Khaberni - Researchers have found an explanation for why we feel relieved after taking a deep breath, as they discovered that the fluid covering the lungs significantly changes its behavior during deep breathing, making the process of breathing easier.
A study conducted by researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich showed that the fluid covering the lungs — known as pulmonary surfactant — plays a crucial role in making the lungs more flexible and stretchable, and it operates more efficiently when taking deep breaths occasionally.
Professor Jan Vermant, the supervisor of the study, explained that this fluid not only reduces surface tension but also the mechanical stresses within its layers also contribute to facilitating the breathing process. Researchers indicate that deep breaths reduce the surface tension of the fluid, which explains the feeling of relief in the chest after a deep sigh.
The study also highlights the vital importance of this fluid in premature infants, who suffer from its production deficiency leading to respiratory distress syndrome. In the 1980s, doctors developed a life-saving treatment based on injecting fluid extracted from the lungs of animals, which has saved the lives of thousands of newborns.
While this technique has proven effective in newborns, it has not succeeded with adults suffering from severe respiratory diseases like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting scientists to search for alternative solutions.
Vermant's team is currently working on designing synthetic components that mimic the natural layered structure of pulmonary fluid, in addition to developing innovative foam therapies that could open new horizons in treating lung failure and complex breathing problems.
Source: Medical Xpress
