Connect
Involuntary gasp for breath every 20mins.
Hi im looking for some help I've been having random gasps for air every 20mins for at least last 2 months. I was checked for sleep apnea but they wernt concerned after test. But these gasps are during day no matter what I'm doing they still come. My family also asking me why I'm doing it but I can't help it. I don't know I'm going to do it til I'm doing it. And I'm quite loud when I gasp. Any idea?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.
Connect
I did a google search with the statement, 'why do some people gasp loudly every ten or fifteen minutes?'
https://wholesomealive.com/involuntary-deep-breaths/
And also:
https://laryngopedia.com/the-gasping-syndrome/
None of these are necessarily what is going on with you, but I would see both a neurologist and a pulmonologist.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello @nikki41979, I was wondering how you are currently doing? Have you had a chance to talk with your primary care doctor about further investigation into your consistent gasps for breath? Are you able to ask for a referral to another specialist who may be able to check for additional reasons beyond sleep apnea?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThis is not going to be much help, but i just want you to know that I have sleep apnea and i do this occasionally during the day..... not even daily. It is very embarrassing. I have no idea why I stop breathing like that. Just wanted you to know you are not the only one.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDepending on the type of apnea (obstructive, central, or complex (a mix of the two), the body with those who have CA (central apnea) do not react to rising levels of CO2 in their blood...carbon dioxide, which is one of several waste products of living cells. We don't breathe when our oxygen gets too low in our blood. We breathe when our blood levels of CO2 rises to a point where our sensors make the diaphragm spasm, a slow spasm, and this induces an exchange of gases in the lungs. Problem solved!
During waking moments, we can still, some of us, experience the same phenomenon where we stop breathing because our O2 saturation is good, and then we don't breathe until the body senses a dangerous or uncomfortable rise in CO2 and the slow spasm happens, except it's a gasp, maybe because we're startled by the sudden desire to breathe, or due to its urgency. Or, we are breathing normally, but shallowly, maybe concentrating on something, and suddenly our body objects to the poor exchange rate, we still fully conscious and pondering something, and we get that urgent gasp as if we emerge from a long lap under the water in a pool.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks..... that makes sense.
Hi thanks for your reply I was tested for sleep apnea last year and they said they wernt worried but I was awake most of it as I don't sleep at night. Anyway I was brushed off and ive just had to get on with it but ppl are noticing and it's embarrassing. So I was at the doctors yesterday and she's booked me a chest xray.
Thanks so much for your reply it's very embarrassing as ppl just stop looking at you . I was tested for sleep apnea but they said they wernt worried. This was nearly a year ago. So been back to docs yesterday and she's organised me a chest xray
Hi
At a guess it is a sigh. My husband did them during the day.
I would call it a release of built up stress.
From age 11 he got migraines.
A sign of letting off stress to relax.
After my stroke the medical team told me to breathe. It seemed I was holding my breath.
I paid attention to this and I had to agree. They were taking my breathing number.
I'm sure there is nothing to woorry about, you need to pay attention to your number of breaths you take a minute.
I'm sure it becomes a habit.
No infection in lungs then I wouldgo alng with the above.
cheri jOY. (tuckie)
Let me know what your doctor says. good luck!