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
As we exercise, our muscles contract, consuming more oxygen and producing more carbon dioxide than usual. To satisfy this increase in consumption of oxygen, our respiratory system works harder, increasing our respiratory rate.
2. Moderate exercise
As said in number one, our respiratory system works harder to satisfy the increase in oxygen consumption. In moderate exercise, the increase is due mainly to the increase in the depth of breathing.
3. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
As you ascend to higher altitudes, the air pressure and oxygen levels drop. As a result, the respiratory rate increases to compensate for the lowering of oxygen levels.
4. Paralysis of phrenic nerve
The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, which is essential for the contraction of the diaphragm. Without the diaphragm, the lungs would not be able to work properly, thus causing respiratory difficulty.
5. Severe anemia
Anemia happens when there is a lack of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying blood cells) in the blood. With a deficiency of oxygen in the different organs in the body, the person hyperventilates as their body's constant effort to restore oxygen levels back to normal.
10. Advanced pregnancy
Most mothers experience difficulty in breathing due to hormonal changes and the uterus increasing in size due to the baby compressing abdominal organs up against the diaphragm.
Sources:
Anemia disrupts respiratory system activity. Biron. (n.d.). https://www.biron.com/en/education-center/specialist-advice/anemia-breathing/
Finlay, J. (2020, March 11). Breathing changes during pregnancy. Julia Finlay Osteopath. https://www.juliafinlayosteopath.co.uk/blog/breathing-changes-during-pregnancy
Phrenic nerve paralysis treatment in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles Nerve Institute. (n.d.). https://www.losangelesnerve.com/conditions/trunk/phrenic-nerve-paralysis/
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of anatomy & physiology. Fifteenth edition; Wiley Loose-Leaf Print Companion. Hoboken, New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.