g2 THE VITAL PROCESSES 



is objectionable because it fails to keep up a healthy con- 

 dition of the entire lung surface. Portions of the lungs to 

 which air does not easily penetrate fail to get the fresh air 

 and exercise which they need. As a consequence, they 

 become weak and, by losing their " power of resistance," 

 become points of attack in diseases of the lungs. 1 The 

 breathing of each individual should receive attention, and 

 where from some cause it is not sufficiently full and deep, 

 the means should be found for remedying the defect. 



Causes of Shallow Breathing. Anything that impedes 

 the free movement of air into the lungs tends to cause 

 shallow breathing A drooping of the back or shoulders 

 and a curved condition of the spinal column, such as is 

 caused by an improper position in sitting, interfere with 

 the free movements of the ribs and are recognized causes. 

 Clothing also may impede the respiratory movements and 

 lead to shallow breathing. If too tight around the chest, 

 clothing interferes with the elevation of the ribs ; and if too 

 tight around the waist, it prevents the depression of the 

 diaphragm. Other causes of shallow breathing are found 

 in the absence of vigorous exercise, in the leading of an 

 indoor and inactive life, in obstructions in the nostrils and 

 upper pharynx, and in the lack of attention to proper 

 methods of breathing. 



To prevent shallow breathing one should have the habit 

 of sitting and standing erect. The clothing must not be 

 allowed to interfere with the respiratory movements. The 

 taking of exercise sufficiently vigorous to cause deep and 



1 The weakest portions of the lungs appear to be the tiny lobes at the top. 

 As they occupy the part of the thorax most difficult to expand, air penetrates them 

 much less freely than it does the lobes below. In most cases of consumption 

 (some authorities give as high as eighty per cent) , the upper lobes are the first to 

 be affected. Flat chests and round shoulders, by increasing this natural difficulty 

 in breathing, have lonr been recognized as causes which predispose to consumption. 



