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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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@gabrielm Hello Gabe thank you for your kind words. I don´t remember anything special when it first happend. I have spent a lot of time thinking what might be the trigger (food, stress, etc.) But can´t link it with anything. It seems completely random. I´ll try to update here if I find a ´cure´ or have news. Wishing you the best aswell. Thank you for bringing us together.
Kind regards
I have similar sensations in my diaphragm and find it difficult to breathe (had covid in 2021) with this tightness in my diaphragm - as if my stomach is pushing up against my diaphragm (even though I know it’s not).
I am going to a physical therapist and she has done Myofascial Release of the diaphragm (Doming) twice and had taught me how to do it on myself. I have found relief with more freedom of breath. I do this while lying down and also feel a release of tightness in my neck and shoulder blades as my chest expands.
Coincidentally, I do have an injury in my cervical discs, from an auto accident which correlates to another reply to your issue.
Perhaps this information will be helpful.
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1 ReactionHi! I am dealing with a lot of similar symptoms. Just out of curiosity, did you ever deal with your hiatal hernia?
I have explored many, many causes for my symptoms. I believe that I have a “sliding” hiatal hernia. Having read some about Gastrocardic (or Roemheld syndrome) as well as the interplay that can occur between hernia and the vagus nerve, its clear there could be a relationship between hernia, heart, lung and vagus nerve irritation. Shortness of breath, heart palpitations, panic attacks, sleep problems etc - I experience all of these and they are all implicated in Roemheld syndrome. Although conventional medicine doesn’t accept it, some naturopaths also refer to a “hiatal hernia syndrome” which also indicates most of the same symptoms.
If you’re still checking this, what do you think?
Yes please do keep in touch. It's always good to hear how people are doing in their journey. I know for me, I felt very alone when my symptoms first appeared and it also seemed to come on randomly for me, with no certain event causing the air hunger. I never knew how prevalent of an issue this was until I posted here years ago. So please don't feel like you're ever alone! Post here any time- there are other people, including myself, who want to help however we can and share our experiences in hopes that you and others here find relief.
In the midst of your tests from doctors, was a blood panel done as well? Some nutrient deficiencies can play a part in the appearance of symptoms.
Hi @sillybean! When I first got tests done back in 2012, a hiatal hernia was something discovered during tests. It was mild so there wasn't much follow up from doctors, but it was part of everything going on. And just like you, mine was/is also a sliding hiatal hernia. Definitely contributing to my GERD.
I've done a lot of research of all the things you mention though I hadn't heard of Roemheld syndrome. I'll have to look that up.
While I'm not 100% sure, I do think that these issues inter-relate at least for me, and dealing with the various symptoms over the years I think has helped my breathing improve.
Do you experience severe air hunger, among other symptoms frequently?
I have a friend who experiences what you describe. She is very concerned too. She is 75 years old. Her doctors have not been helpful and are constantly telling her it's just anxiety. She strongly believes that is not the answer. Please hang in there and keep researching! You are not a lone ranger with this affliction.
I have done a sleep study long time ago but using at home device my ENT recomended. No apnea was recorded. However, I know for a fact that sleeping on my back cause my jaw/toung to drop back causing me to snore which affect my sleep. But not enough to block breathing. I use an app to record my sleep and level of noise of associated with sleeping.
That said, I read there are other type of apnea which are associated with the brain not sending the appropriate signals to help you breath. Perhaps I should do another lab study.
Thank you - I will look into acceptance theory though I think I naturally worked my way with it to accept my long lasting tinnitus.
HI Everyone, I just recently starting experiencing the same issues as above about 8 weeks ago. It has turned my life upside down. I'm 41, and do have well controlled asthma. I have had an EKG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray done, blood work and CT Scan. All came back normal, however I feel an urge to take a deep breath every 5 minutes or so. It hasn't effected my sleeping. I did do an allergy test and found that I as allergic to Guinea Pigs/Timothy Hay which we had at our house for our kids. We were able to rehome them, but my SOB hasn't really improved. Some days are worse than others. Please tell me that this isn't going to by my life going forward. Its very frustrating.. Any suggestions on what kind of doctor to see?
Has anyone on this thread figured anything out?
If the breathing issue is bothering you enough, I would look into a sleep study as that can help eliminate a few things.