Question

Scenario: After several more hours, Mary is discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of “acute panic attack.” Before leaving, she is told to rest and consider booking an appointment with a professional psychologist for talk therapy. She is also told that if her panic attacks persist to try a variety of breathing techniques and investigate various medications like cannabidiol (CBD) oil, an extract from the Cannabis sativa plant that has been linked to anxiety reduction [Source]. Mary goes home and practices the suggested breathing techniques. One of them, the “calming breath,” recommends taking a long, slow breath in through the nose, holding your breath for 3 seconds, and exhaling slowly through pursed lips.

1. (5 marks) While performing these breathing exercises, describe IN YOUR OWN WORDS how the diaphragm and intercostal muscles assist Mary’s inspiration and expiration.

During inspiration:

During expiration:

Answer 1

Mary is advised to perform breathing techniques to deal with episodes of acute panic attacks. The slow breathing technique called the "calming breath" involves inhalation and holding the breath for 3 seconds, followed by exhalation through pursed lips.

The breathing techniques involve:

1. Inspiration.
2. Expiration.

The two primary muscles involved in breathing are:

1. Diaphragm - Dome-shaped muscle that divides the thoracic cavity and the abdominal cavity.
2. Intercostal muscles - Muscles present in between the ribs that regulate the movement of the ribs during breathing.

1. INSPIRATION:

Inspiration is the inhalation of air into the lungs. During inspiration, the diaphragm moves downwards from its initial dome-shaped procedure and becomes relatively flat. This causes the expansion of the lungs in the thoracic cavity, making room for more amount of air. The intercostal muscles contract during inhalation, raising the rib cage upwards, assisting in the expansion of the lungs.

2. EXPIRATION:

Expiration is exhaling the air out of the lungs. During expiration, the diaphragm moves upwards and attains the dome-shape position. This movement causes the contraction of the lungs in the thoracic cavity expelling the air outside. The intercostal muscles relax during exhalation bringing down the rib cage assisting in the contraction of the lungs.