The term eupneic describes a patient who has normal breathing, without problems or particular symptoms. One can thus ask a question which follows from it: what are the criteria which make that a breathing is considered as normal?

A patient is said to be eupneic if his breathing is good and does not pose any particular problems or symptoms.

An instinctive mechanism, even a reflex acquired from birth, breathing provides all the oxygen necessary for the functioning of the whole body. We hardly think about it when it works, but the way we breathe shouldn’t be neglected. As soon as some cogs in breathing get stuck, it can have serious consequences.

Good breathing improves bodily and mental hygiene. So how does good breathing go?

L’inspiration

On inspiration, air is drawn in through the nose or mouth and reaches the pulmonary alveoli. At the same time, the diaphragm contracts and descends towards the abdomen. The space in the thorax increases accordingly, and the lungs inflate with air. The intercostal muscles, by contracting, also allow the chest cavity to expand by raising and opening the rib cage.

The oxygen, arriving in the pulmonary alveoli, crosses their barrier and binds to hemoglobin (protein in red blood cells) allowing it to circulate in the blood.

As the aspirated air does not only contain oxygen but also carbon dioxide, the latter also passes through the pulmonary alveoli but to be deposited in the alveolar sacs. This after passing through the bloodstream and back into the lungs, it will then be sent back out through the exhalation.

Expiration

On exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and moves up towards the chest cavity. Relaxation of the intercostal muscles allows the ribs to regain their original position, and reduces the volume of the rib cage. The air in the lungs is then richer in carbon dioxide, which will be expelled through the nose or mouth.

It is during inspiration that the subject makes his muscles contract and therefore produces an effort. The muscles then relax on the exhale.

There are several reasons for the differences between “normal” breathing and “abnormal” breathing.

Upper chest breathing

While in normal breathing the diaphragm moves towards the abdomen creating downward pressure, breathing through the chest does not use the abdominal space to move the diaphragm. Why ? Either the diaphragm is blocked or, out of habit, the intercostal muscles are used as the main muscles for breathing.

Shallow breathing

It is a shallow breathing, not due to the abdomen but here again to the diaphragm, which does not descend sufficiently. Thus the breathing remains too high, on the thorax, even if the belly seems swollen.

Paradoxical breathing

In this case, the diaphragm is pulled towards the thorax on inspiration and expelled towards the abdomen on expiration. Thus, it does not help with good breathing.

Mouth breathing

Apart from intense physical exertion, humans are made to breathe through the nose, at least on inspiration. If one breathes through the mouth, this constitutes a major breathing defect and can lead to several disorders.

Unbalanced breathing

It occurs when the inspiration time is longer than the expiration time. This imbalance can cause various disorders in the nervous system.

Breath apnea

Stopping breathing for a while, they can occur during an emotional shock or a mental shock. Micro-apneas are more widespread; but one also meets apneas longer type of sleep.

Having normal breathing only has good consequences. Good lifestyle, good mental and physical health, better sleep and better energy on a daily basis.

However, what happens when breathing is abnormal, as in the cases listed above?

Breathing through the chest

The patient will then tend to hyperventilate with a very high number of respiratory cycles per minute. Subject to anxiety, stress and very emotional, the chest is tense and prevents breathing properly.

Shallow breathing

Here again, the patient risks hyperventilation, but also an imbalance between the front and the back, due to the very toned transverse muscles in relation to the back.

Mouth breathing

Postural pain, tendency to migraines, inflammation or asthma.

Unbalanced breathing

Inhaling more than normal leads to putting our nervous system on continuous alert, since the parasympatic system is no longer called upon to calm the body. This generates an effect of stress and fatigue in the long term. Carbon dioxide, less emitted, is therefore less tolerated, and the body is poorly oxygenated overall.

Apneas

They are particularly poorly tolerated by the nervous system, which is under stress. In addition, carbon dioxide is poorly eliminated which reduces the overall oxygenation of the body.

If you feel that your breathing resembles one of the cases described, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice, and to wonder about the presence of stress, tension, fatigue in connection with this possible bad breathing. Breathing exercises, used in certain yoga practices (pranayama) can also help you correct certain disorders.