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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Cannot obtain a full breath
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Cannot obtain a full breath
by Mountain Goat, Jan 06, 2005 12:00AM
I have recently been experiencing a difficult time getting a full breath. I yawn about every couple of minutes and only on occaision can I actually feel that my yawn is complete and my lungs filled. I am definitely more fatigued during the daylight and do not sleep well as it is. I am 47, 5'10", 275, high blood pressure and high colestral, but otherwise fairly health. It takes months to get an appointment to see my regular physician. I only smoke once in a while if I am drinking. I have since stopped all my medications when my breathing became like it is about a week ago. I had already stopped taking prednesone for some gout in one foot and was taking 4 alluprenol for the acid buildup which I blame for the breathing thing. I also was taking quite a bit of Aleve for pain. Any suggestions would be appreciated because I still can't seem to get my full breath. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jan 28, 2005 12:00AM
, Jan 28, 2005 12:00AM
You will need a thorough exam by your regular physician to know what the problem could be that is keeping you from getting your full breath. Even though it takes months to get an appointment with your regular physician, please call now to schedule an appointment. It’s also important that your physician know that you stopped all your medications.
Your problem could be related to weight or to spending a lot of time thinking about your breathing. A regular exercise program could help with weight loss. In addition a regular exercise program often helps by getting you to think about something other than your breathing.
From what you have described it sounds like sleep apnea may also be a problem for you. This is when breathing stops for 10 seconds or more while sleeping. Each time this happens it is an episode of apnea. This may happen several hundred times a night, causing a person to feel quite sleepy during the day. It is possible for a person to be aware of an episode of apnea because they wake themselves up gasping for air. Otherwise their oxygen level drops. Snoring is what often alerts people to the problem. However not everyone snores. While it is common for people with sleep apnea to be overweight, people of average weight can have sleep apnea.
Your problem could be related to weight or to spending a lot of time thinking about your breathing. A regular exercise program could help with weight loss. In addition a regular exercise program often helps by getting you to think about something other than your breathing.
From what you have described it sounds like sleep apnea may also be a problem for you. This is when breathing stops for 10 seconds or more while sleeping. Each time this happens it is an episode of apnea. This may happen several hundred times a night, causing a person to feel quite sleepy during the day. It is possible for a person to be aware of an episode of apnea because they wake themselves up gasping for air. Otherwise their oxygen level drops. Snoring is what often alerts people to the problem. However not everyone snores. While it is common for people with sleep apnea to be overweight, people of average weight can have sleep apnea.
OMG, I have had STRESS in my life and this is not one of those times. I don't believe it is stress at all.
I have another appt. with a doctor in a couple of weeks, and I hear this one is good, not some quick answer doctor with no follow through.
In the meantime, I was hoping that if anyone with these symptoms and has had some kind of diagnosis since posting here, would let me know what it was: Can't seem to get enough air even with big gasping breaths here and there. Sometimes it feels like an unfulfilled yawn, other times a yawn will fulfill it for a few minutes (and what a relief).
I wake up just fine though, and seem pretty good breathing-wise for the morningtime.