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Breathing pattern disorder
From WikiEducator
A breathing pattern disorder is defined as hyperventilation or over-breathing that does not occur as a result of underlying pathology. Over-breathing is taken by the nervous system as a sign that the body is under stress, and causes the sympathetic nervous system to become engaged (this is true even if the original cause of the over-breathing was stress, and if that stress has subsided).
The effects of a breathing pattern disorder can have wide-ranging effects as attested to in this article by Leon Chaitow. The underlying cause of these effects is often undiagnosed.
Possible symptoms of breathing pattern disorder (Fritz, Grosenbach, 2004)
| Affected area | Symptom |
| Cardiovascular system | Increased blood pressure (Chaitow, 2006)
Altered heart rhythm possibly including palpitations and tachycardia. Chest pain & angina Altered functioning of the venous system possibly including
|
| Respiratory system | Breathing difficulties including post-exercise shortness of breath, asthma, and tightness of the chest
Irritable cough Excessive sighing, yawning and sniffing |
| Gastrointestinal system | Difficulty in swallowing
Dry mouth and throat Digestive difficulties including impaired digestion (Chaitow, 2006), abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, belching, nausea, reflux, heartburn, hiatal hernia |
| Muscular system | Cramps
Muscle pains (especially occipital, neck, shoulders, between scapulae) Muscle tremors, twitching, weakness, stiffness or tetany Myofascial trigger points (Chaitow, 2006) Overuse of the accessory muscles of breathing (Forman, 2007) |
| Nervous system | Sympathetic arousal (Chaitow, 2006)
Dizziness, instability, and sensation of faintness or giddiness Visual disturbances such as blurred or tunnel vision, intolerance of light Dilated pupils Headache (often migraine) Paresthesia – commonly of hands, feet or face sometimes scalp or whole body |
| Psychological effects | Tension and anxiety
Depersonalisation, feeling “out of body”, hallucinations Panic disorders, phobias Fatigue and disturbed sleep Impaired mental function including concentration, memory and clarity of thought. |
| Cerebrovascular effects | Cerebrovascular constriction is a common response to breathing pattern disorder and can reduce oxygen available to the brain by about 1/2
|
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Breath retraining : Helping your clients to correct their breathing pattern
