The Institute of Chest Wall Surgery
Paradoxical breathing is an abnormal respiratory pattern characterized by the chest or abdomen moving in the opposite direction to normal respiratory motion.
Under normal circumstances, the chest wall expands and the abdomen protrudes during inhalation, while the chest wall contracts and the abdomen sinks during exhalation. In paradoxical breathing, however, the chest wall collapses and the abdomen sinks inward during inhalation, and protrudes outward during exhalation.
This unusual movement pattern often indicates a significant structural problem in the chest wall.
Paradoxical breathing is commonly seen in the following three types of chest wall disorders:
Severe chest wall trauma, such as multiple rib fractures.
Chest wall deformities involving rib absence, such as Poland syndrome or thoracic insufficiency syndrome.
Chest wall depression deformities, such as pectus excavatum.
It is worth noting that protruding chest wall deformities, such as pectus carinatum, typically do not cause paradoxical breathing.
Paradoxical breathing caused by chest wall disorders can significantly impair normal respiratory function. It may lead to hypoxia, shortness of breath, and further compromise the cardiopulmonary system. Early recognition is essential—prompt medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and allow for timely, targeted intervention.
