In the context of immobility, what does "shallow breathing" imply?

In the context of immobility, "shallow breathing" refers to a breathing pattern that is characterized by limited depth of each breath rather than the frequency of breaths taken. This phenomenon often occurs when a person has restricted movement or is less active, leading to less effective ventilation. As a result, the lungs do not expand fully, which means there is a reduced volume of air entering the lungs with each breath.

This shallow breathing is significant because it can lead to various complications. Reduced lung volume expansion can result in inadequate oxygen exchange, leading to lower oxygen levels in the blood, decreased clearance of carbon dioxide, and an increased risk of respiratory infections. Thus, recognizing that shallow breathing involves reduced lung volume expansion helps to understand the associated health risks that can arise from prolonged immobility.