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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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Hi new to this board. My story started in 2012 when I thought I was having a heart attack with palpitation and chest pains. I Went to the ER and ended up staying for several days of testing just to be told my blood pressure was high. The attack happened again a month later but this time I also had severe heart burn and was sent home again after several days of testing. No diagnosis except for high blood pressure. Because of the heart burn I went to a GI Doctor who did a endoscopy and I was diagnosed with Barreits Esophagus with high grade dysplasia and a hiatal hernia. I had 5 ablations and the hernia fixed. It took several years but during this time i kept having these attacks that would last between 30 minutes and an hour. In Dec. 2017 I had another attack but it lasted for five hours,the EMT came while I was still having the attack and found I had a heart rate of 280 beats a minute. The Doctor diagnose me with SVT (a form of afib) In Feb of 2018 I had an ablation of the heart to fix the problem. (So it took 5 years to get diagnosed with SVT because by the time I went to the ER I was out of the attack and heart back to normal. The last attack lasted so long they finally caught it.) Soon after I started to have SOB and went to the pulmonary Doctor and after numerous test i was first diagnose with servere sleep apnea and then place on a CPAP with supplemental oxegen. I also had performed the methacholine challenge and tested positive for asthma. I was put on 2 daily inhalers that helped. How ever in the last sevral months the SOB got worse and I was sent for a pulmonary function test witch showed my breathing better than the last test.The Doctor than sent me for a CPET test that showed my heart and lungs were good but my ABG at rest prior to the test showed a Pa02 of 61 and a Sa02 of 91. and the Ve/Vco2 slope suggests that I have Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse. (EDAC) The Doctor believes this is what cause my SOB. I am awaiting a bronchoscope to confirm this. If this is what I have the Doctor talked about having stents put into my bronchial tube. EDAC could be the cause of some of your SOB symptoms
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1 Reaction@pete9140- Welcome to Connect. You certainly have been through quite a lot. Are you going to have the stents placed? Thank you for sharing your story. It opens up a new pathway for someone to check and just might help someone solve their SOB. This is what COnnect is all about, people helping people. It's a very generous gift to give.SOB is one of the most frustrating conditions that I find for lung health issues. There can be so many causes, and as you probably know anxiety and SOB go hand in hand.
How have you handled dealing with your justifiable fears and anxieties?
If it shows that i have EDAC after the bronchoscopy I will have the stent placed. I will keep you informed after the test. I also wrote about the SVT and Barretts because I read several post on this board about GERD and palpitations. The Doctor will not know that you have SVT unless you are having an attack in front of them or if you have been given a monitor to test for it. For any of the posters that been having palpitations they can pick up there own fingertip pulse oximeter for under $20. It also gives your blood oxegen level.
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1 ReactionPeople with GERD should consider alkalizing and getting their mineral reserves up. I would suggest that anyone having issues with heartburn, arthritis and other symptoms of chronic acidity research minerals, bicarbonates, alkalizing etc. There are tons or articles and research out there. I speak from experience...I was scheduled to meet with a surgeon for chronic acid reflux (I'd tried everything, pepcid, nexium, propping myself up on a wedge pillow at night) and right before I met with the surgeon I met with a doctor who told me the surgeon would more than likely recommend surgery for something that could be handled with a simple diet change. I cancelled the appointment with the surgeon, starting eating better, juicing etc and took a magnesium supplement and my reflux was gone in a couple weeks. Luckily for me, mine was not due to a structural issue and a change in diet eradicated it. If you're having an issue with reflux try changing your diet and having your potassium, magnesium and calcium levels checked. Do not let a doctor tell you they have nothing to do with your health...they do. Minerals neutralize acid. Calcium is especially beneficial because, not only does it neutralize acid but deficiencies cause the Lower Esophageal Sphincter to relax allowing acid to rise or splash out of the stomach and into the esophagus. It's a delicate balance between calcium and magnesium, but if you find what works for you, you find relief. It can be trial and error but worth it.
For my shortness of breath...I've been taking a Magnesium/ Potassium supplement and I think it has dealt my SOB the final blow. The diet changes were extremely beneficial but the supplement really made a difference for me.
Good luck everyone!
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1 ReactionIt's been a long time since I posted, so I just wanted to touch base with everyone about my progress. It has been a long journey, but I have come a long way. From struggling to breathe what felt like every minute, to maybe just a few times a day. I'm going to share what I've been doing since it has been working, in hopes that anyone desperate for solutions can try some of this stuff. I know that's what I wanted when I used to read posts here, just ANYTHING to try that would make the god awful feeling go away. I can tell you honestly that I feel much better than I used to, but it has been hard work. I'll try to share everything I've done.
Morning:
I start out taking a multivitamin (Vitacell) along with CoQ10, Red Yeast Rice, and Milk Thistle. Were these supplements alone responsible for my improvement? Who knows, but it's what I've been doing lately so I'm going to include them. Also I use a spray of Flonase sensimist in each nostril before leaving for work, just in case my problem is allergy related. (I'm really just attacking this from all angles)
Evening:
I always take 20mg of Omeprazole like many have suggested. It's known to help many, so why not try it?
Other Changes:
When I first started having this horrible problem I weighed 240lbs. I now weigh 188. I have started running - initially only once a week, but now 3 days per week. Some have mentioned that it makes their symptoms worse. That's fine, but I believe over time they have increased my cardiovascular ability and enabled me to breathe better. My diet includes a lot of vegetables and fruits. I try to make at least one healthy meal choice per day. I include blueberries, broccoli, honeycrisp apples, raspberries, blackberries, carrots, pineapple, kiwi, mango, and others. I try to incorporate these fruits and vegetables into my diet whenever I can. I think improving my diet over the past year and exercising has made a huge difference. Try just eating one apple every day. If you want to heal, you have to work with your body and think about the nutrients it needs to do its job. What do you think will improve your health long-term, a greasy slice of pizza or some walnuts and almonds? I hate to jump on the more "organic" kind of food bandwagon, but it's what I've been doing for the past year and it has worked.
For a quick improvement, try looking up beet juice. There are studies that show that beet juice can improve the way our bodies utilize oxygen and make it more efficient. As one website says, "A new study shows for the first time how the nitrate contained in beetroot juice leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring. The study reveals that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake to an extent that cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training." I have just started incorporating this stuff into my regimen for the running benefits, and I started discovering all the benefits it has. I have also switched to a standing desk at work to try and stay more active. I really think this stuff makes a difference - not just one change, but the overall picture of your health as a person. Diet, habits, etc. Think overall lifestyle changes. That's how you're going to beat this thing.
Usually I pick this stuff up at Whole Foods, but I'm sure it's the same anywhere else. I'll add more if I can remember, but I just wanted to get this out there because I've been feeling good for a long time now. This has been the longest stretch where I haven't had any of those "bad days" where you just can't get a breath to save your life. Anyway, good luck to all of you. I really do hope every single one of you can beat this horrible curse - whatever the hell it is. If I can help just one other person to fight this thing, that would make me happy. Best of luck.
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1 Reaction@alureon - Welcome back to Mayo Clinic Connect. First I want to thank you for sharing a wonderful success story of losing weight and changing the management of your life style. A lot of times when people, who are overweight, lose weight there is a wonderful outcome: Breathing easier without struggling.
GERD is also often the cause of horribly uncomfortable systems and can lessen when loss of weight occurs. I am petite and if I gain weight, as much as 5 lbs my GERD acts up and so does my SOB (which is mainly caused by lung cancer).- Any advice for anyone on how to continue to maintain this? Do you plan to lose more weight?
@helpnywhereucan - I'd like to address alkaline diets as a solution to GERD or might be the cause of SOB. This is considered an optional solution. There are no hard and true studies The reduction of highly acidic foods can lessen GERD or make it worse. But the body needs some balance too so seeking the help of your doctor and or a nutritionist to find that balance I would think would be the safest way to go.
But please be aware that there are many, many myths about an alkaline diet, one being: That an alkaline diet promotes the idea that it is possible to change blood pH with diet. (This is different than urine or saliva pH.)This is untrue, and major changes in blood pH could even be life-threatening. This being said I am glad that you are feeling much better.
Did you have any guidance with changing your diet? DO you have blood work done to help maintain a healthy pH balance?
No...I read about it and figured that eating more vegetables wouldn't be harmful so I gave it a try. I tend to be a very practical person. I'll try it as long as I see no harm in it and if it works it works, if it doesn't I'll try something else. I use pH strips to check urine and saliva. You really don't want the pH of your blood to change. More importantly I can tell by the way I feel. When my diet is good I feel better and no shortness of breath.
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1 Reaction@helpnywhereucan- This is a practical and reasonable way to help yourself. Research first, including checking with your doctor, which includes h and then try it out. Thank you. I hope that this will help others.
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1 ReactionHas anyone with these symptoms been diagnosed with POTS?
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1 ReactionI'd also add that many of us are relying too much on external factors for our healing. Physicians and hospitals are great, and by all means if you're under a doctor's care, continue that, but for many of us here, this is a situation where we haven't been honoring our bodies. Our society tells us to push hard, only weak people sleep and take downtime etc. Fake 'food' is everywhere and super convenient, blinding us from the need to make healthy food choices. For many of us this comes down to listening to our lives, honoring ourselves and having the discipline to make changes. The question I had to ask myself was do you want to travel the road of life not feeling well all the time or will you value your physical instrument (your body) and treat it with respect and honor? Do you want your body to be healthy and strong so that you can fulfill your mission in life, be there to support your family, serve humanity? My answer was yes...so that meant I had to make the sacrifice. Get rest, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, exercise. Not to mention, I didn't like how I looked. It was easier to complain than to take action but as soon as I did my hair stopped thinning, my skin became clear, brighter teeth, longer nails and I lost weight. It's worth it. If you have a diagnosis, honor that, but by all means, don't discount maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an important ally on your journey to wellness. Your discipline will reward you. Just my two cents.
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