Feel like I can't breathe

[4caretaker]

I have been diagnoised w/ GAD and suffer daily with a feeling of not getting enough air. It's very difficult to breathe. Is there help out there? I have doctors and taking a low dose of Klonopin, have taken other stuff, but it hasn't helped. HELP!!

[bp0425]

I have the same problem and it is almost constant unless I am really busy and concentrating on something else.. I notice it the most when I am alone or at rest but I have been checked out by dr.s and nothings wrong. Just don't understand why it seems to just be a daily problem

[AnxiousinGA]

I am plagued with this too and it stinks!!!!  It hits me in the car driving home everyday.   The longer it takes me to get that satisfying breath, the more dizzy, tingly, and faint I feel.  I'm afraid I'll pass out driving :(.  One thing that I do know, assuming everyone's been checked out by a doc, is that we are hyperventilating and actually getting too much oxygen.  This depletes the carbon dioxide inthe blood and that triggers the 'air hunger' feeling.  One thing that helps me is that I ordered a pulse oxymeter online, it will tell you the percent of oxygen in your blood.  It just fits on the tip of your finger.   I feel more at ease when I use it and see that my oxygen is at 98 or 99% even when I'm short of breath.  Some people are able to breath into cupped hands or a paper bag for relief but that doesn't work for me.  It is very frustrating I know.  I'm sad that you all have to deal with this, but glad we're not alone!  Best wishes!  -mandy

[keels48]

I FEEL THIS WAY ALL THE TIME! i was so relieved to see your post.. ive seen a pulmonologist, cardiologist, and now a rhumatologist for this. all of my tests have come back normal, so now its seeming more of just anxiety (i have horrible anxiety) ugh, so glad im not alone. just take deep breathes and remember its just anxiety!!

[4caretaker]

yeah...similar to that. Kinda feels like I'm choking a lot.

[batmanjoey]

would you describe it as air hunger? like you're always trying to get a satisfying deep breath but you cant? and you yawn a lot to get the feeling of that deep beath?