Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects millions worldwide, leaving individuals feeling persistently exhausted and mentally foggy. A recent study from the Icahn School of Medicine has uncovered a significant connection between CFS and dysfunctional breathing patterns, suggesting that addressing these issues could provide new avenues for relief.
Researchers found that nearly half of the participants diagnosed with chronic fatigue exhibited some form of breathing disorder, a factor often overlooked in managing the syndrome. The study, published in Frontiers in Medicine, emphasizes the potential of targeting dysfunctional breathing as a therapeutic strategy. According to Dr. Benjamin Natelson, the senior author of the research, “Identifying these abnormalities will lead researchers to new strategies to treat them, with the ultimate goal of reducing symptoms.”
Study Overview and Findings
The study involved 57 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and 25 control participants matched for age and activity levels. Participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests over two days, during which the researchers measured various parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen intake. The goal was to identify patterns of breathing that could indicate dysfunction.
Significantly, the results showed that while both groups had similar oxygen intake levels, 71% of the chronic fatigue participants experienced breathing issues such as hyperventilation or dysfunctional breathing. This was notably higher than the control group, where only a small number exhibited such problems. The study highlighted that nine chronic fatigue patients demonstrated both dysfunctional breathing and hyperventilation, a combination not found in the control group.
The Impact of Dysfunctional Breathing
Dysfunctional breathing can manifest in various ways, including rapid and shallow breaths, irregular breathing patterns, and reliance on chest muscles rather than the diaphragm. These issues can exacerbate symptoms commonly associated with chronic fatigue, such as dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Dr. Donna Mancini, the first author of the study, noted, “While we know the symptoms generated by hyperventilation, we remain unsure what symptoms may be worse with dysfunctional breathing.” She emphasized that patients might not even be aware of their dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can persist even at rest.
The link between dysfunctional breathing and chronic fatigue symptoms is complex. Dysautonomia, or abnormal autonomic nervous system function, could potentially trigger rapid and irregular breathing. Many chronic fatigue patients experience a condition called orthostatic intolerance, which causes worsening symptoms when upright, further complicating their respiratory patterns.
Future Directions for Treatment
The findings from this study open new pathways for treatment, with the researchers indicating that addressing dysfunctional breathing could alleviate some chronic fatigue symptoms. They propose exploring interventions such as breathing exercises, yoga, and biofeedback therapy to improve patients’ breathing functions.
Dr. Natelson suggested that gentle physical conditioning, particularly activities requiring breath control like swimming, may also be beneficial. Furthermore, biofeedback techniques that measure exhaled carbon dioxide could help patients identify and correct hyperventilation.
As the research progresses, the team aims to delve deeper into how dysfunctional breathing and hyperventilation interact, with hopes of developing targeted therapies that can enhance the quality of life for those living with chronic fatigue syndrome.
This innovative approach could revolutionize treatment strategies, offering hope to many patients who struggle with the debilitating effects of this condition. More details can be found in the article, “Abnormal Breathing Patterns and Hyperventilation are Common in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during Exercise,” published in Frontiers in Medicine in 2025.
