Breathing retraining: advice from three therapists

Ten questions focusing on the techniques of breathing retraining were posed to a panel of three individuals engaged in this work: two respiratory therapists and a physiotherapist specializing in respiratory disorders. Among the topics covered were the emotional conditions associated with chronic respiratory disease, the special problems involved in teaching individuals to change their breathing patterns and habits, some of the favourite teaching techniques used, and helpful instrumentation and learning aids. A case study of a man with coronary artery disease combined with hyperventilation illustrated some of the principles and techniques.