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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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This is so frustrating as we all seem to have the same symptoms of SOB. I’ve also had this for many years, on and off, but especially whenever I can’t breathe I have pain in the stomach. I’ve had tests for everything - lungs, gerd, gastroscopies, the heart - yet they all seem to show negative results. The doctors say I might have a large hiatus hernia (it comes and goes) as well as cystic fundal gland polyps in the stomach, yet they say this doesn’t cause pain. Hmm?? I have suffered depression and anxiety in my life, but feel good at the moment and am not on anti-deps. I have been borderline anaemic all my life, yet every time I take iron supps I have an upset stomach. The last gastroscopy I had showed that I have pseudodiverticular formation in the oesophagus. Once again, the dr said that’s nothing. Does anyone have any similar symptoms? I don’t believe it could be “nothing”.
I hooe you’re all feeling somewhat better. Also, years ago I had what seemed to be an asthma attack after eating a large omelette!! I’ve been avoiding eggs too but haven’t had an allergy test yet. Should I worry?
@lauretta16- Welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you are joining us. It is very frustrating not being able to catch a full inhale of air when you expect it. SOB is caused by so many things but yours seem to be more gastric than lung related. What kind of doctors have you seen so far?
I have prayed and prayed. Don't know how many people believe in prayer but prayed that if I could feel better I would get on here and let everyone know. And I have felt a lot better. Better than I have in a month and a half. Hope and pray everyone else does.
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1 ReactionI, too, believe in the prayer of power and have fervently been pouring my heart out to God on behalf of myself and everyone else on this thread that has been dealing with issues! Nothing is too big or too small. Glad you are feeling better!
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2 ReactionsI’ve run across this post as I am sitting on my couch struggling to breathe at 1:45ish in the morning. Does anyone else fight to take a deep breath so hard that they pull muscles in their chest? I don’t have asthma but I’m starting to think after reading it could be undiagnosed acid reflux or something set off my allergies. I took some Benadryl and came to the couch cause just the sound of my boyfriends even breathing messes me up trying to focus on my own. If he turns my direction I feel like he’s taking all the oxygen and I struggle more. Even the cat trying to snuggle by my face was to much. I do have anxiety and depression but the only thing that has me anxious is the struggling for air, I was fine before hand. I don’t have this very often, maybe every few months but once I have “an attack” it follows me for a bit since I literally pull muscles to try to breathe. Any advice. I’m going to try an acid reducer once I can go to the store. But is there anything else? I did have my windows open today and I want to blame it on the neighbor burning yard waste but I really don’t know. It’s so random when it happens that I can’t be certain. Any advice is appreciated. Sorry if this is all over the place but I feel like I need to cut my chest open to let air in.
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2 ReactionsHi @pandakay727, sorry that you're experiencing this. I know just how you feel! I'm struggling tonight myself - my sinuses are quite inflamed since I have allergies so my shortness of breath is particularly bothersome, and I'm trying to get a big deep breath, but can't a lot of the time. I know it will pass, but it's very uncomfortable. Have you gotten tests done to rule things out? Lung function test, blood tests, EKG, gastroenterology tests, etc.? You should see your doctor and see what he/she says about your symptoms. If they rule things out, then you will have to keep searching for answers like most of us here. Try to control your breathing as much as possible in the meantime. Try not to take deep breaths through your mouth. Use your nose instead. It seems counterintuitive but it helps me regulate my breathing a bit. When I have these bouts of SOB when it gets worse, I utilize what I've learned using the Buteyko Breathing Method. But I would definitely see your doctor and when you do, keep us informed on what he/she says.
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3 Reactions@lauretta16, If you have a large hiatal hernia, I'm surprised that you don't have GERD/acid reflux. That seems to accompany a hiatal hernia everywhere I've seen. I have a sliding hiatal hernia, but I don't know if it is the cause of my SOB. It's always in the back of my mind that it could be the cause or a contributor but I'm just not sure. Regarding your anxiety/depression, you should enroll in a Cognitive Based Therapy program either in person or online. Very effective for long-term treatment of anxiety/depression. It will be one less thing to deal with, so you can focus on other aspects of your health like getting rid of the SOB. I too have been anemic though lately blood tests seem to show that I'm no longer anemic. If you take iron, it should be done carefully as your body can absorb too much iron which can cause problems. Take it with food to help alleviate the stomach issue. But do get tested again to see if the iron supplements are helping with the anaemia and to make sure your iron levels are right. It certainly wouldn't hurt to get tested for allergies. I think that will be my next step.
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1 ReactionHow are you doing @rdemi? I hadn't considered SIBO, but I've read that SIBO is related to gastro issues. I think my GERD is due to a hiatal hernia but SIBO could also be a consideration. Are you feeling any better? The same?
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2 Reactions@tonyagregg how are you doing? Did you get back on the Protonix? It hasn't made a difference for me. I'm still going to give it more time, at least a month, but so far I haven't noticed anything different. I'm also taking Flonase and Astelin, but those don't help with my sinus inflammation. There may be a link between LPR and sinus issues, as I've read but not sure.
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1 Reaction@pandakay727- Welcome to Connect and good morning. I feel your need for taking deep breaths. As a lung cancer survivor I have had plenty of those moments. The feelings are the same, am I going to die? Am I ever going to be able to take a deep breath again? What's wrong with me! I'm confused about what you said about what you said about being anxious. Do you mean that you have it all the time or only when your can't catch your breath, which is entirely natural and expected. Before you try an acid reducer please see a GI dr.. Acid reducers can interfere with many drugs and they do have side effects that you need to be aware of. Allergies can certainly exacerbate SOB. The other day I was on my deck and a whiff of cigarette smoke floated by and in I went and closed the window.
Your statement of wanting to open your chest and let the air in is great, because SOB does just that. Please call you doctor and get an appointment and see if you have an underling cause other than anxiety. Many doctors over look stomach problems so can you stand up to your dr and ask for further tests if t his is what he says?
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