Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?

Posted by Gabe, Volunteer Mentor @gabrielm, May 31, 2018

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

@mayohealing

Hi Gabriel

Just a thought/suggestion. Have you considered having a stress test (heart, arteries, etc).?

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@mayohealing I had one done years ago, nothing out of the norm

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@lyonsbrew

I can’t tell you how validating it is to finally have found someone with (what sounds like) the exact same sensation I’ve been experiencing for about a month or 2 now. I’m 45 and healthy, moderately active, etc. those I’ve described it to always think I mean I can’t catch my breath as in after a hard workout but it’s not that at all!
I DO, however, suffer from anxiety and depression for my entire adult life, though this presentation of symptoms is entirely new so it’s distressing. I am definitely going to try the exercises and supplements you mentioned to see of it offers any relief.
So while I don’t have advice to offer, I do offer thanks for your post, and look forward to any insights from you or others.

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@lyonsbrew sorry to hear you’re going through all that but glad you found this thread. There’s a lot to read through, but there might be a few gems of things people have done to help manage the symptoms.

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@jforero12

Hello
I just joined this group. How is everyone feeling with the SOB? I started with this constant every day w a lot of yawning about 3 months ago. I have a lot of digestive issues. SIBO, fungus and very deficient in nutrients. Along low acid on stomach. Can low acid trigger short of breath?

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@jforero12 - Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Have your doctors said, or do you know why you are having these problems? It sounds as if you have multiple stomach and intestinal problems. Has your doctor said anything about your SOB and low stomach acidity?

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@lyonsbrew

I can’t tell you how validating it is to finally have found someone with (what sounds like) the exact same sensation I’ve been experiencing for about a month or 2 now. I’m 45 and healthy, moderately active, etc. those I’ve described it to always think I mean I can’t catch my breath as in after a hard workout but it’s not that at all!
I DO, however, suffer from anxiety and depression for my entire adult life, though this presentation of symptoms is entirely new so it’s distressing. I am definitely going to try the exercises and supplements you mentioned to see of it offers any relief.
So while I don’t have advice to offer, I do offer thanks for your post, and look forward to any insights from you or others.

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@lyonsbrew- Welcome Mayo Clinic Connect. Anxiety and depression can certainly cause SOB or dyspnea. I'm wondering if you have spoken to your doctor about this? My suggestion is to discuss with him these relatively new symptoms before you begin to add supplements on your own. Some supplements have been known to interfere with prescription meds.

Do you have any other new symptoms?

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@merpreb

@lyonsbrew- Welcome Mayo Clinic Connect. Anxiety and depression can certainly cause SOB or dyspnea. I'm wondering if you have spoken to your doctor about this? My suggestion is to discuss with him these relatively new symptoms before you begin to add supplements on your own. Some supplements have been known to interfere with prescription meds.

Do you have any other new symptoms?

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Thanks for your input! I have an appointment in 2 weeks, during which I plan to bring this up to my doctor. She’s well aware of my anxiety/depression and medication history, so we will definitely address this together.
About a month ago, for the first time in my life, I experienced chest pains. I had an ekg done, and all was normal, so again, it was called up to anxiety. At that time, the sob was still very new and I didn’t connect the dots. I will discuss it all at my appointment, of course.
Thank you again for your reply:)

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@gabrielm

@lyonsbrew sorry to hear you’re going through all that but glad you found this thread. There’s a lot to read through, but there might be a few gems of things people have done to help manage the symptoms.

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Thanks for your response! Yes, there’s a lot to read through. The buteyko method is really interesting and I’ve already begun using it. I do think it is offering some relief, but it’s early to know if it’s a placebo effect or really helping. I have a Dr appt in 2 weeks where I’ll address this with her and see what she thinks as well 🙂

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@mayohealing

Hi Gabriel

Just a thought/suggestion. Have you considered having a stress test (heart, arteries, etc).?

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That is a good thought. I have a Dr appointment in 2 weeks and will definitely ask about that

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@lyonsbrew

Thanks for your input! I have an appointment in 2 weeks, during which I plan to bring this up to my doctor. She’s well aware of my anxiety/depression and medication history, so we will definitely address this together.
About a month ago, for the first time in my life, I experienced chest pains. I had an ekg done, and all was normal, so again, it was called up to anxiety. At that time, the sob was still very new and I didn’t connect the dots. I will discuss it all at my appointment, of course.
Thank you again for your reply:)

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@lyonsbrew- I'm wondering if you have acid reflux. You might also think about a visit to see a Pulmonologist. A pulmonologist can order breathing function tests to see if you need any inhalers. Do you use any?

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Good morning - I want to wish you all and safe and healthy holiday and a better 2021. It has been my pleasure and honor to have mentored these discussions and join you all in your frustrations. I hope that we will learn more and have better answers in this coming new year.

My best to all of you,
Merry

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@anned

I don't mind sharing at all, but again in full disclosure... I am NOT a doctor. Sheer desperation drove me to the internet in search of answers.

This is the article that I found so helpful and it includes the medication recommendations and possible dosages to try.
https://hoffmancentre.com/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-histamine-immune-system-runs-rampant/ As is suggested in the article, I use Zyrtec (ceterizine), Claritin (loratadine), PEPCID (famotadine) and quercetin all 2x a day. (Regarding Quercetin effectiveness- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314669/ )

I definitely recommend keeping your doctor involved in all medical decisions, for safety of course, but if for nothing else just so they can document improvement.

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So in total you did 8 pills a day? May I ask do you still get the yawning ?

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