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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
Lung Health | Last Active: Oct 25 11:29pm | Replies (3583)Comment receiving replies
Hi guys,
I'm unsure if this thread is still active, and if it is I hope you are all in good health.
I started suffering from air hunger in June 2025, and its been on and off ever since but it has drastically affected my life. I get so frustrated at myself and now if I get a period of it it hurts my back muscles and stomach muscles where I constantly try and get that good lungful of breath. In that period I've seen multiple out of hours doctors because of panic attacks due to it, and they have all listened to my lungs, checked my blood oxygen level and checked off that my lungs are absolutely fine. I used to be a smoker when I was younger (now 28), and now I do vape but only when I'm out or around people who smoke as I find it hard still.
I do suffer with Anxiety, but mine is a complex case because I have PMDD (pre menstrual dysphoric disorder) and I suffer with extreme moodswings and anxiety in that part of my cycle. The one thing that really helps that anxiety I've recently figured is CBD, but even if i take a CBD gummy or some drops, I can be completely relaxed and STILL have the breathing issue.
A couple months back I tried the buteyko method, and it did help for a short period and then the dyspnea/air hunger returned. It definitely seems worse for me when I am in the luteal phase of my cycle, but that could just be a coincidence. I just feel a bit helpless now and the idea of having this for the rest of my life fills me with dread.
Replies to "Hi guys, I'm unsure if this thread is still active, and if it is I hope..."
Try Noah Greenspan Pulmonary Wellness on YouTube. Not only helping with dealing with COPD it also help with anxiety/attitude.
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Hi @robertagrace, yes we're still here, trying to help as many people as possible find answers. 🙂 You're in the right place. First, I'm sorry that you've been dealing with this. It's unsettling especially when you're not sure where it's coming from.
I assume you hadn't dealt with air hunger before June? So this would be the first onset. If it's any comfort, I've been dealing with it since 2012, but am living pretty normally most of that time. There are bouts where it gets worse and I increase the intensity and frequency of breathing exercises but it seems to return to a decent state that doesn't interfere too much in my daily activities.
The fact that you tried something (Buteyko breathing method in this case) and it helped, is a good sign. It means that there's some mind/body disconnect that can be reconnected with the right tools and techniques.
Have you looked into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? CBT (not to be confused with CBD 🙂 ) can help a great deal with anxiety, which may alleviate the air hunger symptoms.