Overbreathing is a very common functional condition. In 1992, an article in the journal Hospital Medicine stated that overbreathing may contribute to as few as 6% or as much as 40% of symptoms in the general medical clinic (1). In other words, 1/20 to up to 2/5 patients that go to a doctor may have symptoms caused by overbreathing. Table 1 lists examples of symptoms caused by overbreathing.

It is also NOT uncommon for people to have an acute overbreathing episode and be taken to the hospital for symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. For example, in Dr. Robert Fried’s book about breathing he states (2): “There are varying reports of its [dysfunctional breathing] frequency in the population at large, ranging between 10 percent and 25 percent. It has been estimated to account for roughly 60 percent of emergency ambulance calls in major US city hospitals.”

In an article published in 1950 in the American Journal of Medicine, Dr Rice explained that, “medical students as well as practitioners frequently state that they have never heard of this condition” (3). The same holds true today – the condition of overbreathing remains a largely undiagnosed problem.

Look at the symptoms in Table 1 and consider the diverse array of medications that can be prescribed for symptoms of a condition that does not actually exist. And unfortunately, not a single modern medical diagnosis book discusses overbreathing, which means that it remains an untreated and undiagnosed condition from which millions needlessly suffer. However, the person suffering with overbreathing typically knows intuitively that they have a breathing issue.

The treatment of overbreathing does not require medication. The individual needs to learn how to breathe properly. For some people, this is a very easy process and for others, it is more complicated.

For uncomplicated breathing issues

As a DeFlame Club member you will have access to the muscular or mechanical approach to addressing faulty respiration. Self-care and breathing techniques are demonstrated on videos available to DeFlame Club members.

The most impressive encounter I have had with overbreathing involves a women in her mid 30’s who had to be rushed to the hospital two times in an ambulance for many of the overbreathing symptoms listed in table 1. Without health insurance, this can cost thousands of dollars. She was misdiagnosed at the emergency department and given medications for vertigo, anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. I demonstrated and showed her how to use her abdominal and diaphragm muscles to control her breathing. She struggled with the changes during the first week, but kept practicing. Soon she was able to control her breathing and is now able engage proper breathing techniques when she encounters a stressful event that would have previously led to the development of debilitating symptoms.

For complicated breathing issues

Some individuals have a more complicated breathing problem, such that they have developed a subconscious overbreathing behavior or habit that requires a greater depth of coaching beyond the mechanical and behavioral techniques found in the DeFlame Club videos. If you would like a breathing interview and assessment, please contact us at betterbreathing@deflame.com.

How to become a breathing practitioner

MS in Breathing Sciences

You can now attain a Masters of Science in Breathing Sciences. To do this, you do NOT need a primary healthcare degree, just a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the MS program you can have a breathing education practice, which can be done exclusively from your home via skype.

Considering that up to 40% of primary care visits may have a component of unrecognized breathing dysfunction; the public need for breathing coaches is great, which makes it a viable business. Click here for more information about acquiring an MS Degree in Breathing Sciences.

For practicing health care providers

To become your local expert in breathing, we invite you to consider a couple of options. First, if you are a health care provider you can acquire a capnometer through DeFlame.com and get trained at various levels of entry for addressing breathing disorders in your practice.

Get your own Capnometer here.

References

1. Duncan S, Raffin T. Handling hyperventilation syndrome. Hosp Med. 1992;28:58-67.
2. Fried R. Breathe Well, Be Well. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999: p.45.
3. Rice RL. Symptom patterns of the hyperventilation syndrome. Am J Med. 1950;8:691-700.