Treatment of Breathing Pattern Disorders

Breathing retraining : Learn to Breathe Less

Teach the patient to recognise how they are breathing at the moment.
To understand the connection between bad breathing habits and symptoms.
Re educate breathing pattern. Relaxed breathing at a normal rate and depth, relaxing upper chest. Slow smooth breathing via nose using diaphragm.
Raise resting pCO₂ (carbon dioxide level) by breathing less deeply and more slowly.
Learn to cope with acute attacks of hyperventilation or panic by identifying triggers. Use good positioning. Use the wait, count, recover method.
Consider altering other lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep hygiene and relaxation.

Refer to a respiratory physiotherapist for breathing retraining and clinical psychologist to manage anxiety and stress.