What is the difference between abdominal breathing and pulmonary breathing?
Aug 04, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, the differences between abdominal breathing and thoracic breathing are mainly reflected in breathing patterns, depth of respiration, respiratory rate, muscles involved, physiological effects, and application scenarios. In summary, abdominal breathing and thoracic breathing are not the same. Please note that if you experience any abnormal breathing in daily life, it should be taken seriously, and timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital is essential.
Generally speaking, the differences between abdominal breathing and thoracic (lung) breathing are mainly reflected in the mode of respiratory movement, depth of breathing, respiratory rate, muscles involved in respiration, physiological effects, and application scenarios. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Mode of Respiratory Movement
Abdominal breathing achieves respiration primarily through the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm—when the diaphragm contracts downward, the abdomen expands; when it relaxes upward, the abdomen retracts. Thoracic breathing mainly relies on the movement of the ribs, thoracic cavity, and spine, where coordinated contraction and relaxation of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm change the volume of the lung cavity.
2. Depth of Breathing
Abdominal breathing typically involves substantial use of the diaphragm, resulting in a larger change in lung cavity volume with each breath, thus producing relatively deeper respiration. In contrast, thoracic breathing primarily involves chest wall movement, leading to relatively smaller changes in lung cavity volume per breath and shallower respiration overall.
3. Respiratory Rate
The respiratory rate during abdominal breathing is generally lower, meaning fewer breaths per minute. In comparison, thoracic breathing usually has a higher respiratory rate, with more breaths per minute.
4. Muscles Involved in Breathing
Abdominal breathing primarily depends on the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, along with coordinated engagement of the abdominal muscles. Thoracic breathing mainly relies on chest wall activity, including the coordinated action of the intercostal muscles, as well as involvement of the shoulder girdle and neck muscles.
5. Physiological Effects
Abdominal breathing makes better use of diaphragmatic contractions to drive abdominal movement, which helps promote digestion, improve gas exchange efficiency, and reduce respiratory effort. Thoracic breathing increases the range of motion of the chest wall, expanding the surface area available for gas exchange, thereby enhancing respiratory efficiency and meeting the body's increased demand for oxygen.
6. Application Scenarios
Abdominal breathing is more commonly observed during states of calm, rest, or deep relaxation. Thoracic breathing becomes more prominent during physical activity or when oxygen demand increases, such as during exercise, stress, or intense physical exertion.
In summary, abdominal breathing and thoracic breathing are distinct from each other. If you experience persistent breathing abnormalities in daily life, it is important to take them seriously and seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital.
