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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?

Lung Health | Last Active: 6 days ago | Replies (3422)

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@anxiousmouthbreather

My overall health isn’t amazing but much better since quitting drinking and smoking!
For at least 12-15 years. 31 now.
But yes, can’t remember when it started, feels like I’ve always had it it’s so consuming..
I tried one of the breathing methods last night, it did help take my mind off it and to not freak about getting what I call ‘a full breath’ if I can’t and I’m under pressure that’s a one way ticket to a panic attack.
But as I know it can’t harm me if I don’t get that full breath, I’m slightly more stable about it..
rationalisation and all..
But it is living hell sometimes.
Thanks for your support, it definitely seems to happen the more stressed or under pressure I feel.
I’m just used to it and no one being able to do anything to help me with it.
It’s never been scrutinised, just thrown off as anxiety. Which I’ve had panic attacks since 10 so yep. Just one of the many symptoms they’ve always said.
I don’t know many people that have to do it though who suffer with anxiety also.. Your the first I’ve come across in fact although I’m sure it’s much more common than I realise.

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Replies to "My overall health isn’t amazing but much better since quitting drinking and smoking! For at least..."

At least it's improved from quitting drinking and smoking. If you're like me, any improvement counts! Yes realizing that you will get a full breath eventually, as well as realizing that (though uncomfortable) not getting that full breath sensation won't kill you. That's how I slowly got through it initially I can get full breaths most of the time, and the times I can't these days it's pretty mild.

But I totally get that it can be a living hell especially if you don't have all the tools to help relieve symptoms. It seems by this forum that this is far more common than people realize. I'm glad that it's grown in the sense that it helps more and more people not feel alone.

Have you seen anyone about dealing with the stress and anxiety you've experienced- have you learned coping strategies for those or ever been on medication for any of that?