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Things that help False Shortness of Breath (SOB) or pseudo-dyspnea
Experiencing (false) SOB can be initially scary and frustrating. A lot of people in this group have never gotten a clear explanation of why they have Shortness of Breath/ Dyspnea. It could very well be False Shortness of Breath or pseudo-dyspnea. This does not mean that you do not have a shortness of breath, rather you have what is called a "feeling that you are short of breath" that leads to hyperventilation. So your feelings that you are going crazy are not true!
One method of controlling this is through Pursed-Lip Breathing. It works and worth the patience it needs to naturally breathe this way.
I practiced this walking, climbing stairs, walking down the stairs for a while so that it was the way my body automatically breathed - I retrained it! And I have slowed it down even more if I feel panicky or anxious, however. This information needs to be confirmed by a doctor. Taking excessive amounts of medicines to help cut down your acids can cause more harm and cause more problems.
Have you tried this or some other way to breathe that helps?
https://www.hannasaadah.com/blog/medical/false-shortness-of-breaht-pseudo-dyspnea-december-12/
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I have had what I thought was SOB, started about 8 weeks ago when I thought I had just the start of a chest cold. My symptoms are strange in that I can take a deep breath through my nose but when I try to deep breathe through my mouth it feels like the air stops and is not satisfying. My 02 says are 100 percent, respiration rate is normal. I wake up on the morning with a lot of mucous in my throat. Interesting that I can breathe perfectly fine when I’m laying down when I first wake up bit as the day goes on it gets worse. I had a chest X-ray and EKG that were normal, I had a routine endoscopy/colonoscopy 8 months ago that were normal. I don’t have heart burn but started on OTC Prilosec 20mg a day without relief. Any ideas?
Welcome, Tara. I'm sure @merpreb, @sueinmn, @gabrielm and others will have suggestions for you.
Have you tried breathing exercises?
Hi, just in the last few days I have tried AirPhysio device and also some slow breathing exercises. Nothing has helped yet but I’m giving it sometime. Thank you
Hello Tara - I immediately noticed your comment that you have a lot of mucus in your throat in the mornings. That is a perennial problem for me, and I find it can lead to feeling short of breath because I try so hard to "cough it out."
I am wondering if perhaps the problem may be in your sinuses, tonsils or adenoids - maybe the mucus drains and pools while you are lying down.
A couple of things you can try are shown in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ2--HnSEEM
Also, with mucus, one way to help thin and clear it is to drink a lot of caffeine-free and sugar free fluid. One thing I use is an herbal tea called "Breathe Easy" by Traditional Medicinals - easily available in larger grocery stores, health food stores and on line.
Also, I see you have tried the Air Physio device - was this prescribed to you by a doctor? Were you given instruction on how to use it effectively in person? Have you seen your doc since this began?
Sue
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3 ReactionsHi Sue,
I was not prescribed it but it was recommended to me by a doctor. I am a nurse and I am familiar with how to use it. Thank you for your advice and comment. I will try the tea you recommended. I do have an appointment with a pulmonologist but not for another month.
Tara
Hi Tara, I have a thought it sounds similar to what I deal with, But I'm not a Dr. I had to see a ENT he diag me.
I have Vocal Cord fold Dysfunction, I'm actually dealing with the mucus in my throat now, and at certain times it feels like I have acid reflex, I take a antacid ( tums) when it acts up, I also make certain my bed is lifted at my head. They will do a barium test to check for the VCD, they did on me, in Omaha, ne. Good luck!
Hello Tera My husband has COPD and I squees lemons and freeze them in ice cube trays. When the phlem is bad I warm up some water one lemon ice cube and a bit of honey. He drinks it and it helps get rid of the Phelm. Just something to try.
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1 ReactionHi, I have had shortness of breath for over 10 years. It started when i was around 14 (comes and goes but when i do have it stays for a good 2 months at a time). I've tried to tie so many things together to see what the cause is and honestly have no clue! I had lung scans with a dye put in me (all clear), heart scan (all clear), an ecg for 1 week (all clear), ENT (said i have allergies so i am keeping on top of them i,e, cleaning my bedroom/bed linen regularly). However, i am still experiencing the shortness of breath. The Doctors said i have mild hyperventilation and recommended i see a physio. I have seen a physio over the last year and it's helped me to manage it better but it is still very irritating. I do the diaphragm and back exercises to loosen my trunk. I am very distressed by this. I don't like talking as much when i am experiencing this so called 'SOB'. I exercise regularly 3 to 5x a week and i am fine. This has affected my mood significantly. I am 27 and can't even enjoy life because of this. Sometimes i am talking to people and i feel like i can't get enough air i.e. SOB. I've never taken anything for acid reflux and never thought i even had it, so i am going to try this for a few days. This has caused me tremendous agony and distress over the years, so i am optimistic and hopeful that acid reflux (over the counter) medication can help. I will be so ecstatic if it does.
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1 ReactionHi @shak11
As you search for answers, I also encourage you to read and join in this related discussion:
- Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mysterious-shortness-of-breath/
Hi@shak11, sounds like you have something similar to what I do. I characterize mine as more of a “air hunger” or dyspnea than a shortness of breathe that would be more along the lines of labored breathing. Would you say you have more labored breathing, or the sensation of empty lungs with the inability to satisfy that need for air?