Breathing problem

[HLeon]

If someone can help me out with my problem I'd REALLY appreciate it. Here it goes: For the past week I have had some kind of difficulty breathing. Instead of me breathing subconsciously, I am doing it manually all the time, and it feels really bad. I know its mental because when I occupy my mind doing something it goes away and I breath, without me knowing it. But when I am not doing anything it seems that I am just concentrated on my breathing, and cant think of anything else. I pass the whole day like this, and unless I am doing something, I am going thru a living HELL. I really hope that someone can help me out,because I just dont know what else to do.

[macwad]

I was interested in your problem of manual breathing as opposed to involuntary breathing.  I had such a problem with blinking when I was 12 years of age.  I am convinced now that it was a symptom of an underlying anxiety.  I really feel for you and suggest that a Jungian-type therapist might be of help.  At 54 yrs now I still the very odd time have this sensation that if I let myself go I will get into the habit of manual blinking.  I cope by just occupying my mind with something else. I goes away.  Good luck!

David

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

I'm not sure this is a neurological problem. I'm glad that you are able to breathe normally when your mind is distracted. This helps to reassure that your lungs appear to be working ok. But you may need further investigation just to make sure nothing is going on. Talk to your primary doctor about getting a chest Xray. Also, pulmonary function testing and possibly an arterial blood gas to see the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in your blood may be helpful. Otherwise, try to do keep yourself occupied throughout the day. Read a book, take a walk, go swimming, join an exercise class, etc.. and see if that helps. Good luck.