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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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Yes im given takepron 30 been taking it for last week. Doc advised to cont for a month atleast. Slight improvement in forced breathing . Its getting easier but a slow rate . He suggested endoscopy but im still deciding over it. Thanks for asking
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1 Reaction@ssgaurav2000 hello and sorry to hear about your issues...I am late coming into this, but a couple of things that you mention prompt me to agree that you should see a gastroenterologist.
One symptom...that of regurgitated food along with the belching, might suggest a hiatal hernia. I have one, complicated by Barrett’s esophagus. I had similar symptoms as those you describe, and ultimately an endoscopy at Mayo found the problem. Very dangerous to ignore...so get to a gastroenterologist ASAP would be my suggestion. If not managed, Barrettes can develop into esophageal cancer!
Again, only a gastroenterologist can determine if this is the problem.
I also would not be so quick to conclude that the belching, etc. is not lung related. Non small cell lung cancer for example can manifest itself in such a way that it can be very difficult to diagnose, especially if ones issues are being treated by the wrong disciplines. My wife found that out, having had the belching and GERD symptoms similar to what you describe...before finally being diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma by Mayo.
My suggestion is get to a clinic such as Mayo. Don’t get caught up in the perpetual circle of medical care going weeks between seeing the various string of doctors!
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1 Reaction@ssgaurav2000 hello and sorry to hear about your issues...I am late coming into this, but a couple of things that you mention prompt me to agree that you should se a gastroenterologist. One symptom...that of regurgitated food along with the belching might suggest a hiatal hernia. I have one, complicated by Barrett’s esophaguse. I had similar symptoms as those you describe, and ultimately an endoscopy found the problem. Very dangerous to ignore...so get to a gastroenterologist ASAP would be my suggestion. If not managed Barrettes can develop into esophageal cancer!
Again, only a gastroenterologist can determine if this is the problem.
I also would not be so quick to conclude the belching, etc. is not lung related. Non small cell lung cancer for example is very difficult to diagnose, simply because it can be a lepidic adnecar and often won’t light up on the scans!
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1 ReactionThis post hits home with me. I am a "healthy" 37 year old female. Late Oct 2018 I was put on predisone for fluid in ears, day after I got off of it I notice a pain in my left rib/breast/chest area and SOB like I could not complete a deep breath or yawn. I went into clinic and Doc told me either shingles or related to cycle. I waited a week and went back in. Different Dr. did an chest x-ray and blood work and everything looked fine. Week later went to Er, not able to eat and SOB still there and doctor ran a pelvic-chest ct scan and I was told viral and to wait it out. Went back to doctor later that week and she did EKG and then told me it was anxiety. Gave me meds for anxiety which I do not believe is what's causing this. She then referred me to a different doctor and he told me GERD and to take Omeprazole. Pressed for ultra sound of gallbladder(normal) and ultra sound of thyroid was normal. Had a hida scan done and found my gallbladder was only function at 36%. Had gallbladder removed in Dec 2018 but continue to have SOB. I have had Upper Gi and Colonoscopy both came back fine. I have had a mammogram for pain in left rib/breast and that was normal. I have seen ENT and he thought VCD but he ordered a pulmonary study test and that was normal. To me VCD doesn't fit because my SOB is all the time. I had a ct scan done of Ears and Sinus because right nostril has been plugged. Just had deviated septum and sinus surgery two weeks ago. Still have SOB, if I breath through nose it's fine but when I search for that deep breath through my mouth it gets stuck. This is driving me crazy, for a once very healthy active person I feel like I try to get by each day doing the very least I can do just to get by. I am willing to try just about anything to get rid of this as it's having an impact on my quality of life.
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2 ReactionsHey 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.
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1 Reaction@blessed4life @blessed4life i believe its anxiety too . When your anxious you tend to think worst . I had overcome this issue twice in the past by keeping my self busy this time around unfortunately im home and spending most of the time on google trying to find the answer which i already know , as a result lost few kg's as well lol . I think its a cycle which comes and goes . meanwhile we must try to get ourselves out of this viscous cycle by thinking positive and not giving any attention to it . I think its better not to interfere with natural process such as breathing lol and clinically your declared fit so no worries .. I am sure It will help . Good luck lets know how you feel !
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1 ReactionThanks , i will visit GI. Regarding heart and lung i have done numerous tests including xrays CT Echo ECG etc , I had this issue twice and both times i was able to resolve with strong will power and physical activity , I hope to continue that run this time as well . Have a good day !
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1 ReactionDear Healthy 37 year old!
Our stories are very similar. Two years into SOB and excruciating upper left back/shoulder pain and many doctors visits, it was only during
a yearly physical at Mayo Clinic where my physician “listened to me & ordered a chest CT”! I was shockingly diagnosed with a 3cm tumor in my left lung. I was rushed into surgery with non small cell lung cancer.
After fighting back I have lived 11 years with a great quality of life.
My local doctors told me I was athletic, looked healthy and because I never smoked refused a chest X-ray telling me my chocking cough and SOB was psychological.
I can recommend that for me traveling to a large research medical facility is what saved my life. All of my follow up is at Mayo Clinic with a brilliant team of experts who keep a caring watchful eye on my lungs and body!
All my best.
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5 Reactions@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?
@burrkay- Good morning. I have NSCLC and it actually isn't very difficult to diagnose. 84% of all lung cancers are NSCLC. CT scans and xrays and biopsies can quickly confirm the type of cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5059295/
I understand that your wife has lung cancer and that you are her caretaker. She's very lucky.
There has been a ton of new information regarding lung cancer, new treatments and diagnostic tool since my first cancer in 1997. I've had 4 lung cancers with 6 different nodules. My first one was a fast growing tumor and the rest have been very slow growing The name of my sub-type has had it's name changed 4 times since then.
How is your wife doing?