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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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Also gets worse upon exertion. Inhalers only help slightly.
Update 4/1/23
Hope everyone is ok and improving. Since I first wrote, it was suspected that when I cracked my neck really hard right before this started, I damaged my Vagas nerve which in addition to other actions, it controls Respiratory rate, Digestion, Heart Rate, Swallowing and Coughing. After cracking my neck HARD, the Right side of throat along the Vagal nerve or by carotid artery went numb/paralyzed. Since then, I cannot swallow on the right side. Told I had vocal cord paresis but wasn't offered treatment. Also had sharp pain in Right Lwr Abdomen that was later found to be digestive Vagal issue.
The Shortness of Breath and Yawning started shortly afterwards so I suspected that it was a direct result of the Vagal injury itself but now I think the injury caused the Acid Reflux/GERD because of the Vagal's inability to control the organs that play the parts in Acid Reflux/GERD development which also could cause the same symptoms.. I had been ignoring these symptoms for so long not believing that it and didn't believe that GERD could affect other organs or things like Shortness of Breath, breathing, yawning, referred pain or palpitations. For me, I think my severely injured Vagal nerve itself was the direct cause of my throat numbness &swallowing disfunction immediately, but then I think the Vagal damage possibly then caused my Acid Reflux/GERD with it's inability to control complete digestion, heart rate and lungs which resulted in the Acid Reflux; SOB, yawning and heart palpitations if you have them. I think mine has gotten pretty bad because I have been ignoring it for so many years not knowing anything about it and not knowing that these are all symptoms.
Who knows if it's coming from GERD. I'm just learning about Acid Reflux and how important it is to get a handle on it and that anyone can get it. I'd suspect that mild Acid Reflux and GERD that happens to anyone could result in Shortness of Breath, Constantly Yawning and Heart Palpitations if you have them, but who knows??? I'm now trying to bust it out with High Dose Rx Famotidine, (before starting Prilosic), Alkaline water, Green alkaline juice, Slippery Elm, Aloe, Tums, Ginger and oatmeal. I'm hoping the breathing and yawning will change with trying to to settle this GERD but if not I'll LYK. 🙁 My upper back hurts too! Anyone? Not giving up!
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2 ReactionsI've been having the sane problem on and off for about 5 years. I had all tests done. Everything was fine. The doctor said it must be anxiety. I have lots of anxiety but I'm on meds for it. I found your post when I Googled that the only way to catch my breath was through yawning. And sometimes it doesn't work. I'm about to go back to the doctors and go through tests just in case something else could be going on. It's hard to function like this. I'm not even exerting myself for this SOB. It's very scary. And when I eat and get full I feel even more SOB.
Were you checked and diagnosed for asthma? I wonder if it's your esophagus or even your lower esophagus that's inflamed or closing and maybe gives you the sensation that it's the lungs. But it could also be the lungs if it's something like asthma.
The fact that the inhaler is helping is a good sign. If it is asthma, it might be worth exploring with your doctor different dosages and types of inhalers to see what helps vs what doesn't really help.
@franyjake, the good thing about finding this forum is knowing that you're not alone! It sounds like you're going through a similar thing I did (& am to a smaller degree) as well as many other people. It definitely helps to know that you're not alone and knowing you can draw hope and inspiration from all of us.
You mentioned that's been off and on for 5 years. Is there any sort of pattern you notice with it? Like how long do you feel better vs when you're experiencing symptoms and do symptoms coincide with anything that you're aware of?
There isn't really a pattern since I've been struggling with this SOB.
But I've had panic attacks bad in the past and do suffer anxiety. But I thought my meds should be taking care of it. It's very scary because if it was my first time experiencing this I'd be rushing to the doctor/ER. And now, what if something is really wrong and I am on my way to getting a heart attack?
When I have it, it's all day I'm grasping for air. And sometimes I try to catch my breath with a yawn but I can't. I pray 🙏 everyday that it will just go away. When I have it, it lasts for a long time. I will call my cardiologist tomorrow and pulmonologist to be seen. I got my son's wedding coming up in June and I need to be well. My husband isn't well so I'm under more stress than usual. Thanks for your support. Sometimes I don't even want to get out of bed.
So I’ve been reading and searching for an answer, as I’ve experienced this SOB, as well. I jd shortness of breath on minimal exertion for nearly ten years with a lot of tests at Johns Hopkins, Hershey Medical, Cleveland Clinic and locally. Our next stop would’ve been MayoClinic but I was able to cancel the appt as my husband came up with the reason!… I had a pinched nerve. After having anterior cervical discectomy with fusion at C5/6, I was healed of that problem! The Dr. Was at Lancaster Spine Surgical Center in PA. However, the year before the surgery, I had developed the SOB that we discuss here… I have noticed it was a bit worse after surgery and is getting much better now but does seem to occur periodically due to the position of my body… so I’m thinking spine related? I was working out at the gym 11 years ago before the first SOB came on and as I read the situations here online, a lot of you have mentioned that you were active. Just giving you something to go on. Get your spines checked out. I understand your frustrations. Don’t give up.
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1 Reaction@franyjake, sorry you've been dealing with so much anxiety as well. Have you looked into other treatments in conjunction with the medication? I also had some bout of anxiety years ago and was able to cure it with online CBT. Very effective for me and I've read a lot of good things about it and how it has helped many people with anxiety. Something to consider.
It sounds like there could be some inflammation based on what you're describing. It'll be interesting to know what the pulmonologist and cardiologist have to say. I wonder if an inhaler might help. Let me know how the appointments go!
Have you done or learned any breathing exercises/methods? I think something like this would have a double effect of helping both your breathing issue and anxiety as well. There are tons of breathing exercises and meditations that can be done at anytime to help alleviate symptoms of both anxiety and breathing issues.
I find that the advice on web md for GERD triggers is very helpful: things like small meals, sitting up for a couple of hours after eating, and foods to avoid. I take Pantoprozole, drink Chamomile tea with many meals. Avoid ice in water. https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/triggers. Swallowing issues may be helped by speech teachers who have training for this--you might have an ENT scope your esophagus to see what is going on. I found this pdf for things to try for vagal nerve issues: https://sass.uottawa.ca/sites/sass.uottawa.ca/files/how_to_stimulate_your_vagus_nerve_for_better_mental_health_1.pdf
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1 ReactionHola Gabe, como estas?
los suspiros y bostezos se te quitaron? es que llevo 3 años suspirando y bostezando sin poder parar , son suspiros involuntarios y tambien tengo una hernia de hiato, me puedes escribir al privado? es que soy nueva aqui y no se como mandar mensajes
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