Breathing is something we rarely give a second thought to – it’s automatic, after all! But when things go wrong, it can have a significant impact on both our physical and mental well-being. Whether caused by stress, lifestyle, or other factors, disruptions to our natural breathing patterns can lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms that can affect daily life.
So, what happens when your breathing becomes disordered? And how can a Breathing MOT help restore balance?
So, what happens when breathing goes wrong? And how can a Breathing MOT help get things back on track?
When Your Breathing Isn't Right
Breathing is an automatic function, controlled by the brain’s respiratory centre located in the medulla oblongata and pons, both parts of the brainstem. The process involves more than just the lungs – it also engages key muscles like the diaphragm and other upper body muscles, with posture playing a crucial role as well.
Although we can consciously control our breathing (e.g., breathing fast, slow, deep, or shallow), the body’s natural breathing rhythm should be calm and consistent. However, this rhythm can sometimes be disrupted. When that happens, we refer to it as a Breathing Pattern Disorder (BPD).
Subtle changes in your breathing pattern, or even established BPD, can manifest in a variety of ways. Here’s what to look out for:
What You Might Feel:
Shortness of breath: BPD can make you feel breathless during simple activities that require breath coordination, such as talking on the phone, eating and conversing, or walking and chatting. You may feel as though you can’t get enough air, with frequent sighs or gasps and the desire for a more satisfying breath.
Chest tightness or discomfort: A tight or heavy chest can occur due to overuse of smaller, weaker upper chest muscles.
Anxiety or panic: Disrupted breathing can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing anxiety and, in some cases, leading to panic attacks. Studies suggest that those with anxiety are more prone to altered breathing patterns (Gilbert 2002, Umezawa 2001).
Tension in the neck and shoulders: Inefficient breathing can overwork the muscles around the neck and shoulders, leading to tension and discomfort.
What You Might See:
Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth can contribute to an upper chest breathing pattern, often taking in more air than necessary.
Shallow chest breathing: You may rely more on the upper chest rather than the diaphragm, leading to quick, shallow breaths – a tell-tale sign of inefficient breathing.
Irregular breathing patterns: Your breathing may become uneven, with large, small, fast, or short breaths, particularly during stressful moments.
Postural changes: Poor posture, such as slouching, can restrict diaphragm movement, contributing to disordered breathing.
How a Breathing MOT Can Help
Unsure whether you have a Breathing Pattern Disorder? Curious about whether your breathing pattern could be improved? A Breathing MOT could be the solution.
The Breathing MOT offers a thorough assessment of your breathing pattern. Drawing on our extensive clinical experience in respiratory health, we can identify breathing abnormalities and pinpoint the triggers behind them. If we discover a breathing pattern disorder, our team of experts can guide you through the re-training process, helping you restore optimal breathing and alleviate symptoms.
If, during our initial screening, we feel you would benefit from the input of another specialist, we can quickly refer you to the appropriate professional within our trusted network of healthcare experts.
For more details on what to expect from a Breathing MOT, visit our website or click here to book your assessment today.
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