trouble breathing

Dear Doctor,

I have trouble breathing all the time, in the sense that I (or my body) "forgets" to breath CONSTANTLY!!!
My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy but sometimes I find that I need to take a deep breath because I haven't inhaled in minutes. On the other hand, when I go to sleep I think I breath fine as I fall asleep concentrating on my breathing. I just don't seem to be able to do it during the day.

What I would like to know is:

A) Could have to do with the fact that I'm Bipolar? Maybe I get too caught up in something and forget to breath?
B) Could it have to do with the fact that I had problems when I was born? Mom says I "flat-lined" 3 times.
C) My BIG question: What kind of doctor should I see and/or what tests should I get done?


Any advice would be helpful!


Thanks,
Jester2005

[Steven Y Park, MD]

It's hard to say exactly what's causing your problems, but it can be anything from stress/anxiety to a nighttime sleep-breathing disorder.

Seriously, if you really did forget to breathe, then you'd be dead. But you're probably either holding your breath temporarily, or breathing very shallowly, especially in times of stress.

You may want to learn some deep breathing exercises. Basic yoga is a good way to learn deep breathing and to relax.

If you can only sleep on your side or stomach, then you may want to be evaluated by a sleep specialist.

http://www.doctorstevenpark.com