Research has unveiled a significant connection between chronic fatigue syndrome and dysfunctional breathing patterns. Patients suffering from this condition often experience extreme exhaustion and cognitive difficulties, particularly after physical or mental exertion, a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise. A recent study highlights that individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome are highly prone to experiencing dysfunctional breathing, potentially linked to dysautonomia, an abnormality in the regulation of the nervous system.
Breathing Patterns Under Investigation
The study, led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine, involved 57 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and 25 control participants matched for age and activity levels. Over two days, both groups underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests to assess various metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen intake, and breathing patterns.
Dr. Benjamin Natelson, the senior author of the study published in Frontiers in Medicine, emphasized the findings, stating, “Nearly half of our chronic fatigue subjects had some disorder of breathing—a totally unappreciated issue, probably involved in making symptoms worse.” The researchers noted that identifying these abnormalities could pave the way for new treatment strategies aimed at alleviating symptoms.
Prevalence of Dysfunctional Breathing
The results revealed a striking prevalence of breathing dysfunction among chronic fatigue patients. While their peak oxygen uptake was comparable to that of the control group, a staggering 71% of the chronic fatigue participants exhibited breathing issues, including hyperventilation or other dysfunctional patterns. This contrasts sharply with only a small number of control participants, where only four showed erratic breathing patterns.
Symptoms associated with dysfunctional breathing include dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue—issues that often overlap with those experienced by chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Dr. Donna Mancini, the first author of the study, noted that “we are sure patients can have dysfunctional breathing without being aware of it.” This highlights the importance of further research into how these breathing patterns may exacerbate existing symptoms.
The study also found that nearly half of the chronic fatigue patients demonstrated erratic breathing during the tests, and a third hyperventilated, compared to just one control participant. This combination of dysfunctional breathing and hyperventilation can lead to additional complications, such as heart palpitations, chest pain, and increased anxiety—factors that could further hinder recovery.
As the research suggests, addressing dysfunctional breathing could be a crucial step in managing chronic fatigue syndrome. The scientists plan to delve deeper into the interactions between dysfunctional breathing and the symptoms of chronic fatigue, aiming to develop targeted therapeutic approaches.
Potential Therapeutic Approaches
Looking ahead, researchers are exploring various therapeutic options that could help improve breathing function in chronic fatigue patients. Dr. Natelson proposed techniques such as breathing exercises associated with yoga, gentle physical conditioning that emphasizes breath control, and biofeedback mechanisms that monitor breathing patterns.
For instance, patients experiencing hyperventilation could utilize devices measuring exhaled carbon dioxide levels to adjust their breathing accordingly. If the readings indicate low levels, patients could be advised to reduce their breathing depth to achieve more normal values.
The insights gained from this research not only shed light on the complexities of chronic fatigue syndrome but also open new avenues for potential treatments that could significantly improve the quality of life for those impacted. As research continues, the hope is to better understand and address the multifaceted challenges associated with this debilitating condition.
For more information, refer to the study titled “Abnormal Breathing Patterns and Hyperventilation are Common in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during Exercise,” published in Frontiers in Medicine in 2025.
