Questions Flashcards
Why baby’s respirations is higher than adults?
Babies have higher respiratory rates compared to adults due to several physiological and anatomical differences:
Metabolic Rate: Infants have a higher basal metabolic rate than adults. This means their bodies require more oxygen to support growth and development.
Size and Lung Capacity: Babies have smaller lung capacities and airways compared to adults. Therefore, they need to breathe more frequently to obtain the same amount of oxygen.
Lung Compliance: Infant lungs are more compliant (stretchable) and less stiff than adult lungs. This can affect the efficiency of gas exchange and require more frequent breathing.
Central Nervous System Development: The respiratory centers in the brain that control breathing are not fully matured at birth. This immaturity contributes to a more irregular breathing pattern and higher respiratory rate in infants.
Environmental Adaptation: Babies are adapting to life outside the womb, where they had a constant oxygen supply from the placenta. This transition requires their respiratory system to work harder initially.
