Breathing Pattern Disorders, often referred to as dysfunctional breathing, occurs when your breathing becomes irregular and results in a range of unpleasant symptoms.

It involves patterns of over-breathing, where the depth and rate of breath exceed your body’s needs. You may breathe too quickly, too slowly, or through your mouth instead of your nose. You might also breathe using your upper chest and neck muscles instead of your diaphragm.

Common signs of dysfunctional breathing include:

• Air hunger (a feeling of not getting enough air)

• Chest and throat tightness

• Frequent sighing or yawning

• Dizziness and lightheadedness

• Fatigue and poor concentration

• Anxiety and panic attacks

While occasional changes in breathing are normal, if these inefficient breathing patterns persist, they can lead to chronic symptoms of dysfunctional breathing which negatively impact your health and ability to live a life with ease and comfort in your body.

Dysfunctional breathing can be caused or exacerbated by numerous factors, including:

Stress and anxiety: Emotional tension often triggers shallow, rapid breathing, which may become habitual.

Respiratory conditions: Conditions such asthma, COPD, and long COVID can lead to dysfunctional breathing patterns.

Pain and tension: Chronic pain in the chest, neck, or back can lead to compensatory breathing habits.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially in pre-menstruation and menopause can increase breathing rates and amplify dysfunctional breathing

Substance usage: Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or vaping can affect breathing patterns.

Post-viral conditions: Long COVID and similar post-viral syndromes can lead to autonomic disturbances, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and/or chronic fatigue, all of which can amplify dysfunctional breathing.

Nasal issues: Structural issues like a deviated septum or chronic nasal congestion may lead to mouth breathing and faulty breathing mechanics.

Trauma: Physical or emotional trauma can disrupt normal breathing patterns.

Recognising and addressing these factors with a respiratory (breathing) physiotherapist is key to improving your breathing and symptoms.

Respiratory (breathing) physiotherapists provide an evidence-informed, comprehensive approach to managing dysfunctional breathing. With specialised training and experience, they work collaboratively you and other healthcare providers, such as your general practitioners and specialists, to help your improve your breathing and symptoms.

A respiratory physiotherapist can assist by:

Identifying poor breathing: Conducting thorough assessments to evaluate breathing patterns and pinpoint contributing factors.

Breathing retraining: Teaching evidence-based breathing re-training to help you restore efficient breathing.

Stress management: Introducing calming breathing techniques and relaxation to regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

Posture and movement optimisation: Enhancing posture and core strength to support respiratory efficiency.

Gradual activity exposure: Developing personalised strategies to rebuild confidence in performing activities again without flare ups and fear of symptoms.

Diaphragm strengthening: Implementing inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to improve the strength of your breathing muscles (diaphragm)

Contact us to learn more about how breathing physiotherapy can support you!