1. < Lung Health
Mentor

Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?

Posted by Gabe, Volunteer Mentor @gabrielm, May 31, 2018

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

nick43 | @nick43 | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @dantona1977 "I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg..." + (show)
@dantona1977

I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg a day a Xanax for anxiety. High pressure life I guess. Sucks but that’s the truth. I don’t smoke anymore (quit 2011) I don’t do drugs, and I have a glass of wine maybe 4 times a month. I’m 178lbs and 5’8 probably should be my normal 165 but that metabolism change and laziness. I’ll fix that.

I came across your original post. And after reading all the reply’s I think I feel like what people feel when they go to any group with something in common. Like AA or something that they can share completely without judgement. I’ve never been to a meeting or anything like that. But is it weird to say that for the ten minutes of resting I could breathe with grabbing my hips for that satisfied breath. There is no way to explain this to anyone if they haven’t experienced it. My 13 yr old daughter asks me what do mean you can’t breath?

This has been going on since 2011. In my life any situation that was stressful I would get anxiety and have a 20 second hit of SOB. But now, today it’s even in my sleep. It’s weird because it used to be I woke up gasping for air, room literally spinning for 2 minutes before the oxygen got back to me. Now that has changed to the daytime. About 3 minutes or less after I wake up and take that first deep breath. I’ve been in the hospital, Er, and every specialist except sleep study for sleep apnea. Just haven’t got there yet. Heart Stress test, Pulmonoligist, Gastro doctor (on nexium) for acid reflux that was giving me kidney area pain when I ate. Take one every 2-3 days and it keep it in check. Bought my one oxygen proximity sensor and it always at 98 or higher.

I’ll be sitting having a good week, good week meaning I’m not trying to satisfy a good breath every 3 minutes. And out of nowhere i actually feel that one HEAVY breath that triggers what I know is going to be a long week or weeks of struggle. I have fear of passing out and nobody being there. My chest hurts, heavy. Left arm And neck pain (never a heart attack thank god) been to the Er at least 6-7 times in the past 5 yrs. I try to go for a walk but I can’t have a conversation with my wife because walking and talking is labored. I’m invited to go places like fishing or riding, can’t because I have a pattern I do when I can’t breath and it’s my laying down at my house. How ridiculous is this? This thing has restricted me from playing knee hockey with my son and so many more things that makes me wanna cry. I guess the worst part is nobody can help. Nobody. If it goes away for a day or a week that’s like Xmas to me. But lately with the covid and being home more or less it’s been worse. Go figure my safe place has become a trigger now because I feel it everyday. When I talk with my staff sometimes that ask me if I’m ok, because they can see me trying to catch my breath. I was ok for a day last week and I help my neighbor carry a 50lb raft I to his backyard. As we were carrying it I felt the heavy chest and breathing like the air was thicker. It’s like a slower heavy intake that never gets to the full satisfactory part. I know I’m bouncing around I just never had anyone to talk to that understands. Only doctors or family members that only hear me but can’t truly know. Again I’ll say it, I could breath fine writing this entire post. Once I get up you all know what’s next.

Thanks for letting me ramble and I hope every last one of you find peace with this. Because it’s an actual living prison with no release date.

Jump to this post

@Trubcahome thank you for sharing, you are certainly not alone. I'm also 43 and have had this for about three months. All my medical checks out, even had a chest x-ray and my Dr said it looks great, no issues at all. Of course there is an issue as we all know. It's very frustrating.
When I came across this forum I read everything too, surprisingly during the read I wasn't looking to satisfy my air hunger, no yawning or deep breaths. Talking about it gives short relief. And when I find myself concentrating on something else, I don't notice it. Certainly can be some psychological/anxiety associated that can make the symptoms worse. I'm not ruling out asthma, maybe some medicine will help, but an albuterol inhaler didn't work and singular allergy medicine hasn't either. This seemed to come on out of the blue at 43. I'm in good shape and exercise regularly.
This week I'm looking into breathing exercises and just recently have found some relief from the practicing of calming/ meditation. But it's only temporary.
Thanks for the reply, hopefully the more we all talk and search for answers the better we can manage or get rid of these symptoms.

REPLY
uzairkashtwari92 | @uzairkashtwari92 | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @dantona1977 "I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg..." + (show)
@dantona1977

I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg a day a Xanax for anxiety. High pressure life I guess. Sucks but that’s the truth. I don’t smoke anymore (quit 2011) I don’t do drugs, and I have a glass of wine maybe 4 times a month. I’m 178lbs and 5’8 probably should be my normal 165 but that metabolism change and laziness. I’ll fix that.

I came across your original post. And after reading all the reply’s I think I feel like what people feel when they go to any group with something in common. Like AA or something that they can share completely without judgement. I’ve never been to a meeting or anything like that. But is it weird to say that for the ten minutes of resting I could breathe with grabbing my hips for that satisfied breath. There is no way to explain this to anyone if they haven’t experienced it. My 13 yr old daughter asks me what do mean you can’t breath?

This has been going on since 2011. In my life any situation that was stressful I would get anxiety and have a 20 second hit of SOB. But now, today it’s even in my sleep. It’s weird because it used to be I woke up gasping for air, room literally spinning for 2 minutes before the oxygen got back to me. Now that has changed to the daytime. About 3 minutes or less after I wake up and take that first deep breath. I’ve been in the hospital, Er, and every specialist except sleep study for sleep apnea. Just haven’t got there yet. Heart Stress test, Pulmonoligist, Gastro doctor (on nexium) for acid reflux that was giving me kidney area pain when I ate. Take one every 2-3 days and it keep it in check. Bought my one oxygen proximity sensor and it always at 98 or higher.

I’ll be sitting having a good week, good week meaning I’m not trying to satisfy a good breath every 3 minutes. And out of nowhere i actually feel that one HEAVY breath that triggers what I know is going to be a long week or weeks of struggle. I have fear of passing out and nobody being there. My chest hurts, heavy. Left arm And neck pain (never a heart attack thank god) been to the Er at least 6-7 times in the past 5 yrs. I try to go for a walk but I can’t have a conversation with my wife because walking and talking is labored. I’m invited to go places like fishing or riding, can’t because I have a pattern I do when I can’t breath and it’s my laying down at my house. How ridiculous is this? This thing has restricted me from playing knee hockey with my son and so many more things that makes me wanna cry. I guess the worst part is nobody can help. Nobody. If it goes away for a day or a week that’s like Xmas to me. But lately with the covid and being home more or less it’s been worse. Go figure my safe place has become a trigger now because I feel it everyday. When I talk with my staff sometimes that ask me if I’m ok, because they can see me trying to catch my breath. I was ok for a day last week and I help my neighbor carry a 50lb raft I to his backyard. As we were carrying it I felt the heavy chest and breathing like the air was thicker. It’s like a slower heavy intake that never gets to the full satisfactory part. I know I’m bouncing around I just never had anyone to talk to that understands. Only doctors or family members that only hear me but can’t truly know. Again I’ll say it, I could breath fine writing this entire post. Once I get up you all know what’s next.

Thanks for letting me ramble and I hope every last one of you find peace with this. Because it’s an actual living prison with no release date.

Jump to this post

.

REPLY
uzairkashtwari92 | @uzairkashtwari92 | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @dantona1977 "I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg..." + (show)
@dantona1977

I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg a day a Xanax for anxiety. High pressure life I guess. Sucks but that’s the truth. I don’t smoke anymore (quit 2011) I don’t do drugs, and I have a glass of wine maybe 4 times a month. I’m 178lbs and 5’8 probably should be my normal 165 but that metabolism change and laziness. I’ll fix that.

I came across your original post. And after reading all the reply’s I think I feel like what people feel when they go to any group with something in common. Like AA or something that they can share completely without judgement. I’ve never been to a meeting or anything like that. But is it weird to say that for the ten minutes of resting I could breathe with grabbing my hips for that satisfied breath. There is no way to explain this to anyone if they haven’t experienced it. My 13 yr old daughter asks me what do mean you can’t breath?

This has been going on since 2011. In my life any situation that was stressful I would get anxiety and have a 20 second hit of SOB. But now, today it’s even in my sleep. It’s weird because it used to be I woke up gasping for air, room literally spinning for 2 minutes before the oxygen got back to me. Now that has changed to the daytime. About 3 minutes or less after I wake up and take that first deep breath. I’ve been in the hospital, Er, and every specialist except sleep study for sleep apnea. Just haven’t got there yet. Heart Stress test, Pulmonoligist, Gastro doctor (on nexium) for acid reflux that was giving me kidney area pain when I ate. Take one every 2-3 days and it keep it in check. Bought my one oxygen proximity sensor and it always at 98 or higher.

I’ll be sitting having a good week, good week meaning I’m not trying to satisfy a good breath every 3 minutes. And out of nowhere i actually feel that one HEAVY breath that triggers what I know is going to be a long week or weeks of struggle. I have fear of passing out and nobody being there. My chest hurts, heavy. Left arm And neck pain (never a heart attack thank god) been to the Er at least 6-7 times in the past 5 yrs. I try to go for a walk but I can’t have a conversation with my wife because walking and talking is labored. I’m invited to go places like fishing or riding, can’t because I have a pattern I do when I can’t breath and it’s my laying down at my house. How ridiculous is this? This thing has restricted me from playing knee hockey with my son and so many more things that makes me wanna cry. I guess the worst part is nobody can help. Nobody. If it goes away for a day or a week that’s like Xmas to me. But lately with the covid and being home more or less it’s been worse. Go figure my safe place has become a trigger now because I feel it everyday. When I talk with my staff sometimes that ask me if I’m ok, because they can see me trying to catch my breath. I was ok for a day last week and I help my neighbor carry a 50lb raft I to his backyard. As we were carrying it I felt the heavy chest and breathing like the air was thicker. It’s like a slower heavy intake that never gets to the full satisfactory part. I know I’m bouncing around I just never had anyone to talk to that understands. Only doctors or family members that only hear me but can’t truly know. Again I’ll say it, I could breath fine writing this entire post. Once I get up you all know what’s next.

Thanks for letting me ramble and I hope every last one of you find peace with this. Because it’s an actual living prison with no release date.

Jump to this post

@dantona1977 Hey! God bless you and ease all of our pains! Did you ever try going a psychiatrist and a psychologist? The first thing to do is to manage ourselves when the air hunger hits, the more we panic the more it worsens!!! Just wanna know if you ever tried any of psychiatric meds or counselling sessions?

REPLY
vampeyes13 | @scrappy2020 | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@scrapy2020- That's scary, a wrong diagnosis! Do you feel that you should be re-tested? How long..." + (show)
@merpreb

@scrapy2020- That's scary, a wrong diagnosis! Do you feel that you should be re-tested? How long ago was the CT scan that was taken to disprove the clot and cancer? DO you feel that you should be re-tested?

Jump to this post

Hi Merry, I think it's been over a year now since my CT for the spot on my lung and 2 years since the blood clot issue. The spot on my lung and liver didn't grow in 6 months so they said I was good to go. Some days I worry, but try not to think about it. I think my SOB is allergy related, today it's bad. I am trying to breath deep through my nose and exhale with "fish" lips and exhale as much air as possible out. It seems to help a bit.

REPLY
1 reply
amm87 | @amm87 | Apr 26, 2020

gabrielm, my husband has had the same trend of unexplainable "air hunger" as you.

It started like 10 years ago, and the trend happened like yours did.

It started out everyday he had shortness of breath, then for close to a year, it went away, then it came back. He was a snuff user. Of course nicotine will really mess with your heart; and your heart can really mess with your breathing. Everyone thinks smoking is what messes your breathing up, but you never hear anything about snuff.

When he quit snuff, it took an entire year before he could breath again. He was suicidal with the breathing issue. About 6 months after he got better from snuff quitting, he decided to start dipping again. Smart. And he never quit again until 7 months ago.

His breathing wouldn't stop getting worse so after going to every doctor we could think of and going down the list of diagnoses, he decided to see if quitting snuff would do the trick again. If it doesn't, I don't what's going to happen. He has become so hopeless over the years. All I hear is "if it's not better in a year, I'm out of this world." It doesn't matter what I say or do, or his family does, nothing will calm him down. He won't take anything to calm his nerves. If I mention the breathing exercise stuff you have mentioned quite a few times on this thread, he would laugh. Ever heard of an impossible person? Well I have one. Physical exercise doesn't really help him either.

I actually had the breathing situation that you guys have for 1 day a few years back. It was so odd that it only happened for 1 day. I wanted so much to understand more of what he was feeling; it's like my wish was granted. It's not anxiety; but it sure will cause anxiety. It's not GERD; he has GERD symptoms, but that's not what's causing it; it's not helping it, but it's not causing it. It could be adding to it. He had a heart cath done because the heart sonogram showed that his ejection fraction was off, so they did a heart cath. The heart cath showed nothing wrong. He has had numerous blood labs, mri's, ct scans, whatever, and it shows nothing. He had low B12, and it's the same story as yours. He's been to asthma doctors. He has asthma, but it's not bad. He takes an inhaler, and it really doesn't help. He's been to an ENT.

I have read that lung specialists can run a lot more tests than what they do.

He has stayed sick for months now from me bringing home sicknesses from school. I'm a teacher, so I'm in constant contact. He's still getting over a sickness as we speak. He can't stop wheezing and coughing. His ear has been driving him crazy and pressure in his neck. When he gets sick, he gets a lot sicker than anyone I know, and I'm thinking its due to his pre-existing lung problem.

Does yours get worse when you have a cold or anything like that? Does your sicknesses last longer than most peoples?

Do you use any form of nicotine?

I've been so long trying to find a solution that I feel like it's never going to be answered. The answer is out there, but what is it?

I will keep searching; I'll inform you of anything I find.

I'm sorry you have to live with this everyday. You do so much to manage it. It's amazing.

REPLY
2 replies
amm87 | @amm87 | Apr 26, 2020
In reply to @dantona1977 "I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg..." + (show)
@dantona1977

I’m a 43 yrs old so they say healthy fella. I do take low dose 1mg a day a Xanax for anxiety. High pressure life I guess. Sucks but that’s the truth. I don’t smoke anymore (quit 2011) I don’t do drugs, and I have a glass of wine maybe 4 times a month. I’m 178lbs and 5’8 probably should be my normal 165 but that metabolism change and laziness. I’ll fix that.

I came across your original post. And after reading all the reply’s I think I feel like what people feel when they go to any group with something in common. Like AA or something that they can share completely without judgement. I’ve never been to a meeting or anything like that. But is it weird to say that for the ten minutes of resting I could breathe with grabbing my hips for that satisfied breath. There is no way to explain this to anyone if they haven’t experienced it. My 13 yr old daughter asks me what do mean you can’t breath?

This has been going on since 2011. In my life any situation that was stressful I would get anxiety and have a 20 second hit of SOB. But now, today it’s even in my sleep. It’s weird because it used to be I woke up gasping for air, room literally spinning for 2 minutes before the oxygen got back to me. Now that has changed to the daytime. About 3 minutes or less after I wake up and take that first deep breath. I’ve been in the hospital, Er, and every specialist except sleep study for sleep apnea. Just haven’t got there yet. Heart Stress test, Pulmonoligist, Gastro doctor (on nexium) for acid reflux that was giving me kidney area pain when I ate. Take one every 2-3 days and it keep it in check. Bought my one oxygen proximity sensor and it always at 98 or higher.

I’ll be sitting having a good week, good week meaning I’m not trying to satisfy a good breath every 3 minutes. And out of nowhere i actually feel that one HEAVY breath that triggers what I know is going to be a long week or weeks of struggle. I have fear of passing out and nobody being there. My chest hurts, heavy. Left arm And neck pain (never a heart attack thank god) been to the Er at least 6-7 times in the past 5 yrs. I try to go for a walk but I can’t have a conversation with my wife because walking and talking is labored. I’m invited to go places like fishing or riding, can’t because I have a pattern I do when I can’t breath and it’s my laying down at my house. How ridiculous is this? This thing has restricted me from playing knee hockey with my son and so many more things that makes me wanna cry. I guess the worst part is nobody can help. Nobody. If it goes away for a day or a week that’s like Xmas to me. But lately with the covid and being home more or less it’s been worse. Go figure my safe place has become a trigger now because I feel it everyday. When I talk with my staff sometimes that ask me if I’m ok, because they can see me trying to catch my breath. I was ok for a day last week and I help my neighbor carry a 50lb raft I to his backyard. As we were carrying it I felt the heavy chest and breathing like the air was thicker. It’s like a slower heavy intake that never gets to the full satisfactory part. I know I’m bouncing around I just never had anyone to talk to that understands. Only doctors or family members that only hear me but can’t truly know. Again I’ll say it, I could breath fine writing this entire post. Once I get up you all know what’s next.

Thanks for letting me ramble and I hope every last one of you find peace with this. Because it’s an actual living prison with no release date.

Jump to this post

My husband has the same problem as you and has been to every doctor under the sun. He won't take anything for anxiety and never will. The breathing problem is not anxiety, but it sure will cause it.

Working on year 10 now with this problem, and there hasn't been one day that has went by for the past few months that he doesn't mention suicide. I know what he feels because a few years ago I got to feel it for myself. I wanted so much to know what he felt, that it was somehow granted. It only lasted for a day, and I never had the problem again. I couldn't imagine that every single day. I don't know how you guys do it.

He says it's like prison too. He can't play with his girls when some of his friends that cares nothing for their kids, feels perfectly fine. It's such an unfair world. People say they understand that, but until they really get to experience it, they really don't know. I'm sorry it has to be this way for you. I'm still trying to find reasons. It has to be something. I've been so long trying to find it, that it feels hopeless, but there's no way I would give up. I'll keep looking. I wrote a longer post a few minutes ago, you may want to read it and see if any of the information helps.

REPLY
woahpete | @woahpete | Apr 27, 2020

Hey, y'all.

Like alot of other replies I've read, I came across this thread by way of a panicked Google search. I've been dealing with the air-hunger monster for about a week now. I can't get that satisfying deep breath without yawning. I also have a slight dry cough and tickle right at the back of my throat/top of my chest.
The only other time I remember dealing with this was back in 2012 when I was living in S.Korea and my husband was away for a week for work. I dealt with this feeling for the entire week. I decided at the time that it was just anxiety, because the feeling went away shortly after his return home.

I've read over the replies and let me tell you - I have had anxiety since I was about 12 (I'll be 30 next weekend), but never really been on medication except what I'd call rescue meds (0.25mg Xanax) on the rare occasion. I was diagnosed with GERD (hernia was ruled out) in 2013, but it was short lived as the second doctor I saw did not agree with the diagnosis, so I was never given a prescription for anything. I just take ranitidine otc, and occasionally drink an aloe juice to help with heartburn. I avoid spicy and super acidic foods. I deal with seasonal allergies (ragweed, cedar, etc,) and this year has been particularly bad. I take allegra-d for it and it seems to help the breathing issue just a tad, but it certainly hasn't gone away. I've even been staying indoors almost 24/7 (thanks, Covid-19 & pollen!) and the issue persists.

I do have an extensive medical history.. stroke induced by a migraine medication last year, I see an atlas orthogonal chiropractor weekly for C-1 instability that causes neurological issues for me, and I am pretty overweight (Working on it). I struggle with severe health anxiety after losing my first child to cervical incompetence, so anytime I get the slightest uncomfortable (health related) feeling, fear strikes up in me and I spiral.

I swear, I have gone through every bit of testing under the sun and am about to just give this struggle over to anxiety again. I don't know what else to do, or what else to try. I have noticed that if I dwell on the feeling instead of trying to distract myself, it gets much worse - to the point that I feel light headed and my extremities start to tingle. I know that this is a definite sign of panic, based on past experiences.

I found a PDF that I shared with my husband that actually made me feel a little bit better, believe it or not. It was a relief to think that maybe this issue is not being caused by some physical issue, but a psychological one instead. As a new member here, I'm not allowed to post links yet as they want to protect against possible unwanted spam, but a Google search of "yawning dyspnea" will bring up the PDF written by CK Maytum.

I don't really know where I was going with all that. I realize I have been rambling some. I am just stressed out over this feeling and want to go back to "normal", or at least close to it. Thanks for listening.

REPLY
2 replies
moli | @moli | Apr 27, 2020

Same thing is with me from last 6 days i checked from pulmonologist and he says everything is perfect against to my lungs he suggest me anxiety medicine and for GERD i have GERD and i am alreday taking medication for it.
Please suggest what i doo
Sorry for bad english

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2020
In reply to @scrappy2020 "Hi Merry, I think it's been over a year now since my CT for the spot..." + (show)
@scrappy2020

Hi Merry, I think it's been over a year now since my CT for the spot on my lung and 2 years since the blood clot issue. The spot on my lung and liver didn't grow in 6 months so they said I was good to go. Some days I worry, but try not to think about it. I think my SOB is allergy related, today it's bad. I am trying to breath deep through my nose and exhale with "fish" lips and exhale as much air as possible out. It seems to help a bit.

Jump to this post

@scrappy2020- I can certainly understand your anxiety over this. This is the season for allergies. Pursed-lip breathing is an excellent way to keep your breathing even. It should be comfortable and not forced. You shouldn't need to force as much air out as possible. There are many videos on pursed-lip breathing. You might want to choose one that you like and practice along with the video to see if it is better for you. I think for many of us learning how to control our symptoms and learn tricks to deal with them might be a more reasonable approach until you do find a reason (s). Does this make sense?

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 27, 2020
In reply to @woahpete "Hey, y'all. Like alot of other replies I've read, I came across this thread by way..." + (show)
@woahpete

Hey, y'all.

Like alot of other replies I've read, I came across this thread by way of a panicked Google search. I've been dealing with the air-hunger monster for about a week now. I can't get that satisfying deep breath without yawning. I also have a slight dry cough and tickle right at the back of my throat/top of my chest.
The only other time I remember dealing with this was back in 2012 when I was living in S.Korea and my husband was away for a week for work. I dealt with this feeling for the entire week. I decided at the time that it was just anxiety, because the feeling went away shortly after his return home.

I've read over the replies and let me tell you - I have had anxiety since I was about 12 (I'll be 30 next weekend), but never really been on medication except what I'd call rescue meds (0.25mg Xanax) on the rare occasion. I was diagnosed with GERD (hernia was ruled out) in 2013, but it was short lived as the second doctor I saw did not agree with the diagnosis, so I was never given a prescription for anything. I just take ranitidine otc, and occasionally drink an aloe juice to help with heartburn. I avoid spicy and super acidic foods. I deal with seasonal allergies (ragweed, cedar, etc,) and this year has been particularly bad. I take allegra-d for it and it seems to help the breathing issue just a tad, but it certainly hasn't gone away. I've even been staying indoors almost 24/7 (thanks, Covid-19 & pollen!) and the issue persists.

I do have an extensive medical history.. stroke induced by a migraine medication last year, I see an atlas orthogonal chiropractor weekly for C-1 instability that causes neurological issues for me, and I am pretty overweight (Working on it). I struggle with severe health anxiety after losing my first child to cervical incompetence, so anytime I get the slightest uncomfortable (health related) feeling, fear strikes up in me and I spiral.

I swear, I have gone through every bit of testing under the sun and am about to just give this struggle over to anxiety again. I don't know what else to do, or what else to try. I have noticed that if I dwell on the feeling instead of trying to distract myself, it gets much worse - to the point that I feel light headed and my extremities start to tingle. I know that this is a definite sign of panic, based on past experiences.

I found a PDF that I shared with my husband that actually made me feel a little bit better, believe it or not. It was a relief to think that maybe this issue is not being caused by some physical issue, but a psychological one instead. As a new member here, I'm not allowed to post links yet as they want to protect against possible unwanted spam, but a Google search of "yawning dyspnea" will bring up the PDF written by CK Maytum.

I don't really know where I was going with all that. I realize I have been rambling some. I am just stressed out over this feeling and want to go back to "normal", or at least close to it. Thanks for listening.

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@woahpete- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place where rambling is permitted! Thank you for giving me information about the PDF that you found. I also found this about something called Functional Respiratory Disorders.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9291412
https://www.disabled-world.com/health/respiratory/
https://journals.lww.com/clinpulm/Citation/2000/07040/Functional_Respiratory_Disorders.1.aspx
Welcome @moli- And a good morning to you too! Your language is fine! If I have a problem understanding you I will ask, ok? We are not doctors here so I can't give you any medical advice. But I think that your doctor's suggestions, for now, seem like the way to go. You have to be the one to make the decision. Are you comfortable with this?

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