The Buteyko theory is essentially about recognizing and reversing Chronic Hyperventilation (chronic over-breathing). Up to now, very few doctors have considered it a valid diagnosis, although overwhelming evidence has been collected both through scientific research and therapeutic practice.
Let me cite just a few of the many articles confirming that CHV plays a significant role in the development of a number of chronic diseases, conditions and symptoms which are prevalent among modern population.
Among the most difficult and frustrating patients for physicians are those with multiple complaints involving many organ systems who, despite seeing numerous physicians, fail to obtain a satisfactory explanation or relief from their symptoms. They often have a “positive review of systems.” After numerous physicians have been seen and multiple diagnostic tests have been done, which have excluded organic disorders, such patients are often dismissed as having nothing wrong with them or having a severe neurosis, anxiety, depression, hypochondriasis or hysteria, despite the persistence of symptoms that may be disabling in their work and other aspects of everyday living. Unfortunately, this scenario continues to be a common occurrence and is the frequent setting in which the hyperventilation syndrome is recognized, months or years after its onset. Previous studies have shown that 5 percent to 10 percent of patients seeking care from primary care physicians have at least some complaints related to hyperventilation.
TABLE 2.–Signs and Symptoms of Hyperventilation Syndrome
GENERAL Weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, blurred vision
PSYCHIATRIC Anxiety, depression, phobias, feeling far away, sensations of unreality
NEUROLOGIC Paresthesias (*sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness) in extremities or periorally (*around the mouth), lightheadedness, dizziness, disorientation, impaired thinking, seizures, syncope, headaches
CARDIOLOGIC Palpitations, chest pain
RESPIRATORY Dyspnea (*difficult or labored breathing) often without provocation characterized as being unable to take a satisfying deep inspiration, exaggerated thoracic breathing, sighing, yawning
GASTROINTESTINAL Dry mouth, bloating, belching, flatulence
MUSCULAR Cramping, spasm, musculoskeletal chest wall pain (chest wall syndrome)
(Hyperventilation Syndrome: A Diagnosis Begging for Recognition GREGORY J. MAGARIAN, MD; DEBORAH A. MIDDAUGH, MD, and DOUGLAS H. LINZ, MD, Portland )
Chest pain is frequently a prominent symptom of the hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) and must be distinguished from angina pectoris due to coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAHD)… The failure to make this clinical differential diagnosis, which often leads to unnecessary coronary angiography, should not be as frequent as generally experienced. (Hyperventilation syndrome: a frequent cause of chest pain. C E Wheatley)
This review discusses the evidence for dysregulated breathing playing a role in three clinical syndromes: panic disorder, functional cardiac disorder, and chronic pain. Recent technological advances allowing the ambulatory assessment of endtidal partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) and respiratory patterns have opened up new avenues for investigation and treatment of these disorders. The latest evidence from laboratories indicates that subtle disturbances of breathing, such as tidal volume instability and sighing, contribute to the chronic hypocapnia often found in panic patients. Hypocapnia is also common in functional cardiac and chronic pain disorders, and studies indicate that it mediates some of their symptomatology. Consistent with the role of respiratory dysregulation in these disorders, initial evidence indicates efficacy of respiration-focused treatment. (Respiratory Dysregulation in Anxiety, Functional Cardiac, and Pain Disorders Frank H. Wilhelm Stanford University Richard Gevirtz California School of Professional Psychology—San Diego Walton T. Roth Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System)
Although Buteyko medical trials in the Western world have been conducted mostly for groups of asthma patients, it is time to recognize that the problem of CHV is much more widespread. Most importantly, we have a technique available right now to correct CHV without drug interventions, expensive therapies or invasive procedures. As with most chronic health problems, it is easier to catch CHVS early, before years of unrecognized hyperventilation impose extensive damage upon one’s health.
I urge doctors and nurses to do their own inquiry into the overwhelming evidence of the validity of the CHVS diagnosis and to recognize the extent of the problem for the sake of their patients.
There are some positive signs. The same student of mine whom I have mentioned in the previous article “Classification of the Diseases and Correct Diagnosis,” told me that after years of going from doctor to doctor without clear diagnoses, her neurologist finally suggested she suffers from CHVS. Additionally, while I was finishing this article, I found out about a new exciting development – Coventry University, UK, just launched a program to train nurses to teach Buteyko technique to their patients. (http://www.nursingtimes.net/nurses-to-be-trained-to-teach-buteyko-breathing-technique-to-asthmatics/5000294.article)
Request a consultation today to find out if an existing medical condition that you or your child are experiencing might be related to Chronic Hyperventilation.
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Buteyko Clinic USA offers unique breathing rehabilitation programs that result in long term drug free control over asthma, allergies, COPD, rhinitis, chronic cough, snoring, sleep apnea, anxiety, panic, chronic hyperventilation syndrome and other chronic conditions. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Tags: breathing, Buteyko, Chronic hyperventilation, CHVS
How is CHVS tested for. A neurologist watched me constantly sighing. Also, I was extremely lightheaded after taking 4-5 deeep breaths as he listened to my lungs. He suggested, not diagnosed, that I could have a form of hyperventalation. My symptoms are: fatgue, headaches, angina type chest pain, cold hands and feet and I AHI 5.7 sleep apnea which is mainly made up from hypopnea. I breathe slow and take sighs about every few minutes. Is my breathing too slow causing me to sign which blows off too much CO2?
Dear Darren,
The diagnosis of Chronic Hyperventilation is still questioned by many doctors. There are no clear guidelines or tests, therefore some doctors (mostly neurologists) might “suggest” it, but they are reluctant to give it as a primary diagnosis. One of the reasons, as I see it, is that Chronic Hyperventilation produces a number of seemingly unrelated symptoms, which might involve virtually every organ system of the body.
Below is an excerpt from MD Guidelines
Acute hyperventilation syndrome is easier to diagnose than chronic hyperventilation syndrome, in which individuals may present with respiratory, heart, neurologic, or gastrointestinal symptoms without apparent overbreathing.
The other reason is, If they would, they’ll be facing a treatment options suggestion, and again, they don’t have any, at least not any that involve drugs.
One of the things they might do to diagnose CHVS is what’s called Hyperventilation provocation test. They would make a patient to take few large breaths repeatedly and see if their symptoms worsen (That’s why you were extremely lightheaded after 4-5 large breaths).
Again, from MD Guidelines
The individual may be asked to hyperventilate. If this reproduces the symptoms, the diagnosis is confirmed.
Some tests like blood gases analysis might show certain signs of hyperventilation.
However, Hyperventilation provocation test might not be safe for people with serious health conditions, and blood gases analysis will not always show precise correlation between hyperventilation and gases concentrations.
Buteyko Theory is all about diagnosing and treating hyperventilation. If you had a chance to look up testimonials on our site, read one from Patricia. She had a similar situation. She was going from doctor to doctor for almost a decade until finally her neurologist suggested she has a CHVS, and that’s how she found the ButeykoTherapy.
Your symptoms are classic symptoms of Chronic Hyperventilation. Go to http://www.asthmacare.us/buteykoeducation.html. Scroll down to Overbreathing signs and symptoms. You also probably saw the list of the symptoms quoted in this article (Table 2).
And it is not the full list. Sighs every few minutes is a typical sign of hyperventilation. And sleep apnea is one of the most common disorders treated with the Buteyko method.
Breathing “slow” or “fast” is you perception of your breathing pattern, and might be irrelevant to the volume of air you inhale. With the Buteyko treatment we are addressing VOLUME. In order to reverse Hyperventilation we retrain respiratory center to accept normal (smaller) minute volumes of air.
If you have any questions about the treatment, please Email us to info@asthmacare.us or Contact us.
Sincerely
AsthmaCare staff
I have been having symptoms for a while. I am diabetic and have HTN. I am 36 yr old female. I have a history of PVC’s with stress or deep inhalation and now have developed a long history of fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain and have been in the ER with tachycardia that happened while sleeping (has happened mostly at night after an hour or so of sleep) but some occurrences during the day. I have what I feel is SOB with talking or exertion. My cardiac workup was normal. The only thing that showed was low CO2 in the ER but my saturations were 100%. I am weak, I tremble and have anxiety. I sigh ALL THE TIME!!! And if i slow it down and try to breathe minimally I feel like I am gonna smother. I remember one time I went to a clinic with bronchitis and they gave me a breathing treatment and I almost passed out. If I try to breath fast on purpose, I get extremely dizzy (which I am most of the time anyway). I am ending up in the doctors office all the time. Of course the sighing really kicked up, I noticed after the scarey ER visit with fast, pounding heart rate. I have belching all day and intestinal gas. I cannot handle the smallest amount of stress at this point. It is ruining my life. My family is wonderful but this will eventually wear on them. What can I do?
Dear Traci,
First of all, do not despair. Judging from your description, you have typical symptoms of Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome – PVC’s with stress or deep inhalation, frequent sighs, belching, shortness of breath with talking or exertion and more. It also sounds like your hyperventilation is severe, and therefore you are having a multitude of symptoms, which are getting worse.
The Buteyko Therapy is the only effective treatment aimed to reverse Chronic Hyperventilation, and in our opinion, you should strongly consider it.
Due to the severity of your condition and also diabetes, if you decide to learn the Buteyko Method, we strongly recommend you to work with an experienced Buteyko Practitioner rather than DIY with books or DVDs.
If you wish, you can schedule a free phone consultation with us. Time is not limited, and we can answer all your questions, discuss your condition and suggest treatment options.
To schedule a phone consultation with a Practitioner, please send Email to info@asthmacare.us or Contact us.
Sincerely,
AsthmaCare staff
Traci…
do it. try buteyko
ive been suffering all of the symptoms ;isted in the table for about 6 months. i am very aware of my breathing as though its a conciouse act that i do am constantly feel a pressure pain in my chest and stomach. could this be chvs?
Dear Jane,
Because chest pain could be a sign of a very serious health condition, you should go to your doctor first for a thorough check-up in order to exclude heart or other related conditions. Also consult your gastroenterologist to exclude serious digestive disorders. In the absence of other serious causes, pressure chest pain is a very likely symptom of hyperventilation. The diagnosis of Chronic Hyperventilation is still questioned by many doctors. There are no clear guidelines or tests, therefore some doctors might “suggest” it, but they are reluctant to give it as a primary diagnosis. If, as you’ve mentioned, you have other CHVS related symptoms, I would consider consulting a qualified Buteyko Practitioner in your area. He/She can evaluate you and suggest learning the Buteyko Method, which is a safe and effective technique aimed at the reversal of Chronic Hyperventilation.
I have struggled with anxiety or something for over 2 years. I have just started readying about chronic hypervenilation syndrome. I am thinking this could be the culprit. I constatnly find myself holding my breath, tightening my shoulders, straining all my neck mucles ect…. Could you comment on this? I don’t know if there is a DR. in my area that has even heard of this or any treatments here. I so want help and to feel better. My main symptom is that I am constantly dizzy off balance feeling. I have had ear test, heart test, blood work, balance test and nothing shows up. Please let me know what you think. Thank you
Dear Teresa,
Please see my previous answers to many hyperventilation questions above. Your symptoms are typical symptoms of dysfunctional breathing that is associated with chronic hyperventilation. Those symptoms include holding breath, tightness in the neck and shoulders, tight feeling in the chest, unable to take a satisfying breath, dizzy spells, feeling confused, stiff fingers or arms, anxiety, palpitations and more. The Buteyko therapy is a breathing therapy that reverses Chronic Hyperventilation. There is no other drug or non-drug therapy that can do this, and luckily, no drugs needed. Since your tests excluded serious health problems, it would be best if you could find a Butyeko Therapist near you and start working with one. I can help you with much more information if you contact me directly http://www.asthmacare.us/ContactUs.html.
Sincerely,
Eugenia Malyshev, CBE
I have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue, fibro, etc., and have been going from doctor to doctor to figure this all out lately. But no one can rxplain my dizziness and shortness of breath, feeling like I can’t get enough breath in, palpitations, etc. I’m amazed at reading about this today as it seems to explain my problem. This extreme lightheadedness happens so much when I am at the computer and I wonder if there is a connection, maybe posture with breathing. My heart seems fine (no pressure or pain) and a normal EKG (in the past, I’ve had normal heart monitor tests, etc.), but this dizziness and breathlessness are so severe that I am on a leave from work. Would the Buteyko method be useful if I don’t have asthma? Nose breathing is difficult as well (seeing an ENT next week). I think it really sounds like I have this chronic hyperventilation syndrome! What a great relief if retraining my breath would resolve the problem. If there are no practitioners where I live, would a phone consult work?
Dear Susan,
You have indeed all the classic signs of chronic hyperventilation, and Buteyko would be very helpful to you. As you probably saw, there are other comments from people with problems similar to yours. Unfortunately, the majority of doctors don’t recognize it as a valid diagnosis (see my answers to other comments).
We’ve met people in our practice with “fat folder” syndrome, going from doctor to doctor and suffering from being misdiagnosed with no improvements for years.
When you become familiar with Buteyko, you’ll learn how our lifestyle negatively affects our breathing, and lack of physical activity and poor posture are one of the contributing factors. The fact that you mouth breathe often (you’ve mentioned blocked nose) is a huge contributor to chronic hyperventilation.
A Buteyko course will teach you how to address all those issues and reverse hyperventilation, and therefore reverse symptoms caused by it.
The options to learn Buteyko are
- To find a practitioner near you http://www.buteykoclinic.com/buteyko-usa.html (Click on your state)
- To have an online course. Our clinic and few other practitioners across the US offer online courses, typically via Skype.
- Self learn. We offer a wide array of excellent learning materials http://www.asthmacare.us/Books.html If you decide to self study, let us know and we’ll advice you more on what materials are better to buy to save you time and money.
One phone consultation will not teach you Buteyko, it is a process that takes time and, ideally, a supervision of qualified practitioner.
If you wish to stay informed of Buteyko Clinic news, research, articles etc. you can sign up to our monthly newsletter.
Also join our Facebook page; all the latest news and events are posted there.
8 years ago I developed a mysterious set of symptoms all over my body including heart palpitations, trouble breathing, chest and stomach pain, impaired concentration, cold tingling hands, feet and lips, tremors, muscle twitches EVERYWHERE, gastro intestinal problems, insomnia, and tinnitus. I seriously thought I was going to die from a horrible debilitating disease. I ended up in the emergency room twice (panic attacks), had an MRI of the spine and head (for MS and Gullian-Barre), EMG tests (for ALS), and tests for lymes disease, B-12 deficiencies, heavy metal poisoning, ulcers and you name it. They could find nothing wrong with me and I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder with a propensity toward Health Anxiety or somatic something or other. Basically, anxiety was causing me physical symptoms by jacking up my fight or flight responses for long periods of time, which I then interpreted as serious neurological diseases (mostly thanks to the internet), which then caused even greater anxiety, which caused even more physical symptoms…vicious cycle. After some psychological visits and treatments with Zoloft I started to get better and eventually stopped believing that I had a debilitating neurological disease and my symptoms diminished greatly although I still had random twitching around my eyes and hands and feet when I get stressed. Recently while I was training for a half ironman triathlon I noticed I had an occasional extra heart beat or premature ventricular contraction (apparently this is common but unnoticed by most). Well I ended up in the ER because I developed a full on constant extra heart beat with every regular beat. At the ER they could find nothing wrong with me other than the extra heart beat. I went saw my doctor and a cardiologist had an echo cardio stress test and was told that my heart was strong and I went on Beta-blockers which totally got rid of the extra heart beat. Any way, I couldn’t get it out of my head that something was wrong with my heart and then I started to have other symptoms: chest/upper abdominal pain, heart palpitations, tingling hands and feet and face, muscle twitches, tons of ridiculous burping, gastro intestinal issues, impaired concentration, tinnitus and anxiety…sound familiar? Of course I started thinking I had ALS or MS or cancer or something, but my family doctor disagreed and actually suggested that I might have Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome, which I did not even know existed. When I started reading up on it I could not believe that I found something that matched my outrageous terrifying symptoms along with a medical explanation of why with lowered CO2 levels and Calcium depletion you get tons of crazy symptoms. I now believe that I may have this issue and may in fact have had it for years (along with actual anxiety). I started on Zoloft again to help with the anxiety and am trying to crush this fear that I have something much more sinister which is really winding me up right now, I have this terrible fear that I will be a vegetable or die before my son grows up.
Dear Rob,
You are not alone. As you can see, this CHVS article is probably the most popular in our Blog, and it is amazing how many monthly Internet searches are out there for the phrase Chronic Hyperventilation or CHVS. Your story is typical for severe CHVS sufferer. The symptoms are often mistaken for very serious, life threatening diseases, and doctors do not have proper guidelines on how to treat it. As a result, sedatives, antidepressants, heart medication and other unnecessary drugs are prescribed without addressing the cause of the problem. Correcting CO2 level with breathing retraining program like Buteyko would address the root of the problem. No medications needed. Please look around our website http://www.asthmacare.us and feel free to contact us if you need further help.
I have been reading up on Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome, and have come to realize that I have this. I Believe I have been over-breathing my whole life. I desperately want to learn how to breath more efficiently, so I no longer need to take zoloft. The past two months, I have been having episodes of hyperventilation when I go out to eat, or when I am driving, in a movie theater , etc. It gets so uncomfortable , that I can’t even think straight . I want to go take a Buteyko class, but I have this fear that the class will invoke that breathless feeling, and I will have an anxiety attack. The class is also an hour drive . Is it beneficial to actually take a class, or do DVD’s suffice?
Dear Mary,
We understand your concern. Many people can learn the Buteyko Method form books and DVDs, and we have excellent educational materials http://www.asthmacare.us/Books.html. It is always better to work with a Practitioner for number of reasons:
Poor understanding and incorrect application of the method may result in no improvement and can worsen your condition. A Practitioner’s role is to understand your health history and to tailor therapy for your individual needs, as well as make sure progress is made. Many Buteyko Practitioners provide ongoing support and encouragement, since complete recovery with the Buteyko therapy takes time. Also people with conditions like, for example, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, unstable blood pressure are strongly cautioned against practicing method without an experienced Buteyko Practitioner. Ask your Practitioner if he/she has experience with anxiety and panic disorders. It is important since many people with anxiety disorders have the same concerns and fears as you do and require special approach. If long drive is an issue, you have another option to take an online class, which some Practitioners offer. If you need more detailed consultation, feel free to contact us http://www.asthmacare.us/ContactUs.html.
I have the same symptoms. I had a crazy panic attack,which was my first, over a month ago that involved over breathing. Before i was completely normal. Ever since that day, my mouth is constantly dry, and i am sighing. Its hard for me to catch my breathe. I’m so tired of it, i refuse to use a bag or anything to breathe in, i have learned to hold my breathe in times of need. What can i do? how can i fix this? I want to be how i was again. Or atleast figure out something to fix these symptoms
Dear Tiffany,
Do not use the bag. What you need is to take a Buteyko course with experienced Practitioner who understands your severe anxiety/panic problem. With his/her help you’ll learn how to reverse chronic hyperventilation and stop those symptoms. If you need more information or to schedule a phone or Email consultation with us, please send Email to info@asthmacare.us or Contact us.
For about 6 months now I have been sighing, every few minutes and it is getting worse. People are starting to comment now and asking me why I am sighing all the time. My doctor said its just anxiety, but Im not sure, Ive had much worse anxiety before and never got this. I feel like I have to fill up my lungs with big deep breaths, then a big sigh out, and I am consious of my breathing. Is it grief?(my mother died 2.5 years ago), is it about tough times in my life? whatever it is I need to get back to normal.
I have been searching and searching for what it might be. I dont have a lot of the other symptoms the previous people have mentioned. I would like to get to the bottom of it before it overtakes me!
Will this method help me, I am in Australia. please help.
Dear Lisa,
Frequent sighing and inability to take a deep breath are classic signs of developed chronic hyperventilation. Stressful events of the past might have contributed to it, but the truth is our modern lifestyle, including what and how we eat, how we sleep and even small everyday stresses are consistently contributing to the development of dysfunctional breathing that involves hyperventilation. Once we develop that hazardous for our health habit, it stays, unless we consciously address it with breathing retraining. Buteyko therapy will not only reverse the obvious hyperventilation symptoms, but will address many current and future health issues. The list of Buteyko Practitioners in Australia can be found here.
A lot of times when my ears ring I just press that little flap right outside your ear hole and it makes the noise stop. Or if you hold your nose and blow that has worked for me too. I hate tinnitus I wish I was able to find something that actually works to cure it.
Tinnitus is one of the conditions listed among those related to chronic hyperventilation and treatable with the Buteyko Method.
Prozac is also helpful against anxiety attacks but be careful about its side-effects.”`
I’m only 13 and for the past 3/4 months I have been struggling to get a breath. It’s really annoying because I just want to be a normal teenager but I always worry about going out incase it gets really bad and I have a panic attack. I went to the doctors like a week after it happened and I had blood tests to test for asthma but everything came back fine. They say its stress, anxiety or just a habit, but the doctor wont listen to me. It’s really annoying! I’m going to book an appointment tomorrow and mention CHVS/HVS and see what she says.
I’m from Scotland by the way
Will put a link on your Facebook account in Poland and I strongly commend to your blog: Are you suffering from Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome (CHVS)? Buteyko Clinic USA. And I have many friends who are interested in medicine, I’m a doctor. I cordially greet and welcome to the blog in our country.
Im only 14 and I experience SOB for no apparent reason ,lightheadeness upon standing with heart palpatations. I am also very concerned about my breathing. I wheeze occasionally during inhalation and exhalation. I feel pressure in my abdomen most of the time too.I feel bloated and burp and have excessive gas in my stomach as I have seen a paediatrian and she said it may be GERD. I yawn excessively and have cold hands and feet all the time. When I run or brisk walk,my nails turn purple. I also have chest pain randomly and have seen a cardiogist and she said it was due to cafeine overuse. I have been referred to many physicians over a course of 1 year. I have headaches throughout the day and I prefer to chest breathe to normal breathing. I have a dry mouth too. I had a normal ecg twice. Please help me. I dont know how to talk to my doctor during the next follow up in Oct. Im sure its not GERD but I dont know how to tell her.
Im from Singapore by the way.
I also have a dry cough after running.
Daphne,
look here for the contact info of the Buteyko breathing practitioner in Singapore http://www.buteykoscotland.co.uk/singapore.htm
You have many symptoms of CHVS, which might be corrected with simple breathing therapy.
A Practitioner will evaluate your breathing and symptoms and will teach you how to retrain your breathing in order to minimize hyperventilation.
If something will not work out with that practitioner, you might try online classes via Skype, which number of practitioners worldwide offer.
All the best.
Thank you so much! But how can I convince my doc that my symtoms are not totally related to GERD? How can I tell her it may be Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome?
Daphne,
There are different doctors. Some of them are more open to alternative therapies, some more close-minded. You don’t have to convince your doctor, you can work with breathing Practitioner independently and still be under your doctor’s care. As your symptoms improve with breathing retraining, it will be a proof that it is CHVS related.
But if you want to tell your doctor about Buteyko, there is a lot of info available, including books, medical trials etc. If she shows interest, you can give the info to her.
Buteyko can be taken alongside any conventional treatment, your Practitioner however will ask you about your current meds, surgeries etc. to make sure the practice is completely safe for you.
Okay. Thanks for the info.
I’m from India, Bangalore basically. And about two weeks ago I hard a gastric attack. And since then I have this sensation of not being able to take a deep breath, I’ve had my EKG done, blood tested for low haemoglobin, had an endoscopy done. Everything turned out normal. But I still keep sighing and trying to yawn and I have this muscle twitching. I don’t feel breathless while exercising or walking. And sometimes I feel like my heart is racing. I want to get this resolved asap. Please suggest a remedial measure.
There is info on Buteyko breathing practitioner in India http://www.buteyko.co.in/Contact.html
Can you please tell me if tinnitus can be cured by buteyko? Really appreciate it.
Nikki,
tinnitus is listed among conditions that can be helped greatly by reversing hyperventilation. However, have a thorough check up first to make sure it is not caused by any present serious health condition. If not, trying Buteyko is definitely recommended – it does not have side effects and only improves overall health. If hyperventilation plays a role in your tinnitus, even after the first couple of weeks of correctly applying Buteyko you should feel noticeable improvements.
How do I know if it is caused by HVS? Is it not treatable otherwise?
Nikki,
You cannot know FOR SURE until you start breathing retraining and see if it helps. Like in medical treatment, we can suggest that something is likely caused by CHV
1- by overall assessment (symptoms fit the list of symptoms that can be caused by CHVS; dysfunctional breathing pattern is present – you’ve mentioned “sensation of not being able to take a deep breath, sighing and trying to yawn”)
2- doctors can’t find any “physical” reason for your symptoms
3- the Control Pause test; It shows degree of hyperventilation. Read under “How to measure your Control Pause (CP) ” http://www.asthmacare.us/HealthCheck.html
CHVS is not treatable otherwise. There are no drugs that you can take to correct your breathing (luckily). Buteyko is a natural therapy to bring your breathing to physiologically normal.
Hi,
I’m a 23-year-old male in the U.S. searching for answers. I’m 6′ 1″ and 170 lbs and take excellent care of my health, eating an excellent diet and exercising regularly. However, over the past nine months I have experienced a number of baffling symptoms that nobody can seem to diagnose. About seven months after graduating college and moving from the Midwest to New York City, I started experiencing sensitivity to light and sound and daily headaches. After awhile the headaches subsided and irritable bowel set in for a month or so, and then subsided as well. After that came the inability to take a deep breath, chronic chest pain (diagnosed as costochondritis during the hospital visit I had) dizziness, tingling hands, etc. All of these symptoms are worse when I exercise.
I’ve had numerous tests: CT of the sinuses, MRI of the brain, ultrasound of the abdomen, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, 30-day heart monitor, several EKGs, ultrasound of the heart, several blood tests, thyroid, 24-hour urine cortisol. The only substantial findings from all of this were a few polyps in my sinuses, slightly elevated total cholesterol (though HDL was very good) and slightly elevated morning cortisol. Overall, nothing that would be causing all of this. My GP diagnosed anxiety and prescribed Lexapro, but I’m hesitant to take medication.
I came across Chronic Hyperventilation Syndrome last week and it sounds like the answer I’ve been searching for. I ordered Dinah Bradley’s book “Hyperventilation Syndrome: Breathing Pattern Disorders and How to Overcome Them” as well as Patrick McKeown’s book “Anxiety Free: Stop Worrying and Quieten Your Mind.” I’m trying to implement the Buteyko method of breathing, but I’m nervous that it won’t work and I’ll be stuck this way, forever living in fear of dropping dead from a heart attack or some other malicious disease at any moment.
I see now that my move from New York, in which I left family and a long-term girlfriend, started a new job, and had to grow up very fast, most like caused my to start over-breathing, but in my dark moments I’m not convinced.
What are your thoughts? Can you help me?
I should mention my current daily symptoms:
- Chest pain/soreness all day
- Chest cracks/pops when deeply stretching or breathing deep
- Chest tightness/pain when exercising
- Shortness of breath when exercising
- Inability to take a deep breath when at rest
- Feeling like my ribs are crushing my lungs when sitting/laying
- Frequent yawning and sighing
- Frequent air burping
- Constant anxiety and depression
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Tingling/cold hands and feet
- Occasional dizziness/lightheadedness
- Sensation of heart “pounding” constantly
- Unrestful sleep, fatigue
Lastly, I don’t live in New York anymore. I moved back to Missouri in June. I hoped this would alleviate my symptoms, but it did not. Is there a Buteyko practitioner near me?
Chris,
Answering all of your posts -
your symptoms are consistent with CHVS, however, symptoms sound quite serious and in this case it is highly recommended to work with a qualified Practitioner. A Practitioner will evaluate closely your medical history and current symptoms, will advice on the best course of action and monitor your progress. You can search Practitioners by state here http://buteykoeducators.org/content.aspx?page_id=78&club_id=174916
There is nobody in Missouri, but one option is to search nearby states to travel to, or, another option is to take online class via Skype. Here is the website with info about Skype classes http://buteykohelponline.com/.
If you have more questions, please Email to info@asthmacare.us.
Thanks for the response!
The phrase “…symptoms sound quite serious…” worries me. I should be able to correct this, right? I know you said my symptoms are consistent with CHVS, but could it be something else, or could the CHVS be caused by something else?
I feel like I’ve been checked in almost every way possible, but I still worry that the doctors missed something.
Chris,
I didn’t mean to alarm you too much, what I meant was – if you decide to reverse your hyperventilation, your symptoms are serious enough not to DIY but seek a professional help. Breathing rehabilitation program is typically at least few months therapy (the length varies with different people as many factors are involved). If you, let’s say, decide to work with me – I am a Buteyko Practitioner, not a doctor, and my goal is first and foremost ensure that the program is safe for you. If I hear the symptoms such as “chest pain”, “Constant anxiety and depression”, “Chest cracks/pops when deeply stretching or breathing deep” they might indicate a serious health condition, which is up to you and your doctor(s) to determine. If your doctor can’t find anything wrong, that is a good sign that those symptoms are likely caused by chronic hyperventilation alone. And yes, it is completely reversible. There is work involved – breathing rehabilitation takes time and practice, but surely it is effective and it can be done. More good news – it is generally very safe and can be practiced alongside most conventional treatments.
Great, thank you so much for the info. I’ll definitely consider enrolling in the online course if you think that’s the best course of treatment. At this point, I don’t know what other health conditions I could have that haven’t already been investigated, so I guess it must be CHVS! I’m seeing a pulmonary specialist soon to get checked one last time, but in the meantime I plan to begin working on Buteyko breathing.
Thanks again, and I’ll keep you posted.
Im wondering if this is what I am suffering from. 8 months ago I experienced an off balance feeling and headaches and fullness in ears which threw me into an anxious state, along with a number of things going on at that time. Since then I sigh deeply allot of the time and it feels good to get a deep breath and my chest feels painful and tight allot of the time but it comes and goes. But Im also experiencing aches and pains all over my body, arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, back..and I feel so tense and being out in the cold makes these feelings worse. I get twitches every now and then. The only place I feel relaxed is when Im in bed and I sleep very well without any interruptions (apart from the odd twitch). I am scared its Fibromyalgia
I’ve recently got back into my exercise and I don’t feel any of these aches and pains when I am, which is strange. Im seeing a Rheumatologist soon so hopefully I will get an answer then..?!?!
I was diagnosed with chronic hyperventilation disorder when I was 16. I am now 33 and have had difficulty with it my whole life. Mine acts up whenever I am overly stressed. It has varied from lack of sleep to anxiety. I have established strict routine in my life to compensate, but with the recent death of my mother and birth of my daughter my attacks are a lot more frequent. I fear I have developped a heart palpitation too. I know my symptoms and how they go from bad to worse, usually starting with weak bowels and I become very pale as my blood pressure drops. Then if I don’t start to control my breathing it will progress to pins and needles in my hands and feet followed by muscle cramping in those areas. I am fearful of it getting worse. What would you suggest what I should do as a course of action? I live in western Canada and my family doctor is more focused on saying its an anxiety disorder rather than CHVS. He is not the same doctor that diagnosed me and I haven’t seen that doctor since the initial diagnosis, (moved across the country.) Thank you for posting this though.
Dear Adam,
you can see a list of Canadian Breathing retraining practitioners here http://buteykoeducators.org/content.aspx?page_id=78&club_id=174916. Hopefully you’ll find one that is close to where you live. You can also have an online class via Skype. The Buteyko educator will consider your medical history and help you to reverse chronic hyperventilation in a gentle and most efficient way.
Thank you very much. There are a few that are in my city. I look forward to getting on top of this. Thank you for the reply and your blog.