Dysfunctional Breathing

Breathing is fundamental to health and wellness. Our breath interacts with many body systems and has many functions beyond the uptake of oxygen and expulsion of CO2 .

When we breathe well, we are able to be adapt to the environment with efficiency and flexibility and meet the biomechnical and biochemical needs of the body. In other words, we are able to move through life smoother and easier.

Breathing plays a role in a number of important non respiratory functions, including the regulation of physiological arousal and vagal balance, posture and muscle control, speech and vocalization, and fluid dynamics.

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is breathing that does not efficiently or appropriately perform the functions it’s suppose to and meet the complex needs of homeostasis. It can also be defined by the presence of unexplained breathing symptoms.

In the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy, an article by Dr R. Courtney discusses dysfunctional breathing and describes a multi-dimensional model of approach to understand the large impact that DB has physically, emotionally and mentally.

This multi-dimensional approach discusses the:

Biomechical aspects: The action of the diaphragm (our large breathing muscle) and how efficeint, strong and functional it is, along with the muscles of the ribcage. This muscle is vital in breathing efficiently, in pumping the lymphatic system, in regulating intra-abdominal pressure changes and venous return to the heart, amongst other functional connections to the pelvic floor and abdomen.

The diaphragm is also incredibly important for posture and muscle balance as well as gut function.

Biochemical dimension: Refers to the regulation of oxygen, carbon dioxide and the Ph levels in our blood. The lungs and the nervous system work together with the kidneys and circulatory system to maintain balanced and healthy levels of these chemical elements.

Psychophyiological: Breathing patterns play a role in the regulation of mental and emotional states, vagal tone and the balance of the autonomic nervous system.

Symptoms of DB:

Respiratory symptoms can include:

• breathing discomfort or breathlessness

• frequent sighing and yawning

• irregular breathing

• unexplained cough and

• inability to take a deep or satisfying breath

Other symptoms can be:

• Tingling and numbness

• Anxiety

• Panic symptoms

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

Dysfunctional Breathing can affect:

• Sleep quality

• Mood and emotional regulation

• Digestion

• Pelvic floor function

• Core stability

• Posture

• Upper airway function

Musculoskeletal complaints associated with DB:

• TMD

• Headaches

• Neck pain

• Lower back pain

• Pelvic pain

Research has also shown that people with Asthma have a higher prevalence of DB patterns as well as anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

How do I know if I have a dysfunctional breathing pattern.

There are specific questionnaires created to determine if your breathing pattern could be contributing to your symptoms.