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DiscussionMysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
Lung Health | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (3422)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hey guys I’ve read all of your posts and I relate to all of you. I..."
Someone on this discussion has recently suggested that there is a condition called "sighing dyspnea" - when all other causes like asthma, emphysema, heart disease, infection, etc have been ruled out, and all tests are "in normal range", maybe it's time to consider this.
Remember that there is a "chicken and egg" effect going on here when you experience shortness of breath and become panicky - is the SOB making you anxious, or is anxiety causing SOB. Either way, it may be time to try some deep breathing exercises to get some control. Here are links to a couple you can try - we also call it "belly breathing" or diaphragmatic breathing. MOst of these exercises can be done while at your desk, watching TV, even riding in the car or bus.
https://www.wehale.life/health/anxiety-stress-shortness-of-breath-this-simple-breathing-exercise-actually-helps/
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/anxiety-breathing#breathing-exercises
These are non-drug interventions to try - after doing them for 4 weeks (and I have underlying lung issues) I have reduced episodes from several per day to one or two at most. Also, consider where you are/what you are doing when the episodes occur - I have found that any position which potentially compresses my lungs, like slouching, makes my breathing much worse.
Give this a try for a week or two and see if it helps.
Sue