A new study by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, U.S., has found that people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are more likely to experience abnormal breathing, which could open new avenues for treatment and symptom relief.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by persistent exhaustion despite rest, along with cognitive issues such as brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
In the study, 57 CFS patients were monitored during physical activity. While their oxygen intake matched that of healthy participants, 71% exhibited breathing irregularities — including hyperventilation, dysfunctional breathing, or both. These abnormalities can mimic or intensify symptoms of chronic fatigue, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, difficulty focusing, and extreme tiredness.
Nine participants showed both hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing, which can also lead to chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, and anxiety.
The researchers suggested that these breathing issues might exacerbate or directly contribute to post-exertional malaise — a hallmark of chronic fatigue syndrome where symptoms worsen after mental or physical activity.