Breathing pattern disorders
Date issued: August 2026
Review date: August 2028
Leaflet section: Physiotherapy
PDF: Breathing pattern disorders.pdf [pdf] 174KB
What are Breathing Pattern Disorders?
Breathing Pattern Disorders (BPD) or dysfunctional breathing patterns as they are otherwise known occur when our breathing loses its natural rhythm becoming a less efficient pattern.
This can mean taking deeper or quicker breaths than what our body needs.
These changes range from upper chest breathing where we use the wrong muscles to breathe, to hyperventilation where we breathe too fast.
This is something that can build up over time or start suddenly. There isn’t always an obvious trigger for these changes.
Possible Causes
Breathing Pattern Disorders are not a lung disease; it is most often related to changes with the mechanics of breathing. It can co-exist with other respiratory conditions such as asthma. Common causes include:
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Anxiety/stress
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Acute illness - chest infection, pneumonia
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Long term respiratory conditions - COPD, asthma
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Traumatic events - physical or emotional
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Pain - especially in abdomen or lower back
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Digestive issues - reflux, hernias
Possible Signs and Symptoms
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Feeling breathless after only slight exertion or minimal exercise
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Feelings of ‘air hunger’ - sensation of not getting enough air into your lungs
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Breathless when talking/eating
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Frequent sighing/yawning
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Palpitations
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Pins and needles in hands, arms or around your mouth
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Lightheaded/dizziness
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Feeling bloated
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Throat symptoms
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Aching and tightness around the jaw, shoulders and neck
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Feeling exhausted and unable to concentrate for no apparent reason
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Dry cough/throat clearing
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Chest discomfort
Treatment
Once an inefficient breathing pattern becomes a habit it can be difficult to alter but a physiotherapist will be able to help you. Treatment will focus on breathing pattern retraining, lifestyle changes and relaxation amongst others.
To learn to breathe it is important to understand what ‘normal’ breathing is. Normal breathing is quiet, regular, and should be in and out through your nose. A normal RR is 8-12 breaths per minute.
The most important muscle used for your breathing is the Diaphragm. This is a strong muscle which sits under your lungs and heart. About 70-80% of work is done by the diaphragm and is the most energy efficient way of breathing. When breathing in it contracts and moves downwards causing your tummy to expand and rise. As you breathe out the diaphragm relaxes and moves back to its resting position.
How do I practice a normal Breathing pattern?
Lie comfortably on your back
Close your mouth, loosen your jaw
Breathe in gently through your nose, feel your tummy rise and expand like a balloon. Resist the urge to take a deep breath.
Breathe out lightly through your nose, let your tummy relax
Relax and pause at the end of each breath
You need to practice as often as you can e.g. 2-3 minutes every hour. Progress to practice in sitting, standing and finally walking. Your Physiotherapist will guide on when it's appropriate to progress through postures and mobility.
Other ways to manage Breathing Pattern Disorders
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Nose breathing
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Understanding your triggers e.g. managing pain/anxiety
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Shoulder relaxation and postural exercises
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Relaxation
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Continue to stay active!
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Shortness of breath is a normal part of exerting ourselves, work to BORG scale 3-4 during exercise
| Scale | Breath |
|---|---|
| 0 | No breathlessness at all |
| 0.5 | Very, very slight (just noticeable) |
| 1 | Very slight |
| 2 | Slight breathlessness |
| 3 | Moderate |
| 4 | Somewhat severe |
| 5 | Severe breathlessness |
| 6 | |
| 7 | Very severe breathlessness |
| 8 | |
| 9 | Very, very severe (almost maximal) |
| 10 | Maximal |
Useful Resources
Physiotherapy for Breathing Pattern Disorders
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
