Dysfunctional Breathing

Dysfunctional breathing is breathing that is not efficient or is inappropriate for the body’s changing needs.

Dysfunctional breathing comes in many forms:

Hyperventilation disorders
Laryngeal or vocal cord dysfunction
Breathing pattern disorders
Sleep disordered breathing
and even excessive mouth breathing

Respiratory:

Breathing discomfort and breathlessness
Frequent sighing
Irregular breathing
Unexplained cough
Inability to take a deep or satisfying breath

Signs, symptoms and consequences
of dysfunctional breathing

People with dysfunctional breathing can have a range of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms

Non-respiratory:

Tingling
Numbness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Anxiety and panic symptoms

Consequences of Dysfunctional Breathing

Multi-system

The breathing system has a two way relationship with many other body systems. Dysfunctional breathing habits and patterns can also affect other body functions including posture, the autonomic nervous system function, sleep, circulation, digestion and mood.

Musculo-skeletal pain

Chronic neck, TMJ, shoulder, back and pelvic pain that does not respond well to manual therapy can be associated with the presence of dysfunctional breathing.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular

Asthma, COPD, heart disease, athletic performance. Research has shown that dysfunctional breathing in people with asthma reduces asthma control, increases symptoms and can interfere with response to medication.

Anxiety and Panic Disorder

Anxiety disorders and panic attacks can in some cases be aggravated and perpetuated by presence of dysfunctional breathing.

Stress, anxiety and diseases that affect the airway and circulation, brain and nervous system can increase the likelihood that a person will have dysfunctional breathing.

Some common conditions that have been linked to dysfunctional breathing include:

Asthma and chronic respiratory disease
Sleep apnea
Anxiety disorders
Chronic pain
ME/CFS/long COVID
OvertRaining in Athletes
Chronic airway obstruction in children
Breathing difficulties at birth and early neo natal period