Q: 3. When should I see help for breathing problems?

Seek urgent GP/ED for chest pain, blue lips, fainting, confusion, or sudden severe breathlessness; see physiotherapy within 1–2 weeks for ongoing breathlessness talking/eating, frequent sighing, or post-flu fatigue. No referral needed at Auckland Physiotherapy—ACC covers breathing retraining post-injury or viral illness. Physio-appropriate breathing issues: Frequent yawning/sighing 'Can't get a full breath' feeling Chest tightness without wheeze Anxiety-related breathlessness Book with Niamh Knightly for assessment.

Q: 5. What breathing exercises help shortness of breath?

Niamh Knightly's top breathing exercise for shortness of breath: Diaphragmatic breathing —lie comfortably, hand on belly, inhale through nose 4 seconds (belly rises, chest still), exhale slowly 6 seconds through nose. Practice 5–10 minutes twice daily. Additional techniques: Nasal breathing only : Prevents mouth-breathing air hunger Pursed lip breathing : Slows exhalation for asthma/COPD 4-7-8 breathing : Inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8 seconds (anxiety) Video-guided home programmes available from first session.

Q: 6. How long does recovery take from breathing disorders?

Acute dysfunctional breathing improves in 4–8 weeks with consistent retraining; post-viral breathlessness settles 3–6 weeks; chronic asthma/COPD support provides ongoing management. Auckland Physiotherapy's structured programme (1-hour initial + 4–6 follow-ups) breaks habitual over-breathing cycles. Typical timelines with Niamh Knightly: Reduced sighing/air hunger: 2–4 weeks Normal breathing during stress: 6–8 weeks Full exercise tolerance: 8–12 weeks Early intervention prevents chronic patterns—complimentary phone consult available.

Question 1

1. What causes breathing disorders and difficulty breathing?

Accepted Answer

Breathing disorders causing difficulty breathing often result from dysfunctional breathing patterns (over-breathing), asthma triggers, post-viral fatigue, stress/anxiety, or poor posture rather than serious lung disease. Common symptoms include frequent sighing/yawning, 'air hunger', disturbed sleep, clammy hands, dizziness, and chest tightness without wheeze.

Serious red flags needing urgent GP care:

Blue lips/fingernails or severe confusion
Sudden chest pain/pressure
Fainting or leg swelling

Auckland Physiotherapy's breathing expert Niamh Knightly assesses patterns causing breathlessness during normal activities—book if symptoms persist beyond a week.

Question 2

2. What are common breathing disorders like asthma and COPD?

Accepted Answer

Common breathing disorders include dysfunctional breathing patterns (6-10% prevalence), asthma (airway inflammation), and COPD (lung damage from smoking), each with distinct physiotherapy roles. Dysfunctional breathing causes 'air hunger' and sighing at rest; asthma triggers wheeze/cough during exercise; COPD brings chronic daily breathlessness.

Niamh Knightly at Auckland Physiotherapy specialises in breathing pattern disorders—no inhaler needed for dysfunctional patterns, unlike asthma/COPD medical management. Assessment clarifies your specific type.

Question 3

3. When should I see help for breathing problems?

Accepted Answer

Seek urgent GP/ED for chest pain, blue lips, fainting, confusion, or sudden severe breathlessness; see physiotherapy within 1–2 weeks for ongoing breathlessness talking/eating, frequent sighing, or post-flu fatigue. No referral needed at Auckland Physiotherapy—ACC covers breathing retraining post-injury or viral illness.

Physio-appropriate breathing issues:

Frequent yawning/sighing
'Can't get a full breath' feeling
Chest tightness without wheeze
Anxiety-related breathlessness Book with Niamh Knightly for assessment.

Question 4

4. Can physiotherapy help breathing disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes—physiotherapy effectively treats breathing disorders through breathing retraining, diaphragmatic activation, postural correction, and stress management, led by Niamh Knightly at Auckland Physiotherapy. Manual therapy improves thoracic mobility while relaxation techniques reduce over-breathing triggers.

Techniques include:

Diaphragmatic breathing retraining
Nasal breathing optimisation
Thoracic spine mobilisation
Stress/anxiety management strategies Most notice easier breathing within 2–4 sessions.

Question 5

5. What breathing exercises help shortness of breath?

Accepted Answer

Niamh Knightly's top breathing exercise for shortness of breath: Diaphragmatic breathing—lie comfortably, hand on belly, inhale through nose 4 seconds (belly rises, chest still), exhale slowly 6 seconds through nose. Practice 5–10 minutes twice daily.

Additional techniques:

Nasal breathing only: Prevents mouth-breathing air hunger
Pursed lip breathing: Slows exhalation for asthma/COPD
4-7-8 breathing: Inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8 seconds (anxiety)

Video-guided home programmes available from first session.

Question 6

6. How long does recovery take from breathing disorders?

Accepted Answer

Acute dysfunctional breathing improves in 4–8 weeks with consistent retraining; post-viral breathlessness settles 3–6 weeks; chronic asthma/COPD support provides ongoing management. Auckland Physiotherapy's structured programme (1-hour initial + 4–6 follow-ups) breaks habitual over-breathing cycles.

Typical timelines with Niamh Knightly:

Reduced sighing/air hunger: 2–4 weeks
Normal breathing during stress: 6–8 weeks
Full exercise tolerance: 8–12 weeks Early intervention prevents chronic patterns—complimentary phone consult available.

BREATHING DISORDERS