Hi Gabe, thanks so much for your comment. It actually made a big difference. I looked up a few videos of Buteyko breathing when I was struggling severely and it felt horrible at first... like I was drowning, but after insisting on it for a few days, it worked. It is not resolved all the way, I still sigh but now most of the time it goes in and I don't use my mouth. I haven't figured out how to do this method while exercising or walking but I hope to get there. Overall, just feeling scared of celebrating a victory yet but hopeful enough to have found a relief/coping mechanism.

And yeah... I followed an anti inflammatory diet for a couple years very rigidly e.g. potatoes, goat cheese, bison, all cooked fresh, no leftovers, no raw veggies, etc. It didn't help which was frustrating. I am curious about why the inflamed lungs myself but wonder if it's related to allergies.