If you are asked the question: how should you breathe correctly? - you will almost certainly answer - deeply. And you will be fundamentally wrong, says Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko.
It is deep breathing that is the cause of a large number of diseases and early deaths among people. The healer proved this with the assistance of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences.
What kind of breathing can be called deep? It turns out that the most common breathing is when we can see the movement of the chest or abdomen.
"Can not be! You exclaim. "Do all people on Earth breathe wrong?" As proof, Konstantin Pavlovich proposes to conduct the following experiment: take thirty deep breaths in thirty seconds - and you will feel weakness, sudden drowsiness, light dizziness.
It turns out that the destructive effect of deep breathing was discovered back in 1871 by the Dutch scientist De Costa, the disease was called "hyperventilation syndrome".
In 1909, the physiologist D. Henderson, conducting experiments on animals, proved that deep breathing is fatal to all organisms. The cause of death of the experimental animals was a deficiency of carbon dioxide, in which excess oxygen becomes poisonous.
KP Buteyko believes that thanks to the development of his technique, it is possible to defeat 150 of the most common diseases of the nervous system, lungs, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, which, in his opinion, are directly caused by deep breathing.
“We have established a general law: the deeper the breathing, the more seriously ill a person is and the faster death occurs. The shallower the breathing, the more healthy, hardy and durable a person is. In this case, carbon dioxide is important. She does everything. The more it is in the body, the healthier a person is. "
The evidence for this theory is the following facts:
During the intrauterine development of a child, his blood contains 3-4 times less oxygen than after birth;
The cells of the brain, heart, kidneys need an average of 7% carbon dioxide and 2% oxygen, while the air contains 230 times less carbon dioxide and 10 times more oxygen;
When newborn babies were placed in an oxygen chamber, they became blind;
Experiments on rats have shown that if placed in an oxygen chamber, they become blind from fiber sclerosis;
Mice placed in an oxygen chamber die after 10–12 days;
The large number of centenarians in the mountains is explained by the lower percentage of oxygen in the air; thanks to the thin air, the climate in the mountains is considered curative.
Considering the above, K.P.Buteyko believes that deep breathing is especially harmful for newborns, therefore the traditional tight swaddling of children is a guarantee of their health. Perhaps a sharp decrease in immunity and a sharp increase in the incidence of young children are associated with the fact that modern medicine recommends immediately providing the child with maximum freedom of movement, and therefore, to provide destructive deep breathing.
Deep and rapid breathing leads to a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide in the lungs, and therefore in the body, which causes the internal environment to alkalize. As a result, metabolism is disrupted, which leads to many diseases:
Allergic reactions;
Colds;
Salt deposits;
The development of tumors;
Nervous diseases (epilepsy, insomnia, migraines, a sharp decrease in mental and physical capacity for work, memory impairment);
Expanded veins;
Obesity, metabolic disorders;
Genital disorders;
Complications during childbirth;
Inflammatory processes;
Viral diseases.
According to KP Buteyko, the symptoms of deep breathing are “dizziness, weakness, headache, tinnitus, nervous trembling, fainting. This shows that deep breathing is a terrible poison. " In his lectures, the healer demonstrated how attacks of certain diseases can be caused and eliminated through breathing. The main provisions of K.P.Buteyko's theory are as follows:
1. The human body protects itself from deep breathing. The first defensive reaction is spasms of smooth muscles (bronchi, blood vessels, intestines, urinary tract), they are manifested in asthmatic attacks, hypertension, constipation. As a result of asthma treatment, for example, there is an expansion of the bronchi and a decrease in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which leads to shock, collapse, and death. The next defensive reaction is sclerosis of the vessels and bronchi, that is, the sealing of the walls of the vessels in order to avoid the loss of carbon dioxide. Cholesterol, covering the membranes of cells, blood vessels, nerves, protects the body from the loss of carbon dioxide during deep breathing. The phlegm secreted from the mucous membranes is also a protective reaction to the loss of carbon dioxide.
2. The body is able to build proteins from simple elements, attaching its own carbon dioxide and absorbing it. At the same time, a person has an aversion to proteins and a natural vegetarianism appears.
3. Spasms and sclerosis of blood vessels and bronchi lead to the fact that the body receives less oxygen. This means that with deep breathing, oxygen starvation and a lack of carbon dioxide are observed.
4. It is the increased content of carbon dioxide in the blood that can cure most of the most common diseases. And this can be achieved through proper shallow breathing.
“Life is the period between one breath and the next. A man who breathes half and lives by half. The one who breathes correctly gains control over his whole being. "
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
It is known that rapid, shallow breathing (compared to a healthy norm, which is now far from everyone's) causes anxiety, fear, sleep problems, and shortens life in the long term. At the same time, deep breathing allows, in terms of health and "life in general":
- increase concentration and productivity at work,
- stay calm (and toned) in all situations and protect yourself from stress,
- improve results in the practice of dynamic and strength yoga exercises, in fitness and sports,
- strengthen the immune system,
- sharpen the sense of smell, if necessary - quit smoking,
- get rid of colds, congestion in the sinuses,
- and much more.
Some Ayurveda * specialists also believe that shallow breathing in women hinders the growth of healthy breast volume, in addition to negatively affecting overall health.
From the point of view of yoga, deep breathing is beneficial because
- harmonizes the work of 5 different pranas (types of energies in the body), especially prana and apana ;,
- strengthens the Manipura chakra if it is weakened. And if breathing is "collarbone", superficial, frail - it is most likely just weak;
- allows you to maintain the Anahata chakra, the spiritual heart, in a decent, "working", "open" state;
- gains the amount of prana in the body - it is felt as constant vigor, uplifting, the presence of an excess of strength - physical and mental, “enthusiasm”;
- has a beneficial effect on the state of digestion and health in general, which is beneficial for meditation;
- gives calmness and constant concentration of attention, which is critical both for safe and advanced asana practice, and - even more - for effective work in pranayamas, and absolutely critical for meditation. A fussy mind cannot meditate, and the mind of a person who breathes "shallowly" is fussy and shallow.
- if you combine the Full Yoga Breathing with the visualization of the rise of the energy flow (from the feet to the abdomen, or from the feet to the crown of the head), the effect will be even better. On exhalation, the energy "spreads", is distributed throughout the body. This is a pretty basic visualization, but it works 100%!
If a person can learn - through yoga - to breathe slowly and deeply, that is definitely good for health and for yoga.
And what, in fact, is the difference between deep and shallow breathing - "yogic" and "normal"? From the point of view, as they say, of objective reality, and not of some kind of yogic considerations? It's simple. It is calculated that during the exercise "Full yogic breathing" - when a person, sitting evenly, breathes slowly and deeply, gas exchange in the lungs improves not only significantly, but 8 times!
In this case, the calculation is simple:
The volume of normal inhalation and exhalation at rest is 0.5 liters of air.
If a person (yogi), while inhaling, deliberately expands the abdomen and chest, the volume of inhalation can be increased by another 2 liters (inspiratory reserve);
Plus, if you specially "breathe out" after a normal inhalation, including drawing in your stomach, you can get rid of an additional 1.5 liters of "exhaust" air - "expiratory reserve".
Thus, the volume of a normal inhalation or exhalation (non-yogic) is 0.5 liters - 4 times less than the volume of air that a yogi pumps: 0.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 4 liters. Q.E.D!)
At the same time, one must take into account that shallow, but fast breathing (“I just took it and began to breathe 8 times more often - here's the cherished 4 liters!”), According to the difficult “mathematics” of lung function, does not give the same good gas exchange as slow deep, tk. the air pumped through the lungs does not have time to give off enough oxygen and take off enough carbon dioxide, which is necessary for health. And breathing, albeit not 8 times, but noticeably faster and at the same time deeply will not work at all, hyperventilation will begin and all its "pleasant" effects, including convulsions and loss of consciousness. Breathing very slowly and making long delays - you can, of course, and even gas exchange will be what you need - but this practice does not combine with ordinary life: those around you will simply consider you crazy, and even talking, actively moving, driving safely - you can not. But you can breathe "full yoga" unnoticed by others, including at work in the office - checked (you remember that the correct Full yoga is silent, right?).
So, after all, slow and deep breathing is the most physiological and beneficial. And at the same time comfortable.
Deep breathing can be conditionally divided into 3 levels, or stages:
- Inhale with the "belly" - the lower parts of the lungs;
- Inhale with the "chest" - the upper parts of the lungs;
- Inhalation with "collarbones", "throat" - superficial "breath" (the action of the body is the same as if we are smelling air, just not exhaling it right away).
Deep slow breathing with the inclusion of the lower parts of the lungs (breathing "belly", p1.) Allows you to remove stagnant air from the lungs and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria. During deep breathing, indirectly (due to the work of the diaphragm), a gentle "massage" of the abdominal organs - liver, stomach, etc. occurs, which removes old, stagnant blood from these organs, allowing it to be replaced with fresh, oxygen-rich. Different directions of deep breathing influence positively, in addition to the respiratory organs proper, on the circulatory, digestive and central nervous system.
“Okay, breathing deeply and slowly is good! But is it good to breathe like that outside of class? " - you may ask. The answer is yes, it's helpful. You just have to learn to breathe like that gradually, over the course of MONTHS, and not days, otherwise an unprepared person breathed with his collarbones for forty years, and then suddenly he took and turned on his stomach - and, “fell, woke up - plaster cast” - will experience a lot of unpleasant effects, and he may even lose consciousness, or simply be “intoxicated” with an unusual amount of prana. Insufficiency and side effects are not needed.
- In mastering yoga breathing exercises, perhaps more than in asanas, gradualness is important. Exercise little by little, starting from 5-10 minutes, gradually, maybe a minute a day, increase the duration of breathing exercises.
- Exercise regularly, every day. If you ever miss 1 day - there will be no big trouble, of course. (In particular, there may be omissions in women, in the first days of menstruation, and this is normal). But in general, the results come quickly, precisely if you do it daily, it is better even 2 times a day - on an empty stomach. Exercise regularly and more, but without "fanaticism", without strain.
- To make deep breathing habitual and "background" - it is enough, as soon as you remember this at any time of the day (but not at night - you will not fall asleep later!) And in any situation, to do several "full yoga" breathing cycles. That is, immediately, without delay, breathe deeply and slowly for at least a few seconds, or minutes. If you are then distracted by something - it doesn't matter. The main thing is that you have created a "reference point" and the breathing habit will change. That is, remember the Full Yoga Breathing more often, and gradually "weave" it into the "fabric" of ordinary life "outside the mat".
Gradually slowed down, deep - at the same time, after passing the stage of initial development, completely comfortable - breathing will become the norm for you. Yes, you may not breathe as fully “in life” as you do on the mat during class. But overall, the breathing pattern will change. Maybe you will not use the volume of the upper parts of the lungs, including "clavicular" breathing at 100%. Well, it is not necessary. But when belly breathing starts to "turn on" in your daily life, you will notice that pleasant changes have begun to take place in you.
You will see how much more submissive, controlled - and positive your mind will become, how much calmer and "stronger" your "nerves" will become! Thanks to deep "yogic" breathing, it becomes easier to get rid of bad habits and acquire useful ones, establish a healthy daily routine, increase the productivity of yoga and work. In addition, life in general takes on brighter colors. It becomes easier and more natural to think not about the momentary, but about the lofty and serious, make plans, study yogic philosophy. You can quit watching TV and reading newspapers, and again - like in childhood! - start reading books. Your communication with loved ones, loved ones, friends and even just colleagues will become sincere and deeper. All the "bonuses" of deep breathing cannot be enumerated, especially since much of what has been said may sound implausible if you do not experience it. Already on the very first day of practicing deep and slow "Full Yoga Breathing" you will be able to get the first results - these are not empty promises, but a fact!
And the last thing. As in the joke - "a cup of strong coffee in the morning allows me to quickly do 5 times more unnecessary things than usual", do not be that fool who was given the strength to do more stupid things by the wisdom of yoga! The practice of full yoga breathing gives a noticeable increase in prana (energy). Therefore, everyone who starts this practice should meditate a little on the energy-efficient rules of Yama and Niyama - so as not to waste this energy, but to direct it for their own good.
* In India, I have heard this opinion many times from yogis, including Mahendra Pardeshi, an Ayurveda specialist and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga.
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Serious breathing problems can be caused by both external factors and serious diseases that require serious treatment. Usually this:
- Lung diseases (influenza bronchopneumonia, tumors of the trachea and bronchi, the presence of a foreign body in the respiratory tract).
- Allergic diseases (, mediastinal emphysema).
- Diseases of the brain, both primary (craniocerebral trauma, cerebral vasospasm, thromboembolism) and complications (tuberculous meningitis, circulatory disorders).
- Poisoning of various nature.
The following are the most common breathing disorders
Noisy breathing
A breathing disorder in which breathing sounds are heard from a distance. There is such a violation of breathing due to a decrease in the patency of the airways, caused by diseases, external factors, disturbances in the rhythm and depth of breathing.
Noisy breathing occurs in the following cases:
- lesions of the upper respiratory tract, which include the trachea and larynx - stenotic breathing appears, or inspiratory dyspnea;
- the formation of a tumor or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract causes stridor breathing, which is characterized by whistling and can be paroxysmal. For example, seizures are caused by a swelling in the trachea;
- bronchial asthma causes obstruction of the bronchi, as a result of which wheezing is also formed, while exhalation is difficult - the so-called expiratory dyspnea, which is a specific symptom of asthma.
Apnea
Apnea is the stopping of breathing. This breathing disorder is usually caused by hyperventilation of the lungs with very deep breathing, as a result of which the level of carbon dioxide in the blood decreases, upsetting the permissible balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. The airways are narrowed, the movement of air along them is difficult. In especially severe cases, it is observed:
- a sharp decrease in blood pressure to a critical level;
- loss of consciousness, preceded by convulsions;
- fibrillation leading to cardiac arrest.
Disturbances in the rhythm and depth of breathing
Such breathing disorders are characterized by the occurrence of pauses in the breathing process. Rhythm and depth disturbances can be caused by a number of reasons:
- under-oxidized metabolic products (slags, toxins, etc.) accumulate in the blood and affect respiration;
- oxygen starvation and carbon dioxide poisoning. These phenomena are caused by impaired ventilation of the lungs, blood circulation, severe intoxication due to poisoning, or a number of diseases;
- edema of the cells of the nerve structures of the brain stem, which leads to craniocerebral trauma, damage (compression, contusion) in the brain stem;
- viral encephalomyelitis causes severe damage to the respiratory center;
- cerebral hemorrhages, cerebral vasospasms, strokes and other disorders of cerebral circulation.
Breath of Biot
Breathing Biota is mainly caused by lesions of the central nervous system, as a result of which the excitability of the respiratory center decreases. Such lesions are caused by shock, stress, cerebrovascular accident, poisoning. As in the respiratory disorders described above, Biota respiration can be caused by encephalomyelitis of viral origin. Cases of this form of respiration have been noted in tuberculous meningitis.
The breathing of Biota is characterized by an alternation of long pauses in breathing and normal, uniform respiratory movements without disturbing the rhythm.
Cheyne-Stokes breath
A periodic form of breathing, in which the respiratory movements gradually deepen and become more frequent to the maximum, and then at the same rate they switch from rapid and deep breathing to a more rare and shallow one, with a pause at the end of the "wave". After a pause, the cycle repeats.
This type of breathing is mainly caused by an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, as a result of which the respiratory center decreases its work. In young children, this breathing disorder is quite common, and goes away with age. In adults, it can be caused by:
- violation of cerebral circulation (vascular spasms, strokes, hemorrhages);
- intoxications caused by various diseases, or external causes (alcoholic, nicotine and drug poisoning, chemical poisoning, drug overdose, etc.);
- diabetic coma;
- uremic coma that occurs with absolute renal failure;
- heart failure;
- cerebral atherosclerosis;
- traumatic brain injury;
- hydrocephalus (dropsy);
- exacerbation of bronchial asthma, causing an attack of suffocation (status asthma).
Breath of Kussmaul
A pathological form of breathing, in which respiratory movements are rare and rhythmic (deep inhalation - increased exhalation). It mainly manifests itself in patients with impaired consciousness caused by various kinds of coma. Intoxication, diseases that cause changes in the acid-base balance of the body, and dehydration can also lead to breathing disorders of this kind.
Tachypnea
Shortness of breath. Respiratory movement in this type of breathing disorder is superficial, their rhythm is not disturbed. Shallow breathing calls for insufficient ventilation of the lungs, it can drag on for several days. It is mainly found in healthy people with strong nervous excitement or hard physical work and goes into a normal rhythm when the factors are eliminated. It can also be a consequence of some diseases.
Depending on the nature of the disorder, it makes sense to contact:
- to an allergist if there is a suspicion of asthma;
- to a toxicologist for intoxication;
- see a neurologist if you have experienced shock or stress;
- to an infectious disease specialist if you have had an infectious disease.
- traumatologist;
- endocrinologist;
- oncologist;
- somnologist.
For especially severe breathing disorders (choking, respiratory arrest) call an ambulance.
Deep breathing inextricably linked with calmness and well-being. To do this, it must be practiced regularly.
Deep breathing is a technique in which a person gets used to deeply inhaling air, retaining oxygen inside. After that, you must slowly exhale the air. This practice is often used in yoga and the practice of mindfulness.
It should be noted that in addition to these practices, inextricably linked with Buddhism and meditation, this technique is rarely used in everyday life.
Unfortunately, few of us think about how correctly we breathe.
You may be interested in reading the results of a study conducted by scientists at Stanford University. His goal was to discover the health benefits of deep breathing. As a result, the experts came to interesting conclusions.
Biochemist Mark Krasnov, under whose leadership this work was carried out, claims that a similar technique activates a specific group of neurons that promote relaxation, make us more alert, and restore emotional balance by calming us.
So, this technique is quite simple and accessible to all of us. Anyone is advised to practice deep breathing regularly.
All you have to do is open your mouth and inhale deeply. This should be done without haste, with short pauses.
You may already be practicing this good habit. In this case, we can only congratulate you! In our today's article, we will tell you about What exactly are the health benefits of deep breathing?
1. Relieves stress and nervous tension
The breathing process is carried out by a person unconsciously. We breathe in oxygen in order to energize the cells in our body.
After that, we breathe out carbon dioxide - a product formed as a result of cell respiration.
This amazing process can bring great benefits to our health. For this, breathing should be rhythmic and deep, with pauses.
- Unfortunately, each of us knows that we do not always breathe correctly. For example, when we are frightened or panicky, our breathing becomes short and fast. We stop taking deep breaths, which makes our heart rate faster.
- Deep breathing is able to regulate the work of the parasympathetic nervous system, causing us relaxation: our heart slows down, and our inner world is filled with harmony.
In addition, deep breathing relieves muscle tension. Oxygen enters our body gradually, but continuously, and our muscles relax. At this point, the sympathetic nervous system stops stimulating the production of cortisol and adrenaline. As a result, our body and our emotions enter into a state of harmony.
2. Stimulates the elimination of toxins
Curious fact: the human body is designed in such a way that it is able to excrete most of it through breathing.
- Carbon dioxide is a natural slag that is formed as a result of metabolic processes in the human body. To function properly, our body must regularly cleanse itself of this substance.
- Unfortunately, fast breathing prevents our lungs from getting rid of carbon dioxide properly.
That is why it is so important to understand the meaning of deep breathing practice and devote at least 10 minutes to it 3 times a day.
Often we unconsciously hold our breath when something hurts.
This natural mechanism is triggered by the brain in those moments when we receive a painful blow, shock or injury.
If you suffer from chronic pain due to arthritis, lupus erythematosus, or fibromyalgia, deep breathing will give you relief.
Try holding your breath for a few seconds and then taking deep, sequential breaths.
It stimulates the production of endorphins - natural analgesics that our own body produces.
4. Improves posture
If you start following this simple, healthy habit now, yours will be better. This is especially true for the position of the back and neck.
Filling my lungs with air we stimulate the spine to take the most harmonious, natural and correct position.
5. Stimulates the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is an integral part of our body's immune system. It consists of a large number of lymphatic vessels, tissues, organs and nodes that perform a number of important functions.
For example, lymph fluid flushes out dead cells and other waste products from our body.
Deep breathing normalizes lymph flow, stimulating the detoxification of the body. As a result, the functioning of the organs and systems of our body improves.
6. Takes care of our heart
Maybe you will be interested to know that during the time our body uses fats as energy sources, and during the strength - glucose.
Practicing deep breathing is also considered good aerobic exercise.
Thanks to it, the health of your cardiovascular system will become stronger, and it will be easier for the body to burn fat.
7. Improves digestion
Deep breathing also has a beneficial effect on our digestion. Can you guess how this happens?
- Everything is very simple. When a large amount of oxygen regularly enters our body, the organs of the digestive system also receive more of this substance. As a result, their work improves.
- In addition, this habit increases blood flow and stimulates intestinal motility.
- Do not forget that deep breathing normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, as a result of which we feel calmer. It also has a positive effect on our digestion.
As a result, our intestines begin to better absorb the nutrients that enter it with food!
So now you understand what the benefits of deep breathing are. Try to start practicing this simple technique today and you will notice how your well-being begins to improve.
The feeling of shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia and panic disorder. VSD with respiratory syndrome can cause fear, but in itself does not lead to disability or death. In this article we will try to figure out why I “choke” or “cannot take a full breath” - a common complaint of people with VSD, and also consider the cause of breathing problems.
Hyperventilation syndrome - what is it?
Hyperventilation syndrome is a form of autonomic disorder, the main symptom of which is shortness of breath. Moreover, this disorder is in no way associated with diseases of the heart, bronchi and lungs.
Literally, "hyperventilation syndrome" means increased breathing. To date, the syndrome of shortness of breath is considered one of the common symptoms of disorders of the autonomic nervous system (other symptoms may be present at the same time).
Causes of hyperventilation with a feeling of shortness of breath
Breathing is a function in the human body that is under the control of not only the autonomic, but also the somatic nervous system. In other words, the emotional state of a person directly depends on the work of the respiratory system and vice versa. Stress, depression, or just temporary life difficulties can lead to shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of oxygen.
Sometimes the cause of respiratory attacks accompanying VSD can be the unconscious tendency of people to imitate the signs of certain diseases (we are talking about suggestibility - symptoms, for example, "I can not breathe deeply," are picked up by a person after surfing the Internet and studying forums) and its further manifestation in everyday behavior (for example, coughing and shortness of breath).
There is also such a seemingly unlikely reason for the development of breathing difficulties in adulthood: observation in childhood for people with shortness of breath (patients with bronchial asthma, etc.). Human memory is able to “fix” some events and memories and reproduce them later, even years later. As a rule, for this reason, breathing difficulties are observed in artistic and impressionable people.
As you can see, in each of the described cases, the psychological component of the occurrence of breathing problems in NCD comes to the fore. Those. once again we see that we are talking about a neurosis.
Respiratory dysfunction in VSD: development mechanism
The mechanism of hyperventilation syndrome itself is complex and to date, a complete concept of the mechanism of its development has not yet been formulated to the end. Most researchers agree that being in a stressful situation, in a state of fear, overwork or anxiety, a person can unconsciously change the depth of breathing and its rhythm. Trying to provide the muscles with an additional flow of oxygen, a person, as if before a sports competition, tries to breathe faster. Breathing becomes rapid and shallow, but additional oxygen remains unclaimed. This leads to the subsequent unpleasant and frightening sensations of lack of air in the lungs.
Moreover, the occurrence of such disorders leads to a state of constant anxiety and fear, which ultimately contributes to the emergence of panic attacks, which aggravate the course of the already "difficult" hyperventilation syndrome.
Improper breathing leads to changes in the acidity of the blood: frequent shallow breaths lead to a decrease in the level of carbon dioxide in the body. The normal concentration of CO2 in the body is necessary to maintain the walls of blood vessels in a relaxed state. Lack of carbon dioxide leads to muscle tension, vasoconstriction - the brain and body begin to experience oxygen deficiency.
It is believed that two factors are sufficient for the onset and development of hyperventilation syndrome:
1. Individual predisposition (for example, physical fatigue; experience of "improper breathing" when the interruption of breathing was accompanied by discomfort; etc.);
2. The impact of various external, so to speak, circumstances (stress, pain, infection, etc.).
At the same time, even if the triggering causes are eliminated (what triggered the increased activity of the respiratory organs), hyperventilation continues to function. Thus, a "vicious circle" is formed, which begins to circulate autonomously. And the symptoms can last for a long time.
Symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome
The symptoms of breathing problems are varied, and in any particular case, the breathing problem manifests itself in different ways. Respiratory pathology can be accompanied by muscle, emotional disorders, and the typical symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome are often "disguised" as signs of diseases of the heart, lungs and thyroid gland (angina pectoris, bronchitis, goiter, asthma).
Important! Respiratory distress with VSD is not at all associated with diseases of the internal organs and their systems! However, a direct link has been traced and proven between hyperventilation syndrome, nervous disorders and panic attacks.
One of the ways to reduce the feeling of lack of air during an attack of VSD is to breathe into a paper bag
This purely psychological problem can manifest itself in the following symptoms:
- Feeling of lack of air, "incomplete" or "shallow" breath
- A feeling of constriction in the chest
- Yawning, coughing
- "Lump in the throat", difficulty breathing
- Heartache
- Numbness in the fingers
- Fear of stuffy and cramped rooms
- Fear of death
- Feelings of fear and anxiety, tension
- Dry cough, wheezing, sore throat
Important! In the presence of asthma, patients find it difficult to breathe while exhaling, and with hyperventilation, problems arise on inhalation.
In people with VSD, the symptoms of a respiratory disorder may be the main complaint, or they may be mild, or even absent altogether.
Why are breathing problems with VSD dangerous?
The feeling of lack of air with VSD and neuroses is an unpleasant symptom, but not so dangerous. And you need to treat an unpleasant symptom as a way by which the body says that it is difficult for it to cope with stress or overwork.
However, the difficulty of diagnosing this imbalance in the work of the autonomic nervous system can lead to a false diagnosis and, accordingly, the appointment of an incorrect (even dangerous!) Treatment.
Timely help with hyperventilation syndrome is very important: otherwise, problems with cerebral circulation, the correct functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems may arise.
Also, a difficulty on the way to recovery can be a person's unwillingness to admit that he has a hyperventilation syndrome: he stubbornly continues to "ascribe" more serious health problems to himself. It is very difficult to get rid of breathing problems in such a situation.
Psychology for the treatment of a feeling of shortage of air with VSD
Providing a person in an intelligible form with information about changes in the state of his body, teaching self-control during exacerbations, changing a person's attitude to their malaise - these are just some aspects of psychotherapeutic treatment.
But the most important task in this case is to understand the cause and the mechanism of development of the disease in order to eliminate the fear of its occurrence.
Shortness of breath with vegetative-vascular dystonia and other breathing difficulties should not be left without proper attention, even if they cause minor discomfort and do not interfere with a full life. You can familiarize yourself with the features of the psychological correction of the feeling of lack of air during VSD.
