Odd Feeling in Chest

[jpmetcal]

Can Caffeine make you feel like your not getting enough oxygen? Or do I have bigger problems. I feel like I need to take deep breaths. But there is no pain. I've been kind of scared that bad eating habits may have damaged my heart and have been really stressed about this lately (i.e. too much salt, butter). I am only 24 years old, should I be concerned?

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

jpmetcal,

Thanks for the post.

You haven't given me enough information to help you.  Some people do have abnormal sensations from too much caffeine, but shortness of breath needs evaluation by a doctor.  I would receommend that you see your primary care physician as a starter.

Good luck.

[sheryl1945]

I'm just like you!  Feel I need to take deep breaths all the time. I'll tell you what does that:  ANXIETY.  I've had it for YEARS.  Can't get a deep breath freely when I feel anxious.  I take a xanax -- I get all the deep breaths I want.  However, I try not to take xanax regularly.  And YES, caffeine can cause that because caffeine causes anxiety.  I'm guilty of this myself -- I drink a lot of diet  Coke.  Try to get your mind off your breathing and you'll be fine (I assume you've told your doctor and that you have no physical condition causing this.)  Inability to get a deep breath is a classic symptom of anxiety.

[mightymuppet]

yeah i get the need to take a deep breath from time to time as well(although i never have problems breathing, no wheezing etc)....it's just sometimes i feel i need to deep breathe several times on some days...i never get it when i exercise though(weird)and also if i eat something if i'm feeling the need to take deep breaths, it seems to help for about 15mins(completely goes away then may come back)...i can't understand why that would be the case(better when eating)but it's certainly caused me to eat a bit more lately if i feel like i need to take deep breaths(strange)...i do have a lot of belching sessions though so maybe it's indigestion related(although anxiety could definately be another reason)

Paul, 34yrs old.

[jpmetcal]

Thanks for the responses, I have been thinking about anxiety as a cause. It seems that I have been stressing myself out lately about my current state of health. I am a Network Administrator, so I don't get allot of exercise (although I am not under/over weight). However, recently I've been pondering bad eating habits and have this nagging fear that I'm going to drop dead sooner that I like if I don't change my lifestyle. This combined to pressure at work and it very well could be anxiety. I am defiantly making an appointment to talk to my Doctor about it all.

Thanks again,
Josh

[sheryl1945]

By all means, get into some sort of exercise routine.  I'm a walker; I walk every single day and it helps to slow my heart down (I have a rapid heartbeat.)  Also, try to get your mind off your breathing.  If I think about my breathing, I automatically feel I have to take in a deep breath.  If I "let go", the deep breaths come naturally.  When I'm anxious (which is often, I suffer from panic disorder) those deep breaths are just impossible to get.  I hate that feeling solely because it scares me, which only compounds the problem, since in my case anxiety is causing it to begin with.  It's a common nervous symptom.  I've had it since I was about 21, and I'm nearly 58 now.  I took some xanax earlier today and guess what?  Deep breaths coming naturally :)  Good luck.

[Ianna]

Hi,
-
What is 'bad eating?'
I would not worry about that right now.
The real BAD thing here is the constant 'pressure at work' you describe.
That's a killer.
Go and do somesthing about THAT.
And try find a therapist who can teach you to deal with or lessen the stress in you life.
She/he too will show you how to breath the right way; that's very important!
-
No caffeine, alcohol or too much sugar!!
(search the internet for info - i.a. Dr. Weil's site)
-
Bye - stay well!   - *Ianna* -

[James1970]

Well I don't know if this helps but when I get this feeling like I can't take a deep breath I make myself Yawn.  Yep  don't ask me how you do that I just open my mouth and Yawn.  Sometimes it takes a few tries but eventually I get. Hope this helps.

[sunshine95]

Thanks to this forum..when you are feeling this kind of odd health concerns you feel alone and scared..it is so comforting to see other user experiences..

I ve had all what you said..im mildly hypertensive and has slowly stopped taking the medications (Toprol XL) the PCP gave me because of the side effects..im just 29 years old and all this gives me a lot of health anxiety..

I watch out for any slight feeling in my left chest area..and even if I get one reading on my BP like 140/90 i panic i can feel the adrenaline rush through my body..im so conscious of my breathing..and hence keep taking endless deep breaths..there is that odd tight feeling in the chest that you described..

then i spend a lot of time worrying if the symptoms are of anxiety or should i ask my PCP..

Specific to your case..just ignore how you feel for 2-3 days..occupy urself with something take ur mind off..if u still feel the same..u can consult ur PCP..Exercising has been of great help to me..it helps affirm that ur fine.

[sheryl1945]

You sound just like me!  I, too, concentrate on my breathing and can't seem to get enough deep breaths.  I know it's anxiety (I've had this for years).  Exercise does help; I'm a walker.  When I don't think about my breathing, I get all the deep breaths I want; however, sometimes I'm so nervous I have to take xanax.  I know it's all in my head, but my nerves are bad and I seem to obsess either over my heart or my breathing.  I get so tired of it!

[LDH]

Would like to know more symptoms of Angina.  I am taking Tropol - 50mg, but afraid to tell cardiologist I'm still having pains.  The pain is like a radiation to both sides of chest, arms, and the other night it felt like it was in my jaw bone.  Is this normal?

[sammykat]

A related discussion, how do i ask doctor a question was started.