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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
Lung Health | Last Active: 5 days ago | Replies (3422)Comment receiving replies
Hello, I stumbled across your post and it sounds very similar to a problem I have, for which I haven't found a solution. Mine started after a laparoscopic surgery to fix 3 hernias (2 inguinal and 1 umbilical). For the first couple days after the surgery they said that breathing difficulties are normal because of the laparoscopy. But it's been 9 months and my issues have persisted off and on up until now. Chest x-rays and breathing tests have all come back normal. The pulmonologist is now wanting to do a chest CT scan. I too have the same sensation of not being able to get a full breath, as if my breathing is "stuck". I'm eager to find the issue, as I'm sure you all are too.
Replies to "Hello, I stumbled across your post and it sounds very similar to a problem I have,..."
Hey @aguy, like @merpreb said, the diaphragm could possibly be pushed on which might be contributing to the SOB sensation. Even though the diaphragm might seem like it’s working fine, obstructions could affect it unknowingly. I think Merry gave some good insights and options to look into and in the meantime I would explore breathing exercises to help. There are many types but Buteyko method has helped me a good deal.
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Good morning @aguy and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see that you have recently joined Connect. It's very jarring to expect to breathe easily and find that they can't. Firstly, you aren't in any danger if your lung tests show that your lungs are working properly, at least from your SOB. Shortness of breath—in some very large paraesophageal hernias, the stomach may push on the diaphragm or compress the lungs contributing to a sensation of shortness of breath. There are many other reasons for shortness of breath in addition to a paraesophageal hernia.
Swelling from surgery can last more than a year and cause secondary problems. There might be another cause. Please read this post:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mysterious-shortness-of-breath/?pg=132#comment-203387
Quite a few people in this group complained about this during the first, very scary times of COVID-19. Who wouldn't have been?
Please remember that I am not a medical professional and can only make suggestions, from my own education and experiences.
Does this all make sense to you?