The importance of breathing deeply has long been recognized, but recent research from ETH Zurich sheds new light on exactly why deep breaths are so beneficial for our lungs. The surface of the lungs is covered with a fluid that increases their deformability, making them more compliant and easier to expand and contract during breathing.
Premature babies often struggle with respiratory distress syndrome due to underdeveloped lungs that lack this magical fluid. In the past, pediatricians have successfully treated these babies by injecting surface-active fluid from animal lungs into their own, improving their lung compliance and overall function.
However, even adults can experience lung failure, as seen in cases like acute respiratory distress syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. While injecting animal lung fluid may not help adults, researchers have discovered that mechanical stresses within the lung fluid play a crucial role in lung function.
By studying how lung fluid behaves when stretched and compressed in the laboratory, researchers have found that deep breaths significantly decrease surface stress, improving lung compliance and making breathing easier. This explains the feeling of relief often experienced in the chest after a deep sigh.
The lung fluid consists of several layers, with a stiffer surface layer directly at the boundary with the air. Deep breaths help restore the ideal layering of these fluid layers and promote a more densely packed interface, improving overall lung function.
This research not only provides valuable insights into the mechanics of breathing but also has potential implications for treating lung failure in adults. By identifying components that can artificially reconstruct multilayered structures within lung fluid, researchers hope to develop new therapies that improve lung compliance and function.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of taking deep breaths from time to time to maintain optimal lung function and prevent breathing difficulties. By understanding the complex interplay of lung fluid mechanics, researchers are paving the way for innovative treatments that could benefit individuals suffering from respiratory conditions.
