Breathing pattern disorders: identifying and managing in primary care

48 GPN 2017, Vol 3, No 2 Breathing is a normal vital function which is spontaneous, regular, quiet and effortless and reflects the way that the respiratory system functions. Breathing pattern disorders or dysfunctional breathing, historically known as hyperventilation syndrome, are chronic abnormal respiratory patterns in relation to the efficiency of breathing, often resulting in dyspnoea and other non-respiratory symptoms (Clifton-Smith and Rowley, 2011). It is not a disease process, but alterations in breathing patterns that interfere with normal respiratory processes. Breathing pattern disorders can occur with an absence of disease or co-exist with many diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or heart disease, and in some cases, can mimic cardiac symptoms. Long-term conditions: breathing pattern disorders