Hi @alexgooch, Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m so sorry to hear how much you’ve been struggling. What you’re describing, the constant urge to take a full breath, the panicky feelings, and the physical symptoms like tingling and lightheadedness—sounds incredibly overwhelming. I can really relate to that "trapped" feeling when you just can’t seem to get the breath your body is begging for.

The fact that it gets worse during the winter/cold months is really interesting. I’ve noticed that cold air can sometimes be a trigger for me too; it feels sharp and can make the whole breathing process feel more strained. Have you tried anything like wearing a scarf or mask over your mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe it in? I’ve found that helps a bit, especially on really cold days.

I completely understand how frustrating it is to go through test after test only to be told everything is “fine.” It can feel like no one truly understands what’s going on. Have you had a chance to talk with a doctor about the possibility of anxiety or a breathing pattern disorder like dysfunctional breathing? Sometimes these can cause a vicious cycle of symptoms, where the physical sensations feed the panic, which then makes the symptoms even worse.

For me, learning gentle breathing exercises (like Buteyko breathing) was a game-changer. It didn’t fix everything overnight, but it gave me a tool to manage those panicky moments when my breath felt out of control. Would you be interested in hearing more about that or trying something similar?

I’m glad you’re here, and I want to encourage you to keep advocating for yourself. You’re not alone in this, and there are people who understand what you’re going through. Please feel free to share more about what you’ve been experiencing or what has (or hasn’t) worked for you.