Breathing pattern disorder

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 Vasomotor instability (Unstable narrowing & widening of the blood vessels ) Raynaud’s phenomenon (Spasms of the small arteries of the fingers, and sometimes the toes. It is usually brought on by exposure to cold or excitement. ) Capillary vasoconstriction (face, arms, and hands) Cold extremities
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 Symptoms Dizzinesss Blurring of consciousness Emotional instability

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Breath retraining : Helping your clients to correct their breathing pattern