paradoxical thoracoabdominal breathing

we learnt that there will be a paradoxical thoracoabdominal breathing in a life threathening asthma (respiratory arrest eminent). this might help me a bit.

Figure 35.3Normal inspiration Descent of the diaphragm raises intra-abdominal pressure moving the abdomen outwards along with chest expansion. The sternum moves outward.

Figure 35.4Abnormal inspiratory findings In the hyperinflated patient with obstructive lung diseases the flattened diaphragm pulls in the lower ribs at end-inspiration (Hoover's sign). The sternum is pulled cephalad by the action of the strap muscles of the neck. The abdomen may be retracted by the passive transmission of intrathoracic pressure across the dysfunctional diaphragm.

http://clinicalmethods.blogspot.com/2011/08/chapter-35-overview-of-pulmonary-system.html, Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990