Dysfunctional breathing for women’s health physiotherapists

Author(s): L. Stonehewer - Pages: 38–40

Abstract

Hyperventilation is a debilitating condition that affects up to 10% of the population and has a wide range of symptoms. Dysfunctional breathing can have many different causes, including: respiratory conditions such as bronchiectasis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or stroke; musculoskeletal conditions such as kyphoscoliosis; psychological disorders such as anxiety or stress; and pregnancy since hyperventilation is seen more frequently in women. Women’s health physiotherapists have a unique and important role to play in the prevention of dysfunctional breathing.

Keywords: dysfunctional breathing, hyperventilation, women’s health physiotherapy.