What is the diaphragm, and how does it help with breathing? - #14747
I’ve been learning more about how our respiratory system works, and I came across the term diaphragm. I know it plays a role in breathing, but I don’t fully understand how it functions during inhalation and exhalation. What exactly is the diaphragm, and how does it assist with the breathing process? I read that it’s a muscle located below the lungs—how does its contraction and relaxation allow air to enter and exit the lungs? Also, does the diaphragm work differently during physical activity, and how can its function be affected by medical conditions like asthma or COPD? I also want to understand if there are ways to strengthen the diaphragm. Do breathing exercises or practices like yoga help improve its efficiency, and how does that benefit overall lung health? If anyone has experienced diaphragm issues, what was the cause, and how was it treated? Did physical therapy or exercises help, or were there medical interventions required?
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