DB

[Ca12345]

Been to see a physio today and she said ive got severe disfuncional breathing pattern disorder. But cant get my head around the fact i can hardly do anything like exercise or i struggle to eat but she said it can happen like that????

[twinkly29]

I imagine it starts off less intense but becomes severe without noticing and then, until the right things are in place and helping, it continues in the same way. I think anxiety (common with breathing symptoms) will then add to it because symptoms are similar so sort of self perpetuating.

It will take time I imagine to feel it's improved because it really is about re-teaching the body how the breathe properly - learning anything new takes time, practise and persistence/repetition.

It can definitely take time to get one's head round a new or altered diagnosis too - but it changing doesn't mean your symptoms are less troublesome to you or any less relevant. Sometimes it's actually more difficult because it's not a quick fix medication that will solve it. But at least you've got the right support now and hopefully this is the beginning of better times for you. 🙂

[Ca12345 in reply to twinkly29]

Thankyou so much i hope so i think its been triggering my asthma off aswell over the time

[Wheesy in reply to Ca12345]

My specialist told me that I had this problem, but when I pointed out to him that I used to sing professionally he changed his mind and said he did not know that but to try to start singing and using the breathing exercises which I already know, and join a choir again. My advise is to put on the radio with your favourite channel and try to sing hum to the tunes, It does help and in my case has got my breathing better even though I will not make half a crown for a wedding and 10 shillings for a funeral {This was as a chorister in the cathedral}Good Luck.

[twinkly29 in reply to Ca12345]

It might have been but also the symptoms are very similar so it could well be that most of your symptoms have been the DB not your asthma (which is still there but that aspect is likely to be controlled, from what Addenbrooke's and the physio have said).

But essentially the important thing is for it to improve! Is the physio going to keep seeing you or have you been left to it?

[Poobah]

This is a great explanation video, made by physiotherapists in a NHS Trust, on dysfunctional breathing. It covers the breathlessness that you're experiencing as well as how the lungs work, what a normal pattern of breathing is, tests, exercises etc. youtu.be/z2ja-oNh8vY(Not working as expected?)

Basically, your physio will teach you to how you can correct your breathing patterns so that you can be free of your symptoms of breathlessness when you eat or exercise. It makes sense that you will experience breathlessness as you aren't using your respiratory system efficiently. Even runners have to learn the most efficient way to breath:

youtu.be/7lsmFmcoBCg(Not working as expected?)

[mylungshateme]

Hi, so I had severe dysfunctional breathing disorder feb when assessed, I really had no quality of life (mixed with complex asthma) with help from here 🙂 the link that twinkly gives that's the only exercises respiratory physiology and physiotherapy recommend btw currently. I've completely turned it around and could feel improvement within days. But you really have to work at it like every few hours every day.

I had respiratory physio app few weeks ago now score 0-1. 🙂

Ended up in hot clinic last week and again cons said no signs of dysfunctional breathing!! So you can turn it around but it's a weakness now bit like a broken bone so if asthma flare, or stressed it could creep back in, but it's fine your in control just go through the steps again.

I will be doing an update on my post soon. X🙂

[twinkly29 in reply to mylungshateme]

Ah that's so good to hear of the improvement! Well done you! ⭐

And such a good point at it easily creeping back or occuring naturally with an asthma flare.

The link, is that the BLF one or the lifeguidehealth link?

[Wheesy in reply to twinkly29]

Just to add to my previous addition. It may be worth asking your physio's for a positive pressure flutter valve as I got mine free via the NHS and I find that although a little heavy and looks like a pipe {I have mine on a lanyard because I do not care what I look like, if it helps me to breath.}

[twinkly29 in reply to Wheesy]

Most people should be able to do simple breathing exercises without devices - fair enough for those who can't but they're not things that most people need in order to retrain theyr breathing.

I think in just asthma, doctors are wary of such devices because they can cause bronchospasm. In cases like yours where you have multiple conditions it's quite possibly different and a case of individual medicine.

[Wheesy in reply to twinkly29]

I agree with you entirely that is why I suggested the physio and not to buy one online. My physio taught me the correct way and how not to use my Flutter Valve. Also as you have stated I do have a number of severe lung problems, but I do not let them take over my life. Going for some good old seaside fresh air for a few days starting tomorrow

[Ca12345 in reply to Wheesy]

What does a flutter valve do?

[Wheesy in reply to Ca12345]

A flutter valve causes a positive pressure onto the lungs and helps to dislodge phlegm {This is what I was told} but I also find it useful to help me control my breathing by controlling the vibrations