first breath

Examples of first breath in the following topics:

• Adjustments of the Infant at Birth

  • Post birth, an infant's physiology must adapt to breathing independently, changes in blood flow and energy access, and a cold environment.
  • The first challenge of a newborn is to perfuse its body by breathing independently instead of utilizing placental oxygen.
  • This triggers it to take the first breath within about 10 seconds of delivery.
  • With the first breaths, there is a fall in pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in the surface area available for gas exchange.
  • At this point, rhythmic breathing movements also commence.

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • If the rate of airflow is too low, a person with COPD may not be able to completely finish breathing out (expiration) before he or she needs to take another breath.
  • This is particularly common during exercise, when breathing has to be faster.
  • A little of the air of the previous breath remains within the lungs when the next breath is started, resulting in an increase in the volume of air in the lungs, a process called dynamic hyperinflation.
  • The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by spirometry, a test that measures the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in the first second of a large breath.
  • Spirometry also measures the forced vital capacity (FVC), which is the greatest volume of air that can be breathed out in a whole, large breath.

• Breathing Patterns

  • Breathing is an autonomic process that moves air in and out of the lungs.
  • Breathing patterns refer to the respiratory rate, which is defined as the frequency of breaths over a period of time, as well as the amount of air cycled during breathing (tidal volume).
  • The respiratory rate is frequency of breaths over time.
  • During normal breathing, the volume of air cycled through inhalation and exhalation is called tidal volume (VT), and is the amount of air exchanged in a single breath.
  • Dyspnea: commonly called shortness of breath.

• The Reason for Breathing

  • Breathing allows for the delivery oxygen to internal tissues and cells where it is needed, and allows for the removal of CO2.
  • Breathing is the physiological process that moves air in and out of the lungs in terrestrial vertebrates.
  • Respiration is often referred to as breathing, but it can also mean cellular respiration, which is the main reason why breathing is important.
  • The respiratory system facilitates breathing.
  • One of the primary reasons for breathing is to regulate blood pH so that respiratory acidosis and alkalosis don't occur.

• Thoracic Cage: Ribs

  • The thoracic cage can expand and contract to facilitate breathing in association with the diaphragm; it also protects the lungs, heart, and other organs of the thoracic cavity.
  • The first five ribs are termed true ribs because they attach directly to the sternum through the costal cartilage.
  • The first thoracic vertebra has a rib attached to it that curves across to the sternum.

• Functions of the Brain Stem

  • The medulla contains the cardiac, respiratory, vomiting, and vasomotor centers regulating heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
  • The brainstem has many basic functions, including regulation of heart rate, breathing, sleeping, and eating.
  • Only the first and the second pair emerge from the cerebrum; the remaining ten pairs emerge from the brainstem.

• Rib Fracture, Dislocation, and Separation

  • The first rib is rarely fractured because of its protected position behind the clavicle (collarbone).
  • Fractures of the first and second ribs may be more likely to be associated with head and facial injuries than are other rib fractures.
  • Rib fractures are usually quite painful because the ribs have to move to allow for breathing.
  • Broken ribs are often indicated by the following symptoms: pain when breathing or with movement; a portion of the chest wall moving separately from the rest of the chest (flail chest); a grating sound with breathing or movement; or where the mechanism of injury would indicate substantial force to the ribs.

• Asthma

  • Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
  • The classic symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.
  • However, studies also showed that the effects of exposure to cat and dog allergens worked in the converse fashion; exposure during the first year of life was found to reduce the risk of allergic sensitization and of developing asthma later in life.
  • The airways narrow and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe.

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest.
  • It is indicated in those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing, for example agonal respirations.
  • In addition, the rescuer may provide breaths by either exhaling into the subject's mouth or utilizing a device that pushes air into the subject's lungs.
  • CPR is indicated for any person who is unresponsive with no breathing, or who is only breathing in occasional agonal gasps, as it is most likely that they are in cardiac arrest.
  • CPR is often severely misrepresented in movies and television as being highly effective in resuscitating a person who is not breathing and has no circulation.

• Introduction to Blood Pressure

  • A normal blood pressure should be around 120/80, with the systolic pressure expressed first.
  • Gravity affects blood pressure via hydrostatic forces (for example, during standing) Valves in veins, breathing, and pumping from contraction of skeletal muscles also influence venous blood pressure.