Respiratory functions can be affected by many internal and external factors such as activity level, age, stress, smoking, medical conditions, and illnesses that impact oxygen transport. Primary alterations in respiratory functioning include hyperventilation, where breathing rate is too high; hypoventilation, where breathing rate is too low; and hypoxia, where oxygen levels in the blood are low.

1. OXYGENATION

3. FACTORS AFFECTING RESPIRATORY
FUNCTIONS
• ACTIVITY/EXERCISE
• BASAL METABOLIC RATE
• ACTION OF RESPIRATORY CENTER
• AGE
• GENDER
• STRESS
• ACUTE PAIN

4. • ANXIETY
• SMOKING
• MEDICATIONS
• ANEMIA
• RESPIRATORY DISEASES
• BRAIN LESIONS
• DYSPNEA OR LABOURED BREATHING

5. ALTERATIONS IN RESPIRATORY
FUNCTIONING
• Any illness that affects the oxygen transport causes alterations in respiratory
functioning. Primary alterations in respiratory functions are:
• Hyperventilation
• Hypoventilation
• Hypoxia