Sigh syndrome involves a compulsion to take repeated, single, deep breaths coupled with the feeling of not getting enough air.
Understanding Sigh Syndrome
Sigh syndrome is characterized by the following:
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Compulsive Deep Breaths: Individuals feel a constant urge to take deep breaths. These are not regular breaths but rather a conscious effort to fill their lungs. According to the reference, patients experience "a compulsion to perform single but repeated deep inspirations."
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Feeling of Insufficient Air: Despite the deep breaths, there's a persistent sensation of not being able to inhale enough air. This perceived air hunger drives the compulsion to sigh.
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Prolonged Expiration: Each deep breath is followed by a long, sometimes noisy sigh, indicating a forced exhalation. The reference states that each inspiration is followed by "a prolonged, sometimes noisy expiration—namely, a sigh."
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspiration | A compulsive need to take repeated, single, deep breaths. |
| Air Sensation | The feeling of not being able to inhale a sufficient quantity of air. |
| Expiration | A prolonged and sometimes noisy sigh following each deep inspiration. |
