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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
I will try to make this as short as possible, but this has been going on for over 5 years, so it might be farily long.
Beginning in summer of 2012, I began having shortness of breath (SOB) with no other symptoms. I felt a constant need to yawn, and every few breaths wouldn't satisfy the SOB. I would take a deep breath, and felt like it would get "stuck" before satisfying the air hunger feeling. About every 3-5 deep breaths would satisfy it, only for it to return a minute later.
I got an endoscopy and other tests done, which revealed that I had some esophageal erosion due to acid reflux and a slight hiatal hernia and was diagnosed with GERD. I had always have bad heartburn, so I was prescribed with Prilosec, which I have been taking daily since them. I've tried stopping it a few times but the reflux always comes back a lot worse.
Lung tests and x-rays were normal. Heart tests normal. Blood test revealed a slight anemia but otherwise pretty normal.
I did some research reading forums where someone suggested taking vitamin B-12. Strangely, I took it and the SOB disappeared almost instantly. However, it only lasted a few days for it to return just as bad. I then started taking an iron supplement, which again made the SOB disappear quickly- same thing; symptom returned days later.
After further research, I came across a breathing exercise method called the Buteyko method. Essentially you do a lot of breath holding to build up CO2 and reduce breathing as the theory is that I had chronic hyperventilation causing too much CO2 to exit my body. After applying the method and reducing my breathing, the SOB disappeared after only 2 days and I felt completely normal. I continued the method a few more days then no longer felt the need to pursue the exercises. I was normal for a whole year when the SOB once again returned with some chest tightness. I applied the method again and the symptom went away, this time with a little more effort; after about 3 weeks. I included physical exercise which also helped with my breathing.
After that, I was normal for about 2 years. I mistakenly stopped or at least slowed down exercise and the SOB returned once again. I applied the method and began running for exercise but the SOB kept getting worse. It got so bad, I had multiple panic attacks and the feeling of completely empty lungs with the inability to satisfy it with deep breaths. I had to stop exercise altogether, apply the Buteyko method and do breathing exercises very carefully with very light and slow exercise. This helped, but it took many weeks for the SOB to improve. Then, it was almost normal when over a year ago as I was running, I couldn't get a deep breath to satisfy exercise-induced SOB. I have had SOB continuously since then (a year and a half).
I once again started doing breathing exercises and slowly building up physical exercise, but I can't do any prolonged cardio activity because the SOB gets to a point where deep breathing will not satisfy it. While the breathing exercises have helped, they have had very little effect compared to previous efforts. It seems that every time the symptom returned, greater effort yields few results.
I suspect there is something, some underlying cause that is causing the SOB that has alluded me this entire time.
So for the past few months to a year, the SOB is worse on some days, better on others, but never gone. There's no rhyme or reason or pattern for it. It's just there, sometimes affecting my sleep. I sometimes can't get a deep breath to satisfy it every now and then, but for the most part, a big gulp of air will satisfy it. But it returns seconds to minutes later. It's as though every breath doesn't deliver what it's supposed to, the SOB builds up, and then I have to take a big gulp of air to get rid of the feeling, pattern repeats. My breathing pattern is normal, however. I don't feel like anything physical is happening, but sometimes it feels like my airways and nostrils are slightly inflamed due to allergies, but when I don't feel inflammation the SOB is still there.
Recent lung function tests show normal- I don't have asthma, or any other problems with my lungs. Heart tests are normal though I did have about a two week bout of heart palpitations which came and went. Haven't had any for a while- it just mysteriously started happening then stopped. Blood tests are normal, though tests always show a slight elevation of biliruben which my doc thinks is Gilbert's disease.
I don't have sleep apnea (normal test), bloody oxygenation is normal, heart rate normal.
I recently saw local naturopath (since mainstream docs aren't able to help) who immediately suspected a liver problem when I described my SOB, possibly liver inflammation. He used an electrodermal testing machine to test his theory which did seem to show a problem with my liver and gallbladder. He gave me digestive enzymes and a gallbladder formula to help clear a bile duct clog, thus reducing liver inflammation. He also determined with the machine that I have an egg sensitivity so I've been avoiding eggs.
Been taking this and avoiding eggs for a couple of months, but there has been no noticeable improvement. Everything else is normal. Emotionally I'm normal- no anxiety, depression, etc. The SOB seems to be the only symptom of something, but always comes back worse, until a year and half ago when it came back and has remained since. I feel like I shouldn't have to do breath holding exercises every day just to maintain my breathing well enough to do every day things.
Does anyone have any idea of a possible underlying cause?
2021/2022 UPDATE:
Since my original post about 3-1/2 years ago, a lot has happened, so I’d like to update the post to share with others who come across this what I’ve done since then.
I have maintained a weekly Buteyko method breathing exercise regimen where I do a few of these breathing exercises 3-4 times a week in the morning. This, in combination with daily light to moderate exercise (specifically weight lifting, with 1 or 2 days a week of walking and light jogging), I feel has kept the air hunger symptoms tolerable and manageable. I have mostly good days with some not-so-good days, but doing a breathing exercise and knowing that it’ll get better again helps me get through those times.
I also have sinus inflammation which can exacerbate the symptoms, but I’ve also managed this, which in turn reduces the severity of the air hunger symptoms.
So, while I haven’t found a cure nor is the problem completely gone, I have been able to maintain normalcy in daily life and manage the symptoms through the strategies I described.
This discussion remains active, alive and well through the comments section where others who have similar symptoms have shared what has helped them as well as suggestions for possible solutions to explore.
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Please do keep me posted! Definitely want to know what they find out about your spine.
Hi @dan21. Really sorry to hear all you've been dealing with. Breathing is such a central function, something we normally take for granted (as it's supposed to be, since it's normally an automatic "background" function) but when something is off again, it commands our attention due to the discomfort.
It sounds like there's a high degree of certainty and probability that your particular cause is COPD. There's a link for you, and that's a very good thing. Something not many of us have. Having a cause means you can focus with precision on solutions. So hang in there!
An obstacle is the affordability and insurance side of things. Tough but not insurmountable. What do you do for a living if you don't mind me asking?
While you figure out a way to get better medical there, I do believe there solutions you can do on your own with a little research and grit. Doctors are good- they can provide immediate relief for these things and help uncover symptoms, but I understand they can be hard to come by sometimes given people's work and insurance challenges, like yours.
Research "Pulmonary Rehabilitation" for COPD, as as well as Oxygen Therapy. Pair this with breathing exercises that deal with anxiety and I believe you will be on your way to a better life. Overcoming the mental challenges is another part of this all.
I know it sounds simplistic and maybe idealistic, but start with believing that you WILL overcome this and it is not insurmountable. "You got to believe!" Again, might sound corny, but believing will help you overcome the mental challenge.
If you don't have easy access to direct medical help, this is where you will need to be somewhat of your own doctor- it's going to require research, work, diligence, and consistency- but having a plan and working daily on improving will give you things to look forward to- another good thing for the mindset to help you hang on.
You're not alone-- there are MANY people who have dealt with what you're going through and have solutions. Please let me know how else I can help! I think there are specific COPD discussion on this MayoClinic site- do a search for COPD and I think you'll find more valuable information!
So the update is I get an MRI done the day after tomorrow to look at my thoracic spine and that’s where all the pain starts and they’re all from what I had told them to try to look at the phrenic nerve as well just to be on the safe side I’m definitely trying to take shallow breaths and eating small meals. I got a referral to a spine doctor and neurosurgeon to look at the MRI as well as trying to figure out what’s going on. I agree with you. I think my spine is a very big cause of what’s happening. It’s just such an inconvenience in my life. I can’t just live my life on my back. You know I really appreciate all of your guys support and all of your advice and everything you guys are sharing. It’s definitely brought a lot more comfort into my life. Thank you all again. I’ll keep you updated just in case anybody’s having the same kind of issues. I would love to help the same way you guys helped me
My blood oxygen level is between 97 and 99 my lungs look fantastic no COPD no emphysema my blood work all looks normal. Everything else looks normal. I’ve been to the G.I. doctor. My hiatal hernia has since been repaired yet. The issue still remains with the hunger for taking deep breaths. Fingers crossed that this helps. It just makes more sense that it’s either my spine or the phrenic nerve
Will do. I have my MRI the adapter tomorrow and it was referred to a spine specialist and neurosurgeon. Thanks for all your help and support. I hope we can all help each other in someway. I couldn’t imagine living like this anymore than I have to.
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2 ReactionsAlways happy to help however I can. Glad you're otherwise healthy. I think there'll be a lot of improvement with the breathing once the spine issue gets sorted out. Let me know how it goes!
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1 ReactionHey everyone, been a few days since I posted and still dealing with this matter to a degree. As I mentioned in my last post this first happened to me back in 2017 but for a few years I had a really good grip on it and it didn’t impact my day to day as much as it has been the last month or so. What makes it worse this go around is that it caused me to have a panic attack while driving and ever since I’ve almost had like this mental block while driving. I have been driving for the past 4 years and haven’t dealt with this issue while driving as usually driving calms me down or distracts me from things. I do plan on getting some tests done by my doctor as I’ve never went that route in all the years I’ve had this. I’m also looking to take on some breathing exercises plus being more active in the gym. In the meantime my question to you all, especially the original poster of this thread since your story sounds a lot like mine, if you guys drive how do you manage to prevent this from creating an issue while driving? As mentioned above I think I have mentally associated driving with this feeling and thus creates anxiety whenever I know I have to drive, I want to reverse this and not feel this way while driving as it’s something I really enjoy plus something I need to be able to do.
Gabe, I had my asthma test today. It was 1 point from being positive, so the doctor said we’ll try using an inhaler and see if that helps with my breathing issues.
I cut my blood pressure medication in half a few weeks ago thinking that could be causing my problems and my symptoms have lessened. I just can’t imagine asthma is what is causing my breathing inadequacy as it comes and goes, and not often. We’ll see what happens!
I’ve been in and out of doctors since November. It is in every day struggle for me. I am unable to live life normally at this time. I have more appointments scheduled, hopefully something will come up!
With a lot of added prayer!
Let me know! I know asthma can be somewhat of a "silent" condition. You may not be too aware of it but can still affect the way you breathe. I'm glad the symptoms went down. Some medications can have negative effects on breathing and can create nutrient deficiencies.
If possible, try to learn breathing exercises. It's what has helped me. When I first had symptoms, I spent a few days fighting the urge to take a deep breath whenever possible and over time it lessened the sense of need of having to take deep breaths. Breathing exercises, particular the Buteyko Breathing Method combined with light to moderate weight lifting is what helps me manage symptoms. I think the weight load on my muscles with controlled breathing increases blood oxygen and vasodilation which helps with breathing. The Buteyko method helps me to breathe less and thus my body doesn't expect deep breaths as much, lessening the feeling of air hunger.