Question

explain how the following factors influence the rate and depth of respiration:

increased body temperature,

exercise,

talking and

coughing

Answer 1

Answer:

Factors affecting rate and depth of respiration:

1. Increased body temperature:

When body temperature is elevated it generally increases the rate and depth of respiration due to the increased temperature of the body that produces heat in the body and speeds up the reactions causing more kinetic energy. This increased rate of reaction increases, in turn, the cellular reactions and respiration increases. However, if in case the condition reverses and body temperature goes down the body will slow down the cellular processes that occur in the body and decreases the rate of respiration.

2. Effects of exercise:

When we exercise the rate and depth of respiration also increases in which it stimulates the central respiratory control centers that control the breathing activities i.e. Medulla and pons sends more signals or impulses to the respiratory muscles which make breathing faster and deeper.

3. Talking :

On the habits of normal talking activity, it deals only with temporal aspects of air volume changes. Although, it differs from normal respiration practice i.e. resting conditions. During resting respiration condition, the duration and the velocity i.e. the airflow or the volume of the lung are much similar to that of expiration. However, it tends to increase in velocity and decreases with duration of inspiration while talking similarly the duration of expiration increases and the expiring volume of air decreases. This is one of the examples of short-lived interrupted respiration in which respiration rate is slightly increased (unless there is some health or respiratory issue that may further alter the conditions)and are very much controlled with behavioral patterns that involve the respiratory center in the medulla and pons present in the brainstem. This majorly controls the rate and depth of respiration.

4. Coughing:

Respiration rate also gets modified temporarily by sudden reflexes such as coughing or sneezing.

Although, cough helps to clear the air passage of mucus lining on the respiratory tract and certain substances like dust, smoke, etc. It is in fact, considered to be the protective reflex of an individual’s health. Coughing occasionally is not an issue. But, if it is persistent one may take it seriously and must ask their health provider for the underlying health issue.

The ventilator pattern is affected by this which in a normal scenario is affected mildly and, does not affect normal breathing rates much. It increases the respiration rate from the resting respiration conditions (explained above) temporarily only. It is also considered a short-lived intervention. But, in the case of related health issues such as asthma or bronchitis, etc. it increases the rate and depth of respiration and can affect the patient deeply.