Hello @rab and welcome to Mayo Connect,

I appreciate you sharing about your urges to breathe deeply. It is understandable that you would want to know for sure if this is something related to a physical problem or anxiety.

You say that this has been going on for about a month now. Have you had any other symptoms along with this urge to breathe deeply? I'm thinking of symptoms like chest pain, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, etc.

Have there been any stressors in your life this past month that might explain possible anxiety?

I hope you find an answer to this perplexing problem. Will you post again with an update?

Thank you for your reply I don’t get anything else just the constant urge to take deep breaths I also find that deep breathing excercise helps like when I breath in and hold my breath for 3 seconds then breath out I start yawning automatically and can start taking more deep breaths I went to the doctor they heard my lungs and heart and oxygen levels and said all normal and put it to anxiety I do suffer from anxiety

I appreciate your reply, @rab. You say that you do suffer from anxiety. How long has anxiety been a problem for you? Have you been dealing with any new stressors lately?

Also, just wondering what anxiety treatments you have tried (i.e., exercises like yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming, etc.), talk therapy, anti-anxiety meds, counseling, etc.?

Do you have a strong support system of family and friends?

Iv suffered from anxiety most of my life I had a panick attack ages ago and the doctor gave me a brown bag I just stopped taking meds doctor offered but I don’t wanna continue they just say don’t worry it’s my anxiety

I’m just constantly yawning and breathing deep my breathing is normal like I can breath in and out but it’s just this symptom of the urge to take a deep breath happens frequently and I need to deep breathing excercise to relieve it but yet it comes back

Iv been checked by doctor I don’t have asthma or COPD

I can only speak from my experience – but antidepressants give me the same symptoms. I have to remind myself to take a deep breath : (

Hi, @rab – I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So, sounds like you had some critical checks of your heart, lungs and oxygen that turned out fine, but you have this constant urge to take deep breaths, then automatically yawn, which is being attributed to anxiety you were diagnosed with previously.

I'd also like to introduce you to @johnhans, who has some experience with anxiety, as well as @artscaping, who has some experience with breath work. @smilie also may have some thoughts for you, as may @cdcc.

What did the doctor suggest for next steps to address the anxiety further, if this breathing issue is prompted by anxiety?

I have been offered proponolal beta blockers but I don’t wanna no take no more as I can manage the symptoms I’m breathing fine i was worse when it first happened but now I can take in more deep breaths I find that when i tend to focus on my breathing or think about it I tend to get the urge some times I need to take a deep breath when I get the urge I don’t get any other symptoms

@rab I have had problems with anxiety. If it is anxiety, then it can manifest in many ways. Some people will breath fast, others will have pain in the chest, and some may feel faint. If you have anxiety, the doctor could have suggested a medicine to get you through the worst. You could also try therapy. You have come up with an observation about your condition by yourself. That is great. You could still try therapy as a way to determine if the cause is from something in your life or a chemical problem. I take an antidressant to control my anxiety. If you want you could continue with your self observations by looking for something you have happening or are doing at the time the anxiety happens. My anxiety is worsened by any stimulants — caffeine, msg, and chocolate are common sources. I hope this helps you to find help for your condition.

My anxiety is worsened just by thinking of anxiety! I’ve been practicing mindfulness and meditation along with Taking Prozac. This combination does not cure anxiety, but it certainly helps my quality of life.

@downtowntiger– A lot of people have trouble with shortness of breath (SOB) with anxiety. There are chemical changes that take place that cause this. However one of the biggest reasons for SOB is weight gain. Paxil can be quite sedating too and can affect the appetite center in your brain.
May I ask what surgery you had and how anxiety was found to be the cause of your SOB?

I went through 5 months of tests, treatments, surgery, therapy (talk), hypnotherapy, and total med change by a psychiatrist. Paxil controls my anxiety and depression, but makes me gain weight-almost when I’m looking at food. It works and I can breathe normally, but, even with exercise, gain weight. I realize I’m holding my breath, but I can’t stop it. I have to yawn to feel I get a “normal” breath.