Laura Spenceley
Respiratory – Task 1
A&P
Task 1 – Respiratory Systems –Shortness of Breath during exercise
Shortness of breath during or after exercise is common in many people, there may be a number of
possible reasons for shortness of breath occurring which must be taken into account for diagnosis
and treatment. Lifestyle factors often play a significant role in shortness of breath during or
following exercise. Factors may include;
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Smoking - Medical evidence has shown that smoking is the main cause of many respiratory
diseases. Cilia in the nasal cavity are very sensitive filament like structures which are easily
damaged by cigarette smoke and may even be destroyed all together. Tar from cigarettes
may also paralyse cilia preventing any movement, subsequently meaning any mucus holding
dust particles will remain in the nasal cavity and bacteria will not be cleared into the
digestive system potentially causing a build up in nasal cavity which may impede breathing.
Alcohol – People who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also at risk of an increased
number of upper respiratory infections and pneumonias related to a decreased functioning
of the immune system associated with alcohol overuse. Chronic lung conditions such as
emphysema, bronchitis or COPD (chronic obstruction pulmonary disease) are aggravated by
the use of alcohol.
Fitness - Overdoing exercise when first starting a routine is one of the most common causes
of shortness of breath while exercising. Your body needs to generally increase duration and
exertion when exercising in order to increase aerobic benefits, burn fat, and increase
muscular endurance and stamina. Trying to do too much too soon causes excess stress on
the lungs and increases the heart rate as the heart and lungs try to maintain adequate
oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood flow to the muscles.
Age – It is easy to assume shortness of breath may be related largely to the age of the
individual, however this assumption may not always be correct. The fitness and health of the
person is a much higher factor when looking at shortness of breath in exercise than the age
of the person.
Stress – Anxiety and stress may cause panic which may be aggravated by exercise if a person
does not feel comfortable in their surroundings or of their ability. Breathing becomes much
shorter and harder when someone is anxious and this must be taken into account during
exercise.
Diagnostics
One of the most common symptoms of shortness of breath is rapid, shallow breathing, Rapid
breathing means you’re not getting as much oxygen as you should. Your body needs adequate
amounts of oxygen for optimal function. A feeling of light-headedness is also a symptom of
shortness of breath that can be caused by exertion or exercise. The light-headedness or faintness
you feel is because your cells aren’t receiving adequate amounts of oxygen. When cells are lacking or
starved for oxygen, they cease to function as they should. During exercise, shortness of breath may
result in clients showing symptoms such as blue lips or skin. The most common reason for blue
lips/skin is a low level of oxygen in the blood or poor circulation. This blueness is known as Cyanosis,
when limbs, hands and feet show signs of cyanosis, often affected areas become cold to touch, this
Laura Spenceley
Respiratory – Task 1
A&P
is usually due to poor circulation due to a blockage in the blood flow ( possible blood clot) or possibly
Raynaud’s Disease. General blueness of lips and/or skin is usually a sign of low levels of oxygen in the
blood, this may be as a result of problems with the lungs, airways, heart or other underlying factors.
Conditions affecting breathing rate
A number of health conditions may affect breathing rate. Conditions which effect breathing rate
should always be considered before and during exercise and monitored closely especially if they
cause difficulty or become a danger to participant health. Such conditions which effect breathing
rate for different reasons may include:
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Asthma – causes a narrowing of the airways, restricting oxygen intake.
Bronchitis – inflammation to the lining of the bronchi, restricting gaseous exchange.
Emphysema – inflammation of alveoli, slowing blood flow to lungs ( more common in
elderly)
Hayfever – Wheezing due to pollen allergies, weakens lung strength.
Pneumonia – Inflammation of lungs due to bacterial and viral infections
As mentioned earlier, poor circulation also causes problems with oxygen transportation to the lungs
during exercise, this poor circulation may be due to heart conditions such as;
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Pulmonary hypertension – high blood pressure in lungs.
Pulmonary fibrosis – hardening of lung tissue.
Structures affected
The structures of the lower respiratory tract are most affected during shortness of breath due to
afore mentioned reasons. Structures such as the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and the
diaphragm, are all affected in different ways, when there is a reduced amount of oxygen reaching
each of these structures they cease to work to their full potential and this is where problems arise
and a shortness of breath becomes apparent.
Trachea – as detailed in Task 2, the trachea’s primary function is to allow the movement of air into
the lungs, any blockage caused or health conditions such as asthma may narrow the airways and
mean the trachea cannot function efficiently.
Bronchi – as detailed in Task 2, the bronchi