced ability to carry oxygen by increasing the depth and rate of respiration to provide more oxygen to tissues, but this causes breathing problems in people with severe anemia.
6. Advanced Pregnancy
- In advanced pregnancy, the diaphragm's ability to move may be restricted by the developing uterus, leading to breathing problems. Respiratory rate and depth can increase because of the growing fetus's increased demand for oxygen.
References
Bhutta, B. S., Alghoula, F., & Berim, I. (2022). Hypoxia. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482316/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Phrenic Nerve: Anatomy & Function. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22270-phrenic-nerve
Cogo, A. (2011). The lung at high altitude. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine, 6(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-6958-6-1-14
James, A. (2023, July 17). Responses of The Respiratory System to Stress. Teach Me Physiology. https://teachmephysiology.com/respiratory-system/regulation/responses-respiratory-system-stress/#:~:text=During%20exercise%2C%20the%20gas%20exchange
Lepage, R. (n.d.). Anemia disrupts respiratory system activity. Biron. https://www.biron.com/en/education-center/specialist-advice/anemia-breathing/
LoMauro, A., & Aliverti, A. (2015). Respiratory physiology of pregnancy. Breathe, 11(4), 297–301. https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.008615
Patel, S., & Majmundar, S. H. (2022). Physiology, Carbon Dioxide Retention. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482456/
Sheff, B. (2016). Your lungs and exercise. Breathe, 12(1), 97–100. https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.elf121