Breathing Dysfunction Can Cause Ill-health

It's becoming clear from research that a percentage of the population, possibly 5 - 11%, suffer from
what is termed dysfunctional breathing. This means that those affected have developed breathing
that is too shallow and too rapid and this can have a number of effects on health.
Normal breathing is principally driven by the diaphragm, which, when working properly, causes air
to be drawn deep into the lungs. This feels as though breath is being taken down into the abdomen.
When breathing is dysfunctional the diaphragm is not used to its full capacity and the chest muscles,
which are accessory respiratory muscles, are used more than they should be. This gives the feeling
of breathing taking place in the chest, often producing a sense of tightness there.
Reasons for Dysfunctional Breathing
These arise from a number of causes, usually related to those listed below:
airway problems: chronic sinusitis and or blocked nose, congenital malformed airways
muscle weakness: If any of the muscles involved in respiration are weak then breathing dysfunction
is likely to occur - these muscles include the diaphragm, chest muscles and abdominal muscles.
lung and heart disease: Asthma and obstructive pulmonary disease are two of the most common.
Breathing control: Neurological disease which affects the respiratory centre will of course affect
breathing. Psychological and emotional factors greatly affect breathing control and these are among
the most common reasons for breathing dysfunction.
Consequences of Dysfunctional Breathing
Abnormal breathing rhythm affects both posture and physiology. The barrel chest of obstructive
airways disease is well known.
The movement of the chest and abdomen in the breathing cycle acts as a pump for the lymphatic
system, thereby helping both the nutrition of organs and the immune system.
Breathing pattern has a fundamental effect on the regulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in
the tissues. Rapid shallow breathing causes excessive carbon dioxide to be exhaled, making the
blood too alkaline with knock-on effects on muscle function, heart action, nerve activity and blood
vessel constriction.
Two areas where the effects of breathing
dysfunction have been widely researched
are those of anxiety and high blood
pressure.
Anxiety and Dysfunctional Breathing
Some 80% of those with chronic anxiety are
thought to have dysfunctional breathing.
Anxiety is associated with hyperventilation
syndrome, which postulates various effects
from over-breathing and subsequent carbon
dioxide loss. Such effects include dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness, muscle tension
and anxiety.
A downward spiral can develop in that anxiety can upset breathing patterns, which in turn leads to
low carbon dioxide which gives rise to feelings of anxiety and so on.
High Blood Pressure and Dysfunctional Breathing
The cause of high blood pressure in most sufferers is unknown with its aetiology being described in
terms of risk factors such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and chronic anxiety. In turn,
sustained high blood pressure is known to be a precursor for heart disease, stroke and kidney
disease.
In recent years research has produced evidence for dysfunctional breathing as a risk factor. Much of
this evidence comes from work on sleep apnea showing a significant relationship between it and
high blood pressure.
Other studies have shown that regular sessions of slow deep breathing can result in reductions in
blood pressure. Anecdotal evidence over many years suggests that meditational techniques such as
yoga, tai chi and Qi gong lower anxiety levels and blood pressure.
This article is for information only. If you have any health concerns you should consult your doctor.
References:
The Functions of Breathing and its Dysfunctions and their Relationship to Breathing Therapy.
Rosalba Courtney. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine vol 12 no.3 September 2009.
Breathing Control Lowers Hypertension. Grossman et al. Journal Of Human Hypertension 15, 2001.
Slow Breathing Improves Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity and Decreases Blood Pressure in Essential
Hypertension. Joseph et al. Hypertension 46;714 2005