Constant over-breathing and constant chest muscle strain?

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum as a member, but have been reading for quite some time. I've had a problem for a while now with shortness of breath and overbreathing, leading to hyperventilation. It's been one of my more prominent symptoms of anxiety as of recently. A month and a half ago I went to the ER for hyperventilation, after trying to nervously climb several flights of stairs- only to be told it was in my head, my lungs were clear, and that I was developing some new phobias. Since then my chest muscles have been very sensitive. If I over breathe for a while, the next day I'm sore. I went to my doctor who said I was straining my muscles to breathe. More recently I had an over breathing bout which made me cough furiously and bruise my ribs. I'm in constant pain with this and was told that the cure was to "stop thinking about it and take some ibuprofen." Problem is now when I even go up one small step I breathe heavily, or if I walk a few steps the same thing happens. If it's not in my head at that exact moment, I'm fine, but once it is I'm gasping for air. Has anyone ever experienced these problems? I have a prescription for Xanax, but I've never taken it as I am more inclined to homeopathic and holistic remedies. Meditation and yoga helped greatly, but once I missed a day or two I was back on the suffocation wagon. Help!!!!!!!

[cheshchesh819]

your doctor is right sorry,i use to be the same i just use to think of my breathing and is would just end up being rapid,your mind is constantly thinking about it which is making this worse,your chest pains will not ease whilst you are tensing up and bruising your ribs

[jul04]

Anxiety stinks and it can be really hard to accept that fact that anxiety is what is making you sick.  I know I have been suffering with anxiety for 9 1/2 years now and I have my ups and downs.  I understand you not wanting to take the meds because I was the same way.  I did eventually go on them for a short while and it helped.  You have to do what you feel is best for you.

However having said that I do believe that eating right and exercising does help with anxiety.  Yoga and meditation are great for helping to reduce stress.  I promise you once you stop focusing on your breathing you will start to feel better.  The trick is getting you to forget about it.

Try keeping a journal.  I know it sounds silly but it can help you get some of what is bothering you out and it might help you focus on positive things.  Just keep reminding yourself that it is anxiety and it can't control you.  Don't give it any power of you.

Keep posting here it does help.  Good luck and I hope you feel better....

[katharsis]

Thank you so much for these responses, and jul04 I am going to try keeping a journal. Before these breathing issues started, I was having a problem getting light headed in department stores. I started keeping a "fear log" and it seriously helped. My big obstacle right now is that I have a nervous cough that doesn't want to leave so it's also weighing heavily on my chest muscle recuperation. Before my big trip to the ER I was at the gym everyday. Now I go and get winded after 20 minutes. This is such a process, but I have to keep a positive attitude. I'm really thankful I found a forum like this with people who understand!