1. Initiation of exercise
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The main cause of increase in breathing at the start of an exercise is due to neural changes. These neural changes such as anticipation of the exercise give off impulses to the dorsal respiratory group of the medullary respiratory center in the medulla which increases the breathing rate.
2. Moderate exercise
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During moderate exercises, there is a gradual increase in breathing and this is because of chemical and physical changes in the bloodstream. A change that may cause this is the increased CO2 production which increases the partial pressure of CO2 because of the contraction of muscle fibers during the exercise.
3. Asthma attack
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The cause of asthma attacks are triggers which obstructs or collapses the airways that result in an increase in airway resistance. These triggers are allergens for example, pollen, exercise, and inhalation of cigarette smoke.
4. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
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Atmospheric pressure decreases and it also affects the pressure of oxygen at high altitudes. Therefore, as altitude increases, the pressure of oxygen decreases resulting in a decrease in speed of oxygen diffusion in the blood.
5. Pneumonia
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Commonly, pneumococcal bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is the cause of pneumonia which releases toxins that damage alveoli and bronchial mucous membranes. The inflammation results in the alveoli filling with fluid which restricts proper gas exchange.
6. Advanced pregnancy
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Advanced pregnancy inhibits proper descent of the diaphragm. Proper contraction of the diaphragm is important for breathing as it affects the breathing of the individual since it is responsible for the air that enters the lungs.
7. Paralysis of phrenic nerve
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The diaphragm is affected by the paralysis of the phrenic nerve as it is innervated by these nerves. These nerves are used to communicate between the neurons of the DRG and the diaphragm and without it or having it damaged, an individual will experience shortness of breath.
8. Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis and it creates the lung scar tissue. The lung scar tissue decreases compliance and does not expand easily therefore increasing surface tension, and restricts breathing.
9. Severe anemia
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Anemia reduces O2 transport to cells because there is a little number of hemoglobin in the blood. Therefore, due to the inability to carry normal CO2, there will be an increase in breathing.
10. advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
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advanced COPD obstructs the airflow in the lungs therefore increasing airway resistance. Moreover, COPD is commonly caused by cigarette or breathing of second hand smoke therefore chronically obstructing airflow in the lungs.
REFERENCES
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of anatomy & physiology. Fifteenth edition; Wiley Loose-Leaf Print Companion. Hoboken, New Jersey, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.