• Question: Aren't stitches cause by irregular breathing?

    Asked by Lieutenant Commander Data to Andy, Katie, Giovanna, Duane on 10 Nov 2014. This question was also asked by coco potato.
    • Photo: Andrew Philp

      Andrew Philp answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      Good question! I think stitches are caused by more that just irregular breathing, although this certainly plays an important role. Stitches are normally associated with intense exercise that is different to what is normally performed. So exercise at a higher intensity than usual for example.

      Breathing rate is increased in this situation as the body is craving oxygenated blood. So blood flow increases to provide this to working muscles. However this bloodflow is also important as it removes negative factors that build up in skeletal muscle . I think that a stitch is a combination of both these things, not enough oxygen at certain times, but also the build up of factors that stop the muscle from being able to contract efficiently

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