Skip to main content
0423 342 082 Clinics at Avalon and Edgecliff
Bookings

WHAT IS DYSFUNCTIONAL BREATHING?

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

It comes in several forms:

  • HYPERVENTILATION DISORDERS
  • LARYNGEAL OR VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION
  • BREATHING PATTERN DISORDERS
  • SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING
  • AND EVEN EXCESSIVE MOUTH BREATHING

Signs, symptoms and consequences
of dysfunctional breathing

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

Respiratory:

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

non-respiratory:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety and panic symptoms

CONSEQUENCES OF DYSFUNCTIONAL BREATHING

Multi-system

The breathing system has a 2 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.

WHAT CAUSES 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

BECOME A CERTIFIED IBT PRACTITIONER NOW!

Join our next Integrative Breathing
Therapy 6 month, professional
training online course.
Learn How