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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
Happened to find this while googling my symptoms hoping to find a reason behind my problem of not being able to take a deep breath or yawn, only short breaths. I seem to have the same issues as you, I recently got an endoscopy done towards the end of January and was diagnosed with GERD and a hiatal hernia. I used to get esophagus spasms daily, so bad that I ended up in the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. I often feel my throat very tight and can always feel my food stuck. I take famotidine (a prilosec) everyday which has helper tremendously with my acid reflux/heartburn. My breathing issues randomly come and go, but has lately kept me up for hours the last 3 nights, tonight being the worst. I am also hyper upper nasal and always have terrible phlegm issues and have yet to revisit an ENT. Wondering since I am just now seeing this years later if you have found the source of your issue or if you’re still struggling with it? Having all these issues at the age of only 19 is very worrisome to me. I sat up for an hour trying to breathe normal, it takes me a few minutes of weird jaw movements and trying to yawn to get my deep breath out just for it the feeling to come back immediately and being nonstop until I fall asleep. Really hoping to get some advice!! (Calling my doctor tomorrow but I know some are refusing to see people because of this coronavirus outbreak unless its an emergency.)
Replies to "Happened to find this while googling my symptoms hoping to find a reason behind my problem..."
@mckaylah- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I know that SOB can be very upsetting and difficult to deal with. GERD and a hiatal hernia will absolutely cause SOB. Most times now SOB is caused by being overweight and not getting exercise and diet. You are 19 years old? What were the recommendations from your doctor?
@mckaylah - I am still dealing with it as well and it's been a total of 8 years. But it was nearly gone for 3 of those years when I applied the breathing exercises. The air hunger still came back a couple of years ago and I've been dealing with it since, but to a somewhat milder degree. I also have good days and bad days, but am able to manage it by continuing to take Omeperazole, doing breathing exercises almost every day, and moderate weight lifting and walks almost every day.
your best bet is to find a reputable surgeon and go under his directive, complete the tests, and get the surgery. Once GERD hits a certain point surgery is the best bet.
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I know people don't want to hear that changing their diet is beneficial, but it is. Do you eat a lot of vegetables vs junk food? Do you drink water vs soda? I had spasms, belching, sore throat, hoarseness. The first thing I did was change my diet. Eat magnesium rich foods...kale, cucumbers, salads. Snack on almonds, eat almond butter. Limit chocolate since it contributes to heartburn. Think about getting healthy. At 19 you want to start now. Find a healthy lifestyle influencer and follow them on YouTube.