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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?

Lung Health | Last Active: 20 hours ago | Replies (3358)
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@alexm1994

Thanks for the incredibly quick and concise response! It's much appreciated. Do you do much high intensity training? As I've largely been doing high intensity training mixed with interval training for like 6 days a week throughout the lockdown period, my dad thinks I've 'pushed myself too hard' but I don't think it's that. I actually breathe better when exercising but today I had no energy to really move, I really panic about people being able to see me make these cringe gulps!

I'm looking into the breathing exercises, the only issue is that I've always been a heavy mouth breather (I know, gross) and I actually struggle to breathe just through my nose. Yeah, my friend is a doctor and he assumed it was GERD, so he advised me to take Gaviscon but it really hasn't done anything.

My symptoms are largely just the SOB, occasional uneasiness in my stomach that sometimes feels like slight gastro, lightheadedness and fatigue. It just seems so bizarre as it's come out of nowhere, originally I was panicking that it was a sign of inactivity but clearly not.

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Replies to "Thanks for the incredibly quick and concise response! It's much appreciated. Do you do much high..."
Gabe, Volunteer Mentor | @gabrielm | May 14, 2020

Hi @alexm1994 - Sorry to hear what you're going through, but you are not alone. @robkern3 gave a great response. I would add that if you're looking for things to get tested for, a GP probably won't be able to do much him/herself, but they would refer you to specialists. You might be able to get tested for allergies, anything GI related, or more bloodwork. You could also get a lung function test, which I got, but was normal. But at least these tests may rule things out or give you more insight into your health.

Regarding exercise, you may be pushing yourself a bit too hard, but don't know for sure. I used to push myself very hard as well; running, biking, weightlifting, etc. Now I do moderate weightlifting, light jogging, walking- as much as my breathing will allow. You probably have to ease up on the exercise until your breathing gets better, but I wouldn't push yourself too hard.

I also struggled breathing just through my nose when I first implemented breathing exercises, but got used to it after a few days. It takes persistence, but your body will adjust to the new normal of breathing. I even taped my mouth shut while sleeping for a few weeks until I naturally breathed through my nose during sleep.

I hope you get it resolved. Let us know how any more tests come out and how you are doing.

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