Breathing Pattern Disorder: A New Kid on the Block

The purpose of this article is to provide a tutorial on breathing pattern disorders (BPDs). BPDs are a heterogeneous respiratory condition that features dysfunctional respiratory behaviors not fully attributed to organic causes. There is a dysfunctional pattern of respiration, and the movements of the upper and lower torso and abdomen are inefficient. Symptoms of BPD include, but are not necessarily limited to, dyspnea, irregular ventilation, and hyperventilation. This tutorial will discuss assessment tools for BPD and outline a plan of care for BPD within a typical outpatient clinic setting for speech-language pathologists. This tutorial will provide a brief overview of BPDs. It will then provide information on assessment tools for BPD including patient-reported experiences in the form of self-report questionnaires and direct observation by experienced clinicians. Finally, it will also provide a framework for the treatment of BPDs. Conclusion: Respiratory retraining therapy is very effective in the treatment of BPD, and speech-language pathologists are uniquely qualified to assess and treat this condition successfully.