Dysfunctional Breathing is Associated with Many Chronic Health Conditions
Take this quick screening test to determine if you may benefit from further assessment and treatment for dysfunctional breathing.
How often do you feel tense?
A score of 3 or 4 (Often/Very Often) increases your likelihood of dysfunctional breathing.
0 - Never
1 - Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often
4 - Very Often
There are no 'correct' answers
How often do you feel a cold sensation in your hands or feet?
A score of 3 or 4 (Often/Very Often) increases your likelihood of dysfunctional breathing.
0 - Never
1 - Rarely
2 - Sometimes
3 - Often
4 - Very Often
There are no 'correct' answers
How often do you notice yourself yawning?
A score of 2 or 3 (Frequently/Very Frequently) increases your likelihood of dysfunctional breathing.
0 - Never
1- Occasionally
2- Frequently
3- Very Frequently
There are no 'correct' answers
How often do you notice breathing through your mouth at night?
A score of 2 or 3 (Frequently/Very Frequently) increases your likelihood of dysfunctional breathing.
0 - Never
1- Occasionally
2- Frequently
3- Very Frequently
There are no 'correct' answers
One Final Step!
These questions provide insight into your likelihood of dysfunctional breathing, but one final test can provide more information.
Breath Hold Test:
Instructions - Find a stopwatch/timer and a comfortable seat. Sit quietly and breathe normally. When you are ready, start your timer as you finish a normal exhale and begin holding your breath (option to pinch your nose to aid in breath-hold). Stop the timer when your urge to breathe becomes too strong and you are forced to take an inhale.
Scoring - Any score less than 25 seconds leaves you at an increased likelihood of dysfunctional breathing
Note: The results of this test are not a diagnosis. They simply provide insight into whether you are likely to benefit from further examination and potential treatment.
Breath Hold Test:
Instructions - Find a stopwatch/timer and a comfortable seat. Sit quietly and breathe normally. When you are ready, start your timer as you finish a normal exhale and begin holding your breath (option to pinch your nose to aid in breath-hold). Stop the timer when your urge to breathe becomes too strong and you are forced to take an inhale.
Scoring - Any score less than 25 seconds leaves you at an increased likelihood of dysfunctional breathing
Note: The results of this test are not a diagnosis. They simply provide insight into whether you are likely to benefit from further examination and potential treatment.