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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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A new way of having breathing problems; thanks
@arandompenguin, I'm so sorry you are going through all this. Trust me, I know exactly how you feel! When it first started for me, I was in a similar dark place. I would like to offer a ray of hope that if you pursue methods of dealing with this situation, you WILL get through it until you find a solid answer. I know how it is about the anxiety. I too felt a lot of anxiety over this and even had a couple of panic attacks early on when I was really struggling with the symptoms. A few years ago, the problem seemed to have disappeared, came back, disappeared again, and came back once more but this time it wasn't as bad as when it first came about.
The fact that it gets better at night is a good thing. Hold on to that feeling and knowledge especially in the morning when it's worse. You have to tell yourself in your mind that you will overcome this and it will get better. Training your mind to believe this is, I think, a big factor in dealing with it for however long you have it.
When you are exercising, how intensely are you doing it? Part of the Buteyko method has you handle as much exercise as you can while only breathing through your nose. If you have to breathe through your mouth, it's too intense. This has helped me greatly. Moderate weight lifting while nasal breathing and controlling the breath is a large part of my "maintenance" routine and keeping symptoms at bay.
Do you have any GI issues- heartburn/reflux, intestinal issues, esophageal inflammation, etc.? Do you feel any restriction in your esophagus when breathing?
If you can, sign up for a class here for the Buteyko method;
https://www.learnbuteykoonline.net. This is where I learned pretty much everything I know. You will also learn 'rescue' exercises where you do breath-holding techniques while you're experiencing symptoms and then calming your breathing as much as possible. I know there's far more information, but hopefully these things will help you in the meantime. Let me know any other questions you have, happy to help. You WILL get through this!
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1 Reaction@gabrielm I performed lung function, asthma, cardiology, blood tests, scans etc. All was normal. Other symptoms that I seem to have include increased sneezing and increased congestion since I got covid several months ago.
@grandma72 I'm glad surgeons were able to help you with your herniated disc! Let us know if it improves further when it's completely healed. Definitely interested to see how the surgery helps your breathing issue in the long term.
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1 ReactionOn one hand, you almost want a test to discover something wrong with your breathing so that it can be fixed, but on the other hand, it's good to also know that you're health according to the tests. Catch 22!
I wonder if you've developed allergies around the time of covid. I developed some sinus inflammation a few years ago that may be due to allergies but have also been managing that. Do you feel like it's pretty difficult to breathe normally through your nose? I've noticed that when I get sinus flare ups, it definitely increases the feeling of air hunger and gives me a hard time trying to breathe normally.
I also believe I may have developed allergies. I need to blow my nose every morning after waking up to clear the nose.
How do you manage your allergies?
Breathing from my nose is not difficult but I would say performance has diminished since this mystery began!
So I did flonase for a while, and at one point was doing flonase and Azelastine together. But now I pretty much just do a saline rinse every morning and night with a Neilmed bottle and saline solution. That helps keep the sinuses clear, though it's not perfect because I still get inflammation. But I do notice that as my sinuses flare up, so too does my breathing. It becomes more difficult, but when my sinuses are clear, I don't notice the air hunger nearly as much. I would still try to breathe through your nose as much as reasonably possible, and also with your diaphragm as much as possible and not so much the chest.
Hi Gabe,
Sorry to hear you’re going through this, as I know exactly how you feel. I also struggle with bouts of air hunger for months at a time, so I know how maddening it can be. I’ve recently been looking into hiatal hernia, and it seems like this may be relevant for you. URLs are disabled for me as I’m a new member (your post compelled me to join!), but if you Google
Hiatal Hernia: An Overlooked Cause of Disease By Dr Cliff Fruithandler DC, you can find some information and exercises that have been very helpful for me.
Good luck!
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1 Reactionhi, I'm really happy I found ppl who are experiencing the same thing I am. I've been having SOB since the summer of 2020. Im 30 yo and I've never had issues w my lungs or asthma. I initially thought this was anxiety. Reasoning behind it - the less I thought about my breathing, the less issues I have w it (like if I'm completely focused on something and not in my own head.) I also go through bouts where I'm fine and then its non stop. I yawn constantly to get that full breath or I legit gag. It also puts a huge strain on my shoulders, jaw, and mid back. I do have some issues w sinus aggravation. I'm very congested in the mornings, I've noticed during my bouts that the more I keep my nose clear - the better my SOB (using nasal spray, Mucinex expectorant, Sudafed, cough drops.) I can only relate the issue to hyperventilating when you feel you can't breathe. Almost like claustrophobia. I initially went and saw a regular doc to check my lungs and treat me for anxiety. Lungs are fine and I have been on Lexapro for 2 years now and it might help a bit but it doesn't really do much for my SOB bouts. I'm hesitant to get any other tests done bc it seems for yall that it was a waste of time lol like the doc office ain't the most fun to deal w. Ugh but I can see how breathing exercises help (which I do sometimes,) I also notice if I'm working on keeping a healthier gut (probiotics, glutamine, vitamins - B12 included, healthier eating) it does seem to help. Also, I noticed too much caffeine - makes it worse (of course I still drink my coffee every morning *sigh*) BUT it truly is still a mystery on what this is exactly. It really lowers my quality of life.
I had this SOB issue years ago for a few months and it finally went away at some point. A couple months ago, I got a cold(probably covid) and had a very hoarse voice. I got better after about a week or so, but then I started getting the SOB again. Feeling like I need to take a deep breath and sometimes, it feels like I don't fill my lungs up enough and I'm just very aware of my breathing.
It's gotten a better after a couple months now, but it's still there. I can at least get a satisfying breath easier, without having to bend over and take several deep breaths. It's the worst right before I eat dinner and I'm tired/hungry. When I workout, I feel great and breathing feels pretty normal. I haven't gone to the Dr's, because I know they won't have any idea what it is. Not a fun thing to go through, but hoping it fades away again.