Hi Julia-

Dyspnea is the correct term that includes air hunger, shortness of breath, and SOB. I think that this disease is complicated enough without it having more than one name. So let's confine it to dyspnea. This way other, new members won't be confused, and neither will I!

Gabe shares some interesting information about how his dyspnea might express itself at different times. However, since we all are so very different, it could show up differently or the same as you and is different, of course, because of the cause.

I consider any long-term disease as a chronic condition that a person needs to deal with and manage to the best of their ability. And this includes dyspnea. We know that no matter the cause of dyspnea stress will exacerbate it and so might stomach acids. So stress reduction and checking to see if a change in diet is needed is extremely important.

We also know that there are breathing exercises that can be very helpful, upper body exercises to strengthen upper body muscles, and medications that help.

Dyspnea can be short-term or debilitating for a lifetime. But taking charge and doing what we can for ourselves will serve us best even if there isn't an answer.

I hope that this makes sense?

I am glad you are pursuing answers and are looking for different things that might help. It’s been a journey for me over the years, and I’ve learned to manage it through breathing exercises and controlled physical exercise. But I’m like you, I am always researching and won’t stop until
I find an answer. Not just for me, but my hope is to find an answer for everyone else who is dealing with this condition.

I like @merpreb’s comment about how dyspnea can manifest itself differently for many people. This forum definitely has people that have varying degrees and types of shortness of breath. But hopefully we will work through our own conditions together and one day find a solution that works for everyone! 🙂