The functions of breathing and its dysfunctions and their relationship to breathing therapy

Abstract 

Breathing is unquestionably a key function of the human body; it sustains life by providing oxygen needed for metabolism and removing the by-product of these reactions, carbon dioxide. Breathing, however, has other functions apart from the ventilation of air and the maintenance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Breathing affects motor control and postural stability and plays several roles in physiological and psychological regulation. Breathing can influence homeostatic functions in other system including the autonomic nervous system, the circulatory system, chemical regulation and metabolism.

Breathing becomes dysfunctional when the person is unable to breathe efficiently or when breathing is inappropriate, unhelpful or inefficient in responding to environmental conditions and the changing needs of the individual.

Impairment of the functions of breathing affects people's lives, challenging homeostasis, creating symptoms and compromising health. The efficiency with which breathing fulfills its various functions can be diminished because of musculo-skeletal dysfunction, disease, chronic psychological stress or other factors that affect respiratory drive and respiratory control. The neurological control of breathing shows high levels of neuroplasticity as shown by its ability to adapt to a wide range of internal and external conditions.

Breathing therapy generally aims to either correct dysfunctions of breathing or enhance its functions. Breathing, unlike most physiological functions, can be controlled voluntarily and it can serve as an entry point for physiological and psychological regulation.

Keywords: Dysfunctional breathing, Functions of breathing, Breathing therapy, Hyperventilation