When we are under stress our bodies adapt to allow us to cope with pressure. The stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released into our bodies to allow us to run for the bus or respond to that tight deadline or manage a family crisis. These hormones cause short term changes in our bodies so we can do what we gotta do and then when the stress factor goes away, the hormones stop being made and released and our bodies can return to being calm cool and collected.

For some people, being under ongoing stress or experiencing a life changing event for example can be the cause of our bodies changing the way that we breathe in order to cope with the changes in our bodies. And its these changes caused by stress that can make it hard to live well. It can also cause some unusual symptoms.

Breathing well is the foundation of good movement.

Some symptoms of a breathing pattern changes can be scary and its important to speak to your family doctor or G.P if you experience these symptoms first as there may be a different cause for the symptoms.

Symptoms of a breathing pattern disorder include:

Air hunger

Headaches

Sighing/yawning

Tight feeling in the chest

Asthma

Panic attacks

Excess wind

Cramps or Tremors

Dizziness or fainting

Cough

Dry throat

Palpitations

Chest pain

Anxiety

Pins and needles in fingers and toes

If you have been assessed by your doctor and the results are OK, you may have a breathing pattern disorder.