Reversible drilling fluid losses are a major concern of many drilling operations. They alternate fluid losses to fluid returns, the latter representing an unexpected influx to the wellbore. The phenomenon is generally referred to as wellbore ballooning or breathing, and its correct interpretation is paramount for two main reasons. (1) Misinterpretation may jeopardize kick detection operations and lead to kick misdiagnosis. If a kick is wrongly assumed to be a mudflow return, such a scenario could result in well unloading. (2) On the other hand, potential safety issues can also derive from attempts to kill a breathing well when a kick is incorrectly diagnosed. Undermining of wellbore integrity and increments of Non-Productive Time (NPT) are the resulting consequences of the unnecessary implementation of well-control practices. In this paper, references in the literature are examined. Special emphasis is given to critically evaluate the proposed theoretical models. In addition, industry approaches and remedies to wellbore ballooning/breathing are also reviewed.

可逆钻井液损失是许多钻井作业的主要问题。它们交替出现流体损失和流体回流，后者代表意外流入井眼。这种现象通常被称为井筒膨胀或呼吸，其正确解释至关重要，主要有两个原因。(1) 误解可能会危及踢腿检测操作并导致踢腿误诊。如果井涌被错误地认为是泥流回流，这种情况可能会导致井卸载。(2) 另一方面，潜在的安全问题也可能源于在错误诊断踢腿时试图杀死呼吸井。井筒完整性的破坏和非生产时间 (NPT) 的增加是不必要实施井控实践的结果。在本文中，查阅文献中的参考文献。特别强调批判性地评估所提出的理论模型。此外，还审查了井筒膨胀/呼吸的行业方法和补救措施。