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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 @champagirl1 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I encourage you to join the discussions in the MAC/MAI & Bronchiectasis group. Click here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/
Hey guys I’ve read all of your posts and I relate to all of you. I started having this problem for the first time over two months ago and it hasn’t stopped. In the beginning it was very difficult to take a deep breath because I didn’t know what was happening. I still don’t know what’s happening but yawning has been the only thing that helps me get a satisfying deep breath although that’s not always the case. My blood work is good and my heart was slightly elevated but they said it might’ve been stress. My lungs are also good. I’ve had some heart palpitations sometimes which I can’t explain, they come and go but my main problem is breathing because as you well know, it’s quite annoying at times. The first two weeks all I kept thinking about it breathing. Taking that deep successful breath only to have to repeat the process after a few seconds/minutes. After I got checked out they told me that it could be stress/anxiety but I don’t think so. Although I’ve never been diagnosed I have been depressed when I was younger. Luckily every problem that I’ve had in my life, I’ve dealt with. I never ‘bury’ things in my mind and forget they didn’t happen. I’ve come along way from not wanting to live anymore to feel peace. All of the things I’ve been through, things that should’ve broke me, made me stronger and I’m proud of myself to making it this far and seeing a change in myself that I never thought possible. I’ve felt really good this past year compared to previous years, so I don’t really understand how my breathing problem could be tied to something psychological. I’m not disregarding it, it could be that but I just don’t believe so. Before going to the doctor I suspected it could be GERD so I told my doctor and they thought the same but it’s obviously not the case since there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t struggled to take a deep breath. I wouldn’t really call it struggle cause I’ve learned to just keep taking deep breaths but it’s not normal. I don’t want to keep doing it, I don’t want to keep thinking about something that I’m not supposed to think about(breathing). I really hope someone has found a solution to this problem and would be kind enough to share it.
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2 ReactionsCaution - I am going on my soapbox here for a moment. I know a lot of people have delayed seeking medical care or tests since the pandemic hit over a year ago.
Please hear my story - I have visited the following doctors and specialists in person since last May: primary, ortho, dentist, pulmonology, pain management, bone density, ophthalmology, PT and OT. I have had physical exams, CT scans, xrays, 2 surgeries, extensive hands-on therapy and batteries of tests. My husband has seen primary, rheumatology, allergy, opthalmology and chiropractor. He had cataract surgery. We both have had massages. None of these - over 60 visits total, led to any illness at all.
PLEASE contact your providers directly and ask about their precautions, then get your medical care done. My daughter is a tele-health nurse for a large clinic/hospital system. They are seeing far more serious illness now from delayed medical care than risk of Covid infection from seeking medical care. If you don't want to be "in a roomful of people" waiting for care, arrange for the first appointment of the day, and ask to be roomed immediately on arrival.
Off my soapbox now. And just a question - have you tried a saline-induced sputum sample? My pulmonology nurse has me neb with 10% (yes!) saline for 2-3 minutes - the irritation produces copious amounts of mucus. I do this in the AM for 3 days, saving the samples in the refrigerator, and have always been able to produce enough for a good sample.
Sue
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3 ReactionsSomeone 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
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3 ReactionsMy dear Sue. You are wonderful. Everything you said in the last two posts is right on target and so needed in this world! I hope folks hear your wisdom and take heed. I've been getting everything done that needs to be done and haven't gotten the sniffles because of it. We are not robots. We have minds. Brains. We can think and take care of ourselves.
Now, today, we must as the brilliant folks we are use our brains and common sense and put fear deep in the basement. Fear debilitates! It freezes action!
Love your soapbox, Sue. bless you, elizabeth
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1 ReactionI have similar issues to many of the people on this very long thread. I have read through many of the posts. I have GERD. I had shortness of breath since December for 11 days, then it went away. Came back in February and I haven't been able to breath since.
I am in my late 30's and I am fit and healthy. Never had a health issue. I've had 4 pfts, all fine. I've had echo and was fine. I have had numerous blood tests for everything from rheumatism to liver to asthma. All normal. I was treated for possible asthma. Nothing worked. My pulms and GP have said it's anxiety. I've been pushing back since December. It's not anxiety.
I have no clue what is happening or if I'll ever get through it. Both issues mentioned above coincided with bad reflux. I have been treating the reflux heavily for weeks and nothing helps. Hoepfully someone out there figures this out. A lot of GERD people on here. Not many ever report back after their original post. Hope they're all good.
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2 ReactionsHi Gabriel. So this story is exactly my story. I could almost write it word for word as my experience. Have you found any relief? I have very inconsistent relief. Sometimes breathing techniques work, sometimes antacids works, sometimes antihistamines work. It’s bizarre. The doctors never find anything work with my systems. They tell me to take a PPI to reduce acid, and an inhaler because the acid is irritating my lungs. I do get heartburn sometimes but it’s not anything to complain about. It’s nothing crazy. My diet is superb and my overall health is well above average. I work out everyday. I have major issues when I play hockey and work out really hard but it is so inconsistent that it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes i have symptoms and other times, nothing. I am starting to believe that there is a connection between having a little irritation from stomach acid and it compounding into a psychological issue. It seems to come and go out of nowhere. Some of this is definitely in my head, but some of this is totally physical. I cough up mucus almost every day. Sometimes it’s loose and sometimes it’s not. It’s very frustrating. There must be a cure. Doctors say my lungs and heart and systems are tip top. Makes no sense.
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3 ReactionsI am sorry to hear of your ailments. How do you know you did not have Covid at some point? My husband and I both got Covid last March 2020. Mine never really cleared up, and he still has mucus that won't clear. I developed Covid again April 2021. This time, I can hardly function. Any work I attempt outside, and I begin hyperventilating and get short-of-breath, My Pulm told me yesterday to see a Psychiatrist for anxiety. You could hear me wheezing and struggling to breathe! This is going on and on. They have kept me on dangerous dexamethasone for over one month, and every time I go off, my breathing becomes impossible. I am at a loss too as to what to do. The moderator suggested a Covid experienced doctor, which is great. The one that put me on the steroid is a Covid experienced Pulmonologist. I hope you all find answers.
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1 ReactionHi no it’s not Covid. This began 6 years ago. Btw you should try ivermectin. It’s a cure for Covid. My mother cured herself in 24 hours. It’s a free drug used for Malaria patients and it works. Try it.
FROM THE COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
Ivermectin is used to treat or prevent parasites in animals and should not be used for the treatment of prevention of COVID-19 at this time.
Ivermectin is being researched in clinical trials for its possible use for COVID-19, but as yet there is no evidence of its efficacy. Here is the most recent information. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-advises-that-ivermectin-only-be-used-to-treat-covid-19-within-clinical-trials
Please read:
– Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19
Merck, the pharmaceutical company that produces ivermectin and who has the most to gain from its use for COVID, advises against it use until there is more evidence. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-statement-on-ivermectin-use-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
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1 ReactionIvermectin is used to treat or prevent parasites in animals.
Ivermectin is being researched in clinical trials for its possible use for COVID-19, but as yet there is no evidence of its efficacy. Here is the most recent information. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-advises-that-ivermectin-only-be-used-to-treat-covid-19-within-clinical-trials
Please read:
- Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19
Merck, the pharmaceutical company that produces ivermectin and who has the most to gain from its use for COVID, advises against it use until there is more evidence. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-statement-on-ivermectin-use-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
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