Background: Dysfunctional respiratory symptoms (DRS) comprise a group of respiratory phenomena arising throughout a broad range of ages with a peak in prevalence in adolescence and young adulthood. The symptoms show a considerable overlap with symptoms of frequent somatic airway diseases, such as bronchial asthma, which impedes the diagnosis. A lack of awareness of DRS among physicians and caregivers imposes a great obstacle for diagnosing these entities as they do not belong to the portfolio of differential diagnoses as do relevant somatic diseases. Moreover, not all DRS phenomena are equally well-known.Objective: This article aims to draw attention to the different aspects of functional breathing disorders. The various DRS phenomena are presented and characterized. Background knowledge is provided relating to the pathophysiology and prevalence of DRS and diagnostic tools are discussed. This should help DRS to be recognized more frequently, to enable specific treatment and to avoid unnecessary and ineffective drug therapy.Conclusion: Despite its high prevalence DRS are still relatively unknown and therefore underdiagnosed. Increasing awareness of the existence of these disorders is the key factor for a correct diagnosis. If this fails patients are frequently subjected to unnecessary drug treatment, secondary psychological burdens and negative effects on daily life, such as school absenteeism and avoidance behavior with respect to sport. As effective therapeutic strategies for DRS exist, this topic is of great importance; however, many questions concerning risk factors, long-term course and therapeutic options remain to be answered and are the subject of currently ongoing investigations.