Do you sometimes feel unable to take a satisfying deep breath, even when you are sitting still? Perhaps you repeatedly sigh, yawn, or feel the need to take another breath to get comfortable. These sensations can be frustrating, particularly when they persist or interfere with everyday activities.
There are several possible explanations for uncomfortable breathing. One is breathing pattern disorder, sometimes called dysfunctional breathing, in which changes in the way a person breathes contribute to physical symptoms.
Understanding what breathing pattern disorder involves, how it is assessed, and which management approaches may help can make it easier to know what to do next.
What Is Breathing Pattern Disorder?
Breathing pattern disorder describes changes in the rate, depth, rhythm, or coordination of breathing that contribute to symptoms. It is sometimes referred to as dysfunctional breathing.
Normally, the diaphragm, rib cage, and other respiratory muscles work together to move air in and out of the lungs. Breathing adjusts naturally to activity, sleep and the body’s changing needs.
With breathing pattern disorder, this coordination or rhythm may change. Some people breathe more rapidly or deeply than their body requires, while others develop irregular breathing, frequent sighing or a persistent feeling that they cannot take a satisfying breath.
The condition does not simply mean breathing too quickly. It can involve the depth of each breath, the movement of the chest and abdomen, or the coordination of respiratory muscles.
Breathing pattern disorder can occur on its own or alongside other medical conditions, including asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis, because several other conditions can cause similar sensations.
For a more detailed explanation of the condition and its possible symptoms, causes, and treatment options, read this guide to breathing pattern disorder.
Understanding Air Hunger
Air hunger is the uncomfortable sensation of not getting enough air or being unable to take a satisfying breath. Some people describe it as feeling that they cannot fill their lungs properly, even after inhaling.
Air hunger is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Changes in breathing patterns can contribute to it, but respiratory disease, cardiovascular conditions, and other medical problems can also cause this sensation.
In some people, altered breathing can affect carbon dioxide levels and contribute to symptoms such as light-headedness or tingling. Repeatedly attempting to force a deeper breath may also increase awareness of breathing and make the experience more frustrating.
However, these patterns do not establish the cause of an individual’s symptoms. Persistent, unexplained or worsening breathlessness should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
What Can Influence Breathing Patterns?
Breathing can be affected by physical illness, pain, emotional stress and changes in activity. Several factors may operate together, and their importance varies between individuals.
Stress and heightened awareness
During stressful situations, breathing may become faster, deeper or less regular. Muscle tension can also influence how comfortably the chest and abdomen move.
Some people then become increasingly conscious of their breathing, repeatedly checking whether each breath feels normal. This heightened awareness can make respiratory sensations more noticeable and uncomfortable.
Stress may contribute to breathing difficulties, but it should not automatically be assumed to be the underlying cause.
Pain and restricted movement
Pain around the ribs, chest, back, or abdomen can cause someone to alter their breathing unconsciously. They may breathe more shallowly, restrict movement or tense muscles involved in respiration.
If these adaptations persist, breathing may feel less natural even after the original problem has improved.
Reduced physical activity
Illness, reduced mobility or fear of breathlessness can lead people to become less active. Over time, reduced physical conditioning may make everyday exertion feel more demanding.
Where medically appropriate, gradual rehabilitation can help rebuild physical capacity and confidence. The approach should reflect the person’s health, symptoms and clinical advice.
How Is Breathing Pattern Disorder Assessed?
Breathing pattern disorder cannot be reliably diagnosed from symptoms alone. Assessment involves considering the person’s medical history, the circumstances in which symptoms occur, their breathing pattern, and possible underlying conditions.
A healthcare professional may ask when symptoms began, whether they occur during rest or activity, and whether the person has a history of respiratory or cardiovascular illness. Depending on the clinical picture, examination, oxygen saturation measurement, lung function testing or other investigations may be appropriate.
A respiratory physiotherapist with relevant experience may assess breathing rhythm, depth, coordination, chest and abdominal movement, and how symptoms relate to activity.
No single observation or symptom checklist necessarily confirms the diagnosis. The purpose of assessment is to understand the likely contributors to symptoms and determine whether breathing retraining or another form of treatment may be suitable.
Some people have breathing pattern disorder alongside an underlying condition such as asthma. In these circumstances, both problems may need attention.
What Management Approaches May Help?
Management depends on the individual’s symptoms, assessment findings and any underlying medical conditions. Respiratory physiotherapy and breathing retraining may help some people when an altered breathing pattern contributes to their symptoms.
Individualised breathing retraining
A respiratory physiotherapist may help a person develop a more comfortable and coordinated breathing pattern. Depending on the assessment, this might involve reducing unnecessary breathing effort, improving coordination between the diaphragm and rib cage, or addressing habitual overbreathing.
The approach should be tailored to the individual. Someone who repeatedly takes large, deep breaths may need different guidance from someone whose breathing is restricted by pain or an underlying respiratory illness.
There is no single breathing exercise that is suitable for everyone, and treatment outcomes vary. Professional guidance can help ensure that the approach is appropriate for the person’s circumstances.
Addressing contributing factors
If pain or a respiratory condition affects breathing, appropriate management of that problem is important.
Where stress or anxiety contributes to symptoms, psychological support or suitable stress-management strategies may complement physical treatment. This recognises that physical and emotional factors can interact without assuming that symptoms are purely psychological.
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Returning to activity gradually
For people whose activity levels have fallen, a gradual return to appropriate movement may help improve stamina and confidence.
Anyone with significant or unexplained breathlessness should seek medical assessment before starting a new exercise programme. The pace of rehabilitation should reflect the person’s health and clinical advice.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Do not assume that uncomfortable breathing is simply a breathing pattern problem. Arrange an assessment with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if breathlessness is new, persistent, unexplained or getting worse.
Seek emergency medical help for sudden or severe breathlessness, significant chest pain, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion or other symptoms suggesting a medical emergency. In the UK, call 999.
If a breathing pattern disorder has been identified, a respiratory physiotherapist with relevant experience may be able to assess your breathing and develop an appropriate management plan.
Finding Reliable Information
Uncomfortable breathing can be worrying, especially when the cause is unclear. Reliable information can help people understand possible explanations, the importance of appropriate assessment and the role that individualised treatment may play.
You can explore further patient information and practical guides to health, treatment choices and recovery at Active Again.
The key message is that breathing discomfort deserves to be taken seriously, but it does not always have one explanation. Careful assessment and a management plan suited to the individual can help people understand their symptoms and identify appropriate next steps.
