Constricted deep breathing

[Matthewharlow]

Hi,
I have a breathing problem, which may be psychosomatic or physical, either way it is causing very real symptoms.  It started 3 months ago with the sensation that i was unable to get a satisfying deep breath, but my lungs felt like a bottomless pit, I wish I could have that feeling back, because its better then what I have now. But it has changed overtime, now it is physically hard to get deep breaths, but now they are more satisfying.  My chest and throat feel tight, and my lungs do not expand properly allowing air to move clearly, it feels as though my lung capacity is about half what they were.  When it first started 3 montsh ago I would try to get a deep breath every minute or so to make my lungs feel satisfied, but it would rarely happen because my capacity was so high that I didnt actually need the oxygen.  Now my breathing is so constricted that I get satisfying deep breaths every minute or so. I cant fill my lungs when I breathe in fast like the way you do when you hold your breath, but 3 months ago it was so effortless and clear, now its tight and constricted most of the time. I have been to many outpatient docs, all think its anxiety, but xanax does very little to help. My peak flow is about 600-700, chest xray clear, ekg normal, cbc normal, waiting on spirometry.  Some things tend to make it better temporaily but I cant figure out why, ex. when I eat it seems to clear my airway, also when i lifty something heavy I can get more air into my lungs sometimes.  But my lungs can feel clear one moment, then not the next minute, sometimes its bad for a week, and good for an hour, then bad again... I feel helpless.  Could this all be a result muscle tension and anxiety? or could there be another cause?  

[mkwins]

Wow.  It sounds a lot like what I am going through.  I was told I had a mild airway obstruction but that it shouldn't cause the shortness of breath at rest I am feeling.  I do feel better when I eat.  I do have some other symtoms then you.  I have been dealing with this over 2 1/2 years and still don't feel like I've got an accurate answer.  I was a previous smoker, so I don't think the doctors are taking me seriously.  I pary that you get a clear answer.
Hope you feel better.