Work of Breathing

Overview

RESPIRATORY MUSCLE contraction during INHALATION. The work is accomplished in three phases: LUNG COMPLIANCE work, that required to expand the LUNGS against its elastic forces; tissue resistance work, that required to overcome the viscosity of the lung and chest wall structures; and AIRWAY RESISTANCE work, that required to overcome airway resistance during the movement of air into the lungs. Work of breathing does not refer to expiration, which is entirely a passive process caused by elastic recoil of the lung and chest cage. (Guyton, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 8th ed, p406)

This information is general and should not be treated as medical advice. Always speak directly with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about treatment, diagnosis, procedures, medicines or care.

Quick facts about Work of Breathing

Topic type

Diagnostic Test

Category

Diagnostics

MeSH classification

E01.370.386.700.975|G09.772.965

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