occasional trouble breathing

[shelley67]

Hi,
I have noticed that on occasion for usually short periods of time I will experience what I associate with shortness of breath.  The things is, it seems to originate or feel as though the sensation comes from my throat/esophagus rather than my lungs.  Im 30, non smoker, do not drink and am seemingly healthy but i do have anxiety disorder.  The sensation I get is almost like my throat is tight, or constricted and happens when I seem to be calm and relaxed.  I also notice occasionally especially when this is going on, that when i inhale it seems like i get occasional palpitations, or slowing of heart on inhalation, and also seems harder to inhale, no trouble exhaling.  I do not have any respiratory problems to my knowledge, other than this.  It is worse when lying down usually and is concerning as i notice i get anxious and really aware when i notice it happening. If I am experiencing it when i go to sleep, i usually notice it is lessened or dissipated when i get up, would that point to something psychological moreso than something physical since it doesnt seem to happen when im sleeping?  Can anxiety really cause such a REAL constricting and tightening feeling in the throat?  I have had this on and off for quite a while, with periods where i do not notice for days, if this were serious or something physical like gerd or some lung problem would it likely come and go like this, and not progress?  Thanks for any information or insight.
shelley

[angel_eyes24]

I would ask your doctor to test yu for Vocal Chord Dysfunction. This can mimick asthma and is associated with your throat.

[National Jewish]

These are fairly typical anxiety-like symptoms. The tightness in your throat, the difficulty getting air in, but not out, the improvement when you fall asleep etc. are all associated symptoms of an anxiety disorder. I would suggest dealing with this problem with a qualified therapist, as it is obvious that this is affecting the quality of your life.