Strange Sensation

[jayboo5]

On a random basis, but many times a day in the last two weeks, I get a strange sensation right where my ribs come together and at the base of the front of my neck where my collar bones come together and a little bit up the windpipe too.  It feels like air is moving one way or the other, but it doesn't inhibit my breathing.  Sometimes it feels like it goes with my heartbeat, but that isn't consistant.  It doesn't hurt, but feels strange.  I can most closely relate it to having the wind knocked out of me, but whithout the trouble breathing and not as severe.  

I can't find any correlation to this such as stress, anxiety, emotions or activity.  This happend once before over a weekend in the fall, but it's been happening every day lately, whether I'm standing, sitting or lying down.  It feels like it has something to do with my diaphram.  I don't feel any tightness or shortness in breath.  I can still take a deep breath when feeling the sensation, but that doesn't change anything.  The feeling lasts for only a few seconds, maybe 2-8 seconds.  

I have a coughing-type astma for which I take two puffs of Azmacort every morning.  I also used to have excercise induced asthma which I used to use an inhaler for when I was in sports - I haven't had to deal with this for 8 years now.  I have indoor and outdoor allergies for which I take Nasacort once every day all year and I'm on oral birth control.  All of these medications I have been using for several years.

I would appreciate any ideas as to what this may be and any advice on what to do about it.  Thank you very much!

[National Jewish]

It is very difficult to assess the cause of the sensation you are describing.  If this was a significant problem in the airways, it would not be so intermittent and last for such a short period of time.  If it is an irregular heart beat, it could be intermittent and last only a few seconds, but it is usually described in a different way, like the heart beating fast or skipping beats.  This is called paroxysmal atrial tachycardia.  Without examining you, this is not an easy question to answer.  If this continues and/or gets worse, you might talk with your doctor about it.  Perhaps a thorough examination would determine if there is a problem or not.

[jayboo5]

I forgot to mention that I am a 26 year old female.  :)

[jayboo5]

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my strange sensation.  I will be seeing my doctor this month and will bring this up to her then.  Thanks again; this is a great service!