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The Physiological Reasons for Labored Breathing

Physiological conditions for labored breathing are often the results of diseases that adversely affect the natural mechanics of the body's primary respiratory organs, including the throat, lungs and diaphragm. Effortless breathing is facilitated by an open airway and unrestricted movement of the diaphragm, adequate lung expansion and contraction and efficient oxygen inhalation into the lung's air sacs. Any conditions that compromise these functions result in labored breathing.

  1. Upper Airway Obstruction

    • Whether breathing through the nose or mouth, air first enters the respiratory system via the throat, larynx and trachea. When these organs experience blockages, shallow breathing and choking occur. Besides having food lodged in the throat, Medline Plus identifies certain conditions that cause this phenomena, as well. Epiglottitis results in the inflammation of the lining of the windpipe. Allergic reactions may cause the throat to swell. Abscesses on the tonsils and/or pharynx block air intake.

    Diaphragm Inefficiency/Obstructed Lungs

    • The diaphragm is a muscle that sits under the lung and facilitates breathing. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, allowing air to flow into the chest cavity and lung upon inhalation. The diaphragm expands and pushes the lung upward, narrowing the chest cavity to expel air upon exhalation. Many obstructive diseases of the lung cause air to become trapped in the lung, which restricts movement of the diaphragm, resulting in labored breathing. Ohio State University Medical Center identifies these diseases as cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema and bronchitis.

    Restricted/Stiffened Lungs

    • Restricted lungs are lungs that experience a decrease in volume over time. Decreased lung volume results in labored breathing, because the lungs cannot fully expand upon inhalation. Certain diseases stiffen the lungs and chest wall, weaken the diaphragm and/or damage the nervous system, which all result in restricted lung capacity. WebMD and Ohio State University Medical Center identify causes of restrictive lung disease as scoliosis, pulmonary fibrosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial lung disease, obesity, silicosis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, muscular dystrophy, lupus and asbestosis.

    Fluid Accumulation/Pleural Effusion

    • Pleural effusion occurs when fluid accumulates in the lining of the lung. Additional lining fluid restricts expansion of the lung similar to restrictive lung disease. It happens as a result of blood vessel leakage or lining inflammation. According to Medicine Net, attributable diseases include lymphoma, Meig's syndrome, liver and kidney failure, congestive heart failure, lupus, breast and lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, ascites and mesothelioma.

    Fluid Collection/Pulmonary Edema

    • When air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, fill with fluid, they cannot draw enough air for effortless breathing. This is referred to medically as pulmonary edema. Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, can cause this to happen. According to Medline Plus, the fluid is heard as crackles while an infected person is breathing. These conditions are usually contracted by exposure to harmful bacteria, fungi or viruses. According to the Mayo Clinic, a number of cardiac conditions of a weakened heart that cannot adequately pump blood forces fluid from the capillaries into the bloodstream. These conditions include cardiac pulmonary edema, arterial disease and cardiomyopathy.

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