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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
Lung Health | Last Active: Oct 23 10:20am | Replies (3405)Comment receiving replies
Hey Everyone! I am brand new to this forum and read most of everything on here. It was like a weight being lifted off my chest when I read I’m not the only one going through this. I have the same problem of always yawning and taking deep breaths every single day is like I’m constantly fighting to get air. Some days are better than others but for the most part will not go away. I’ve been very fortunate to getting everything checked out. I’ve been to the ENT which to find out I have some allergies and was given an antihistamine (Loratadine) to help. I do also feel like my ears always need to be popped. He did not notice anything wrong or had any fluids, infections in the ear. Also, had a hearing test done and passed it no problem. I think it could be Eustachian Tube Dysfunction but he does not think I have it. I do have heart palpitations so I’ve had my heart checked and have worn the Holter monitor for a week to see if they catch anything. I go in tomorrow for the results. I do have anxiety and it runs in my family, my mom is on Zoloft and my sister too. I’m thinking if everything checks out ok then I’ll probably go and see a therapist. Sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind Lol but know that there is definitely a cure for us all and not stopping until I figure this out. My breathing is most definitely a big cause for concern because it is affecting my daily activities. I also sleep in weird awkward positions and my neck and back are in pain too so that just adds to the list lol I definitely understand and know what you all are going through and hopefully this post helps someone else out. Might go see a chiropractor get an adjustment to see if my back is out of line. Even go try a massage to see if that helps.
Replies to "Hey Everyone! I am brand new to this forum and read most of everything on here...."
@blessed4life @flott118 I have some significant allergies, and when they are not controlled well enough, I build too much phlegm in my lungs and that does cause heart palpitations. I have to watch this carefully because it sets the stage for a bacterial infection if I don't get my lungs cleared. I do allergy shots, and if that isn't enough, antihistamines, and generic Mucinex with lots of water, and I use an asthma rescue inhaler. I do have allergic type asthma, and I get tired when I'm not getting enough air. The trouble with antihistamines (according to my doctor) is that they loose effectiveness with long term use. I also use allergy casings on my pillows and mattress and HEPA filters at home. Cough drops help too because they relax the airways a bit. If you are still searching for answers, you might ask about asthma. I also have worked with my physical therapist because I have thoracic outlet syndrome that affects my breathing because my chest is too tight on one side. She is able to release the respiratory diaphragm and tight muscles around the rib cage.
@blessed4life your symptoms found very similar to mine! I just saw a pulmonologist and my pulmonary function tests came back normal, along with my chest X-ray. So I guess it’s safe to rule out an actual issue involving the lung. My mom also has anxiety, and I’m sure anxiety plays a role worh my issues as well. I just really want to rule out a medical problem before I attribute my symptoms to just anxiety.
Did you notice improvement after taking loratidine? Is this a medication you take everyday? Also, did the results from the holter monitor show anything? Thanks for all of your advice and help, hopefully we can all solve our SOB issue!
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@blessed4life- Welcome to Connect and for sharing your story. I'm sure that it will help the rest of us! This is what is so great about Connect, how much it helps to read that we are not alone, and the huge support that it offers us and all the possibilities that we never think of ourselves! So welcome aboard!
May I ask why you sleep in weird positions? Do you place your self purposely so that you can breath better or do you just wind up that way? I wind up in weird positions too but I have curvature of the spine and something going on with my neck. I have an appt with an orthopedic dr next week.
Have you had a GI guy check you out for GERD? I know that you have heart palpitations but GERD could also be a factor.
Will you come back and let me know the test results for your heart and what the cardio person recommends?