Breathing- Mechanism of Breathing, Muscles of Respiration, Breathing Pattern and Breathing Exercises

Breathing or ventilation is the vital process for gas exchange. The mechanism of breathing involve two process- inspiration and expiration. During quit breathing diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration and during deep breathing or in disease process secondary muscles of inspiration are also used. Expiration is the passive process which occur due to recoil of rib cage and relaxation of muscles of inspiration. During forceful expiration, accessory muscles of expiration are used. Various pressure and volume changes occur in thoracic cavity during the process of breathing. For adequate gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs ventilation and perfusion must be matched. Breathing exercises also called as ventilatory training an aspect of management to improve pulmonary status and to increase a patient’s overall endurance and function during daily living activities. These are fundamental interventions for the prevention or comprehensive management of impairments related to acute or chronic pulmonary disorders. Simply, Breathing exercises are designed to retrain the muscles of respiration, improve ventilation, lessen the work of breathing, and improve gaseous exchange and patient’s overall function in daily living activities. Depending on a patient’s underlying pathology and impairments, exercises to improve ventilation often are combined with medication, airway clearance, the use of respiratory therapy devices, and a graded exercise (aerobic conditioning) program.