The journal Frontiers in Medicine noted that a study conducted by scientists from the Mauna Sinai School of Medicine in the United States revealed that impaired respiratory function is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome.
During a two-day cardiorespiratory study, researchers monitored 57 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and 25 healthy volunteers. The results showed that 42% of the patients exhibited signs of impaired respiratory function, while 32% developed chronic hyperventilation—shallow, rapid breathing without sufficient carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. In many cases, the patients suffered from both conditions simultaneously, a combination not observed in any of the healthy participants.
The researchers explained that these respiratory disturbances cause dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and increased fatigue—symptoms often dismissed as part of an "unexplained" illness. Scientists believe these problems may arise from a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased physical exhaustion after any exertion.
The authors suggested that correcting breathing patterns could be a novel approach to treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Suggested methods include breathing exercises, yoga, slow swimming, and moderate physical activity, which help stabilize breathing rhythms and regulate blood carbon dioxide levels.