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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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I tried to leave you the link but I'm not allowed. PPI's are really bad. You should check out Mark Hyman, MD's video on youtube titled "Getting To The Root Of And Getting Rid Of Heartburn And Reflux." I hope this helps.
Hi Diomit, You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Allow me to post the link for you.
Getting To The Root Of And Getting Rid Of Heartburn And Reflux
Dr. Hyman sits down with Dr. Todd LePine to discuss the Functional Medicine approach to treating heartburn and reflux. Together they discuss how to find the real causes of reflux and heartburn, get rid of them, and use the right foods, nutrients, and lifestyle therapies to heal the problem.
O man I'm going through this now for about the past year. Only difference is, I have severe anxiety disorder and panic attacks. So everytime i complain to my doctor that I have those bouts of sudden runs of "catching my breath" it feels as if I can't at times get my relief and I'm always trying to gasp to get that relief. It's such a hard thing to explain. My doctor keeps changing my anxiety meds, but I know deep in my soul, this is no anxiety.. this feels much different. Its uncomfortable, and annoying. I have been dealing with some sinus problems, stuffiness, trouble smelling at times..but I just feel my doctor kinda brushes me with.." it's ur anxiety" I'm like 😞 I know it's different. At times I don't wanna get outta bed, because that lingering feeling of needing to catch a breath is a nuisance! I'm gonna try exercising but I want to follow ur opinions. I just had it go away for about 3 weeks and I thought I was in the clear, buddy! I was so happy. But ..sure enough about 4 days ago it came back. Those was the best 3 weeks ever I tell ya! Anyways I just wanted to share, cause I'm suffering over here and it's so hard to find the right words to google this issue. But ur comment was just like telling me how I felt. Thank u man, thanks so much for sharing.
Hi @rachelstayhappy, I’m glad you were at least able to find this forum. You are not alone! I wonder if those exercises helped the breathlessness go away for those three weeks or if it was something else. Do you know if you did anything in particular that made it go away for those few weeks?
As far as your anxiety and panic attacks, were those there before the breathing issue, or did they develop as a result of the air hunger?
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1 ReactionHi Gabe,
I am glad that I found your post because the way you described your symptoms are EXACTLY how I’ve been feeling for 3 weeks now. It seems to have started when I switched from working day shift to night shift. I am contributing it to some type of silent reflux because I do have a feeling of “burning” in my stomach and acid in my throat at times. I tried taking omprazole for 10 days with no relief. I even went to the chiropractor because I do have alignment issues but no relief there either. I hate the feeling of not being able to get a “deep enough” breath. I am considering getting started on protonix but hesitant just because I don’t take medication on a daily basis. I workout daily, I eat healthy, so I’m really just not sure what has caused this all the sudden. I’ve tried the breathing exercises you mentioned but I suppose I need to try them consistently every morning because nothing seems to give me relief.
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1 Reaction@haleynicole1223 , I’m sorry that you’re going through this. But I’m glad you found a community of people going through the same thing, so you’re definitely not alone! Is this happening daily for you? Are you able to get a deep breath at least some of the time?
How did they rule out Vocal Cord Dysfunction? Problem with a lot of doctors is they just rule things out even when there isn't sufficient evidence to do. You could also have Tracheal Stenosis. But there is a thing called Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (basically VCD during exercise). the National Jewish Health Center in Colorado specializes in treating that.
I get a really tight throat. Like the muscles in my throat feel like they're choking me. I got fed up with it man. I feel you. I am 28, almost 29 and this shit started when I was 21. I reached out to the National Jewish Health Center to see if anyone there can help me out with a more multi-disciplinary approach and the processed everything. I am just waiting for them to call me and schedule me. . Isn't it frustrating? You literally have to see 10 different doctors and you have to wait weeks in between. The NJH have a program where multiple specialists will see you in a few days. This is the best approach to solving breathing issues because traditional thinking of breathing problems is flawed. It is not limited to your lungs.
One thing we have in common is that the breathing issues get worse the day after exercise, or the hours after. And I am stubborn, I will still go workout but then I regret it immediately. It's terrible, you shouldn't be punished like this for wanting to exercise and be active.
It’s the strangest thing! It has been happening daily yes and it really doesn’t have a point in the day where it’s worst, it’s pretty consistent but I can get a “satisfying” breath after a couple breaths it just takes me thinking about it. I’ve cut out all caffeine and acidic foods for now but haven’t noticed too much of a difference. Although I am about to get a deeper breath alittle faster. It may be stress induced from switching the night shift but everything else has remained the same, no new stress really. I hate to get on anxiety medication when in reality I was perfectly fine until 3 weeks ago and I know any doctor I go to with give me some sort of med and not consider the underlying cause. I am a nurse so I am used to seeing that all too often!
I plans on watching the exercises you posted but haven’t just yet
I haven’t experienced a “tight throat” although I do experience frequent swelling with my tonsils which I probably should have had removed when I was younger. I agree in terms of this not being isolated to the lungs. I feel like mine is either anxiety, stress induced or silent reflux. Honestly maybe a mixture of all of those but I’m really just not sure how it randomly started. I am curious if post COVID has anything to do with it?
I do feel short of breath when exercises but I actually feel it’s gets better for me following the workout because I almost feel like working out forced my brain to breath deeper if that makes sense
Hmm interesting. I seem to have the opposite experience with exercising. Could it be a Hiatal Hernia? Have you looked into that?