The human body works in complex ways – sometimes, certain stimuli are so small that it is easy to remember how they can cause doubts in the body. In this way, the surface tissue in our lungs actually “resists” the expansion of the lungs when we inhale or exhale.
Normally, the fluid inside the lungs helps to reduce this tension, but a new study shows that the fluid itself can be placed in the same way that can interfere with the smooth breathing process. That said, the scientific solution to this water mix is very simple: take a deep breath, and exhale for a long time. The experiment that came to this conclusion, published recently in Science Advances, focused only on the physical movement of lung fluid when it is stretched and returned to the lab.
Specifically, the thin film of lung fluid that forms to facilitate the breathing process actually consists of several layers. Taking deep breaths from time to time helps ‘restore this balance,’ the researchers explained in a statement.
That allows the liquid to hold “everyone, which makes the lungs more transformed or put in and give a higher name,” researched that senior witness and material scientists at Eth Zurich in Switzerland in Switzerland, when it is released.
Lung recovery
The researchers wanted to see the “mechanical compression within the fluid,” or the interaction between the multiple layers of the lung film during breathing. These pressures influence “how well the lungs are compliant,” explains Smooth.
In their experiments, the researchers created a bubble-like applatus filled with a bung survictant, connecting it to a syringe for repetitive motions that occur in the lungs during breathing. Surprisingly, they found that deep breathing organized the multilayer film in a way that increased lung compliance, according to the paper.
“Directly at the boundary with the air, there is a very strong surface layer,” explained Maria Noes-Silva-Silva, first author of the study and a doctoral student at Eth Zurich, in a statement. “Underneath, there are several layers that should be softer than the top layer.”
Moan the pain away
Sighing compresses lung fluid, “relieving excess pressure to equalize residual tension and thus facilitate breathing,” the paper noted. This mechanism is consistent with clinical observations that have consistently suggested short breaths can cause breathing difficulties, the authors added.
Given the new findings, the treatment for lung failure may need to be updated. For example, developing material to custom simulation or taking advantage of the lung structure of lung fluid can effectively support elderly patients with respiratory problems. As a short alternative – the findings indicate – traditionally – “a feeling of relief in the chest that often occurs after a deep sigh,” the researchers said.
Of course, the test is done on equipment, not actual lungs. In real life, obviously, the lungs of patients tend to be more reactive than shallow breathing. However, the researchers say that the lab’s results strongly reflect “We have taken real properties with our experimental setup,” according to Novaes-Silva. In any case, further investigation should shed light on whether the findings will lead to tangible guidance for real patients.
That said, we now have a scientific account of why moaning feels so good. So it wouldn’t hurt to stop a few times each day to breathe and allow a long time for science – and your life.
