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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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Hi @jscalimlim, I just wanted to see how you are doing and if you're experiencing the air hunger symptoms and if they've improved at all.
How are you doing @arandompenguin? I hope the breathing issue is getting better. Are you keeping up with breathing exercises and are they helping?
Hi, thanks. I used to get allergic cold attack almost every month for the past few years. I consulted an ENT specialist and she suggested fluticasone nasal spray. I was using this for more than a year and recently stopped. Nowadays the frequency of cold attack has significantly reduced but whenever I get it, it is very severe. I suspect this nasal spray has become allergic and causes shortness of breath. So I don't use it nowadays.
I don't feel the shortness of breath while doing workouts. I feel it while resting. Recently I have started doing a breathing exercise called brahmari Pranayama. I found this on youtube is very effective. I breath in and hold the breath as long as possible and breath out with a Humming sound. This increases nitric oxide flow that I believe kills germs in the Airway. Started doing this about a week back and no shortness of breath since then.
Sleep apnea happened a few times occasionally I have not taken any treatment so far. Dr suggested sleep study but I have not gone through that and no attacks in the past 1 month. Will update my progress frequently.
This pins and needles and hand burning sensation is mysterious. I get this only when I work on my laptop or mobile phone. if I don't work on them, I don't get it.
Thank you Gabe. I’m going to try the Buteyko method to see if the symptoms can be controlled. I may also see an ENT as perhaps it is LPR causing it. It’s chronic at this point.
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1 ReactionHmm - I'm going to take a try at helping with the pins & needles & hand burning sensations. You probably are right that it is a nerve situation.
Quite possibly this is originating in your neck/upper spine. I'm hoping the following questions can lead us to some answers for you.
Where are you sitting when this happens? How are you supporting the device? When you use the phone, how long are you doing it? The laptop? Are you a gamer?
Sue
So glad to find this thread. I have searched for weeks after starting to have this feeling a few months ago. Thank you @gabrielm for such a precise description of "the feeling". I have never felt this before in my life. I am 51, and have no major medical history. I recently had my gall bladder removed, which has been the only major medical issue I've had. Similar to other here, I have experienced strange symptoms in the past that, after all medical tests checked out, it was attributed to stress and anxiety. I have been undergoing tests to again rule out anything serious and I take comfort that my tests have all come back normal. I'm still seeing specialists (GI, Lung, Cardio) but until now, I didn't know this was something experienced by others because I couldn't find ANYTHING on the internet that related to this. Again, I'm glad such a precise description was posted by gabrielm and I know this tread is old, but I'm hoping someone has some current updates.
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1 ReactionI too have this shortness of breath. Mine started two days ago.
This group is very informative.
I’m 52 with diabetes type 2 that I control with diet. Since my diagnosis this year , I’ve had constant throat, ear infections and one parotid gland infection. I have had more antibiotics this year than in my 51 years. Feeling much better last week, I joined a gym and was training 1.5 hours weights and cardio. Sunday when I took the dog for a walk I felt a tightness around my chest so I slowed down and it went away. Monday I went for a bike ride and then rested with my cat. I get hay fever (spring in my country atm) and take antihistamines for that and a cat allergy. I have been yawning constantly for 2 days now. The only peace I get is when I’m asleep. My glands are still swollen. I had started eating blueberries this week as in season, I haven’t had for about a year. My blood pressure on the home machine ok, blood oxygen saturation 96-100%. Blood sugar good averages 6.3. I also started a no complex carb diet Monday as my stomach is fat. My greatest fear of the dr won’t be able to help. I’m seeing her today. If she can’t help I will go to emergency department.
Hello-
I am a 31 year old male and have been experiencing very similar symptoms.
First, thank you @gabrielm for creating this thread. Very relieved to have a resource like this. I’ve had a few scary episodes the last week and a half. I actually drove myself to the er last Sunday because I thought I might be having a heart attack or something, at which they told me all of my vitals and x-rays looked fine. They deemed it anxiety. I’m a pretty relaxed guy and aside from having 5 children and the occasional day at work, I don’t really let things get me out of sorts. So it shocked me when they tried to tell me that lol. I just can’t buy it. It started 9/16 while I was sitting at work. Started feeling like I was having a difficult time getting a deep breath for no reason it seemed. It has not gone away though and seems to get worse at night. I have been experiencing acid reflux for over a year, but had not really done anything about it other than trying to manage it with genexa tablets and not eating so late. Being a little more picky about food but nothing crazy. Just thinking it was kind’ve a coming of age thing. But since this breathing issue has started, I’ve been having heartburn and indigestion daily and multiple times a day. To a point I’m almost nervous to eat anything. Have kind’ve felt like my esophagus is swollen or something as well. It definitely seems like this issue is related to my digestive system somehow though. It seems to be ok during the day somewhat, but not totally normal. And the only thing that makes it feel better is if I can get a good deep breath or a yawn, but I have to intentionally try to get a deep one. I can’t just do it. It just comes after a few minutes and it feels great. Breathing is just shallow. I don’t feel like I’m going to suffocate, but it’s very uncomfortable. But especially bad at night to the point that it has really affected my sleep a few nights. It seems to get very labored. I almost went back to the er again last night. I’ve always stayed very active, but had a significant lumbar disc injury playing basketball back in July. I’ve not been able to do any physical activity at all since and am wondering if it’s a combination of no exercise, this reflux issue, and maybe a nerve thing with my back or something. I have my first appointment with my GI doctor tomorrow so am hoping he can provide a little clarity. I also don’t want to get drug through the medical world for everyone to tell me I’m crazy on this breathing thing. My PCP basically just wrote it off and gave me omeprazole. Any advice as I start this journey would be very much appreciated. Thank you all!
Hi @bradharj, it sounds like the breathing issue just started for you. I hope it gets resolved very soon so you don't have to deal with it for long. How bad is your acid reflux issue- do you get pretty severe burning or just mild? And is it every day?
When it first started for me, I too drove myself to the ER thinking it was something severe. After a bunch of tests came back with nothing, I was sort of disappointed but also relieved and reassured. Disappointed that there wasn't a solid answer but relieved there was nothing serious. But having that reassurance gave me the ability and freedom to discovery any solutions or anything that might help with the GI issue and breathing problem.
Hopefully your GI doctor can at least help on the GI front and if you've had various tests done that came back negative, that can serve as assurance that you're not in immediate danger and can look for solutions. One thing that helped me in the beginning was learning how to slow down my breathing, breathe with my diaphragm/belly instead of my chest, and learning to breathe through my nose. I believe this helped to reduce the symptoms greatly and I still do these things today. Have you looked into any sort of breathing exercises yet?