Georgia Karkouli

Dr. Georgia Karkouli


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 May 2024 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GKGeorgia Karkouli
Georgia Karkouli
KDKonstantinos Douros
Konstantinos Douros
DMDafni Moriki
Dafni Moriki
PMParaskevi Moutsatsou
Paraskevi Moutsatsou
IGIoanna Giannopoulou
Ioanna Giannopoulou
DKDespoina Koumpagioti
Despoina Koumpagioti
Dysfunctional breathing (DB) describes a respiratory condition that is mainly characterized by abnormal breathing patterns, affecting both children and adults, often leading to intermittent or chronic complaints and influencing physiological, psychological, and social aspects. Some symptoms include breathlessness; dizziness; palpitations; and anxiety, while its classification lies in breathing pattern disorders and upper airway involvement. Its prevalence among the pediatric population varies with a female overrepresentation, while the existence of comorbidities in DB, such as asthma, gastro-esophageal reflux, nasal diseases, and anxiety/depression, frequently leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis and complicates therapeutic approaches. The basic diagnostic tools involve a detailed history, physical examination, and procedures such as structured light plethysmography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and laryngoscopy when a laryngeal obstruction is present. The management of DB presumes a multidimensional approach encompassing breathing retraining, disease-specific advice through speech and language therapy in the presence of laryngeal obstruction, psychotherapy for fostering self-efficacy, and surgical therapy in a structural abnormality. The current review was developed to provide a summary of classifications of DB and epidemiological data concerning the pediatric population, comorbidities, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches to enhance the comprehension and management of DB in children.