Aa
shortness of breath
hey guys i read ur posts..and wanted to say this is exactly what i feel.im suffering from constant breathlessness for the past eight months.went to the chest specialist and pulmonologist and he said that my tests and chest xray was fine.he even used a stethoscope to check the condition of my chest,and said that my chest was totally fine.but i still do not feel well.im at my wits end.nobody can understand my condition..the problem is that now i cant sleep,means once i go to sleep its all fine,but as soon as i wake up,i feel breathless.i keep on crying all the day,and feel hopeless when no one has a solution regarding my problem.im only eighteen years old and i feel as if its my end.i used an asthma medicene and inhaler,but it is of no use..my heart now beats faster then usual,and it makes me feel worse..please help me,if anyone has suffered from the same condition so share it with me,and if u guys recovered from this condition,so please help me too..i feel breathless all the day,and have to yawn,but it is of no use..
I can't comment on whether the breathing difficulty actually exists as you feel it does, but just feeling it exists would make most people's heart rate increase from the anxiety because your adrenaline goes up. Good luck in your attempts to find more info on whether it is real or whether the doc's claim that there is no problem is correct.
thanks guys for your response,it makes me feel that im not alone..i have the same problem racing heartbeat all the time,increased bp and ofcourse difficulty in breathing.i just wanted to know do any of u guys have an idea or information about normality of chest xray because i just wanted to share a bit of confusion with u guys and secondly if a person has a problem with its heart or lungs,even if a minor one,so do doctors give them anesthesia,if the patient has to undergo surgery.?
My anxiety can get severe to where I have panic attacks - I will have shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, pulse races and I feel like I am about to die. Anxiety can cause so many real physical symptoms, when I learned this, it really surprised me. I have had real physical symptoms I would never have associated with "just" anxiety. The others that have posted have had great comments and I hope you feel better soon. All I can add is that you are not alone - hugs!
Hi
Hi. I have some understanding of how frustrated and scared you are suffering from air hunger or shortness of breath and therefore I would like to tell you about my daughter and I hope by doing so I can help you a little. About 6 Years ago my daughter had a coughing fit and soon after she felt like she could not get enough air. She complained that she did'nt feel like her lungs were filling. She also started yawning and sighing alot. It got to a point where she was physically hunching over to get a breath. It was interfering with every aspect of her life. During the 6 years that she has had this she also has had a few panic attacks as well. I took her to a doctor and he said it was anxiety and started her on urbanol. This made her want to sleep all the time. I then took her to a homepath, diagnosis also anxiety. To cut a long story short, the condition never went away and she saw alot of specialists but they could find nothing physically wrong. I am not a medical doctor and therefore cannot make any diagnosis but I am a mother and I needed to do something so I did some research and from what I found I felt she might be suffering from Hyperventilation syndrome so I found a Buteyko teacher ( The Buteyko breathing method is about correcting chronic overbreathing also great for asthma sufferers) This did help but she did not persevere with it.I also bought the book by Patrick McKeown called Anxiety free. It features the Buteyko Breathing Method and comes with a CD. Eventually she saw a chiropracter because her chest and back had become very painful from the incorrect breathing that she was doing. He diagnosed Tietze syndrome. My understanding of what happened with her is as follows: She was anxious (lost her grandfather), she had a coughing fit and injured the cartridge around the ribs which caused her to be breathless, air hunger etc which in turn caused her anxiety to heighten which caused her to hyperventilate which worsened the
the Tietze syndrome and so the cycle began. She had become anxious about her breathing and thought about it constantly etc. Treatment to date is weekly visits to the chiropracter, weekly visits to a lady who does the Alexander Technique ( Postural techniques), changed diet to mainly vegan, Psychiatrist for the anxiety ( who has put her on some meds) There has been a huge improvement. She hardly takes very deep breaths anymore and then when she does it is normally when she is very stressed but they don't continue for long periods. I believe there is not a miracle pill that is going to cure all. I feel one needs to combine treating the mind, the body and the soul and I often tell her when she gets frustrated that " Rome was not built in a day" and that she has battled this for 6 years so its gonna take some time to improve. I want all of you who are suffering with the air hunger feeling that you are not alone. Take care.
Hi. I have some understanding of how frustrated and scared you are suffering from air hunger or shortness of breath and therefore I would like to tell you about my daughter and I hope by doing so I can help you a little. About 6 Years ago my daughter had a coughing fit and soon after she felt like she could not get enough air. She complained that she did'nt feel like her lungs were filling. She also started yawning and sighing alot. It got to a point where she was physically hunching over to get a breath. It was interfering with every aspect of her life. During the 6 years that she has had this she also has had a few panic attacks as well. I took her to a doctor and he said it was anxiety and started her on urbanol. This made her want to sleep all the time. I then took her to a homepath, diagnosis also anxiety. To cut a long story short, the condition never went away and she saw alot of specialists but they could find nothing physically wrong. I am not a medical doctor and therefore cannot make any diagnosis but I am a mother and I needed to do something so I did some research and from what I found I felt she might be suffering from Hyperventilation syndrome so I found a Buteyko teacher ( The Buteyko breathing method is about correcting chronic overbreathing also great for asthma sufferers) This did help but she did not persevere with it.I also bought the book by Patrick McKeown called Anxiety free. It features the Buteyko Breathing Method and comes with a CD. Eventually she saw a chiropracter because her chest and back had become very painful from the incorrect breathing that she was doing. He diagnosed Tietze syndrome. My understanding of what happened with her is as follows: She was anxious (lost her grandfather), she had a coughing fit and injured the cartridge around the ribs which caused her to be breathless, air hunger etc which in turn caused her anxiety to heighten which caused her to hyperventilate which worsened the
the Tietze syndrome and so the cycle began. She had become anxious about her breathing and thought about it constantly etc. Treatment to date is weekly visits to the chiropracter, weekly visits to a lady who does the Alexander Technique ( Postural techniques), changed diet to mainly vegan, Psychiatrist for the anxiety ( who has put her on some meds) There has been a huge improvement. She hardly takes very deep breaths anymore and then when she does it is normally when she is very stressed but they don't continue for long periods. I believe there is not a miracle pill that is going to cure all. I feel one needs to combine treating the mind, the body and the soul and I often tell her when she gets frustrated that " Rome was not built in a day" and that she has battled this for 6 years so its gonna take some time to improve. I want all of you who are suffering with the air hunger feeling that you are not alone. Take care.
A CNN article appeared today that you might find interesting or hopefully useful.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/04/health/ramprasad-depression/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/04/health/ramprasad-depression/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
I am so sorry that you lost your father. If I understand correctly, this breathing problem for began when he died. That is a very understandable reaction. I started a very bad period with breathing when my husband was in the hospital. I decided I would exercise by walking laps around the hospital and I was suddenly out of breath and panicking that I was having a heart attack. This sounds to me like exactly what is happening with you. It was because I had so much sickness around me that I thought it was happening to me. I have a neighbor who lost her husband and a few weeks later she had a panic attack while she was out for a walk and felt she was dying. She call 911. You just need some time to get back to feeling that the world is a safe place. Climbing stairs does make most people out of breath and makes the heart beat faster, but it is hard now for you to remember that and keep it in perspective. Cognitive behavioral therapy might help. Mostly, time will help. You are only 18 and you lost your father. It is very reasonable to feel very stressed. But it will get better. Maybe slowly, but it will get better. It is good you had all those tests so you know 100 percent that there is nothing wrong with your lungs and heart. That doesn't mean that what you feel isn't real. If you are breathing deliberately, it changes the way that breathing feels. And it is impossible to just stop thinking about it, that will take time. Distract yourself by spending time with people, do things you enjoy. Maybe train for a 5K or a half marathon. This will help you be out of breath and realize that it's OK. Take care.
thank you guys,i get so much satisfied and relieved,when i get advices and opinion of people who have been through this phase..its very much reassuring..i guess i have to believe it anxiety,after all i have no other choice..these days even when i climb stairs my breathing rate becomes so high,i wonder what just happens to me..it never happened to me before..and then boom,all the anxiety is back..it terrifies me..i mean ok i feel as if my breathing is laboured and that might be psychological,but why my breathing rate becomes high when i climb stairs,can that be also psychological..??please do answer me if you have been through this..
It is common to have the breathlessness in any position, your focusing on it so much that's all your thinking about. It took me almost a month before I felt better, using slow deep breathing thru the nose and out the mouth and distracting myself with anything I could. You have to remember it's in your mind, you are ok, even if you dont feel like your ok, YOU ARE. Mind over matter. Although that is easier said then done, but you will feel better.
I have been experiencing exactly the same problems as you are I constantly feel warn out and that I am thinking about my breathing and need to take deep breathes. I could not believe it was anxiety as it's come on all of a sudden for no reason. I feel like I'm stuck in a viscous circle and can't get out of it . I had tests and everything came back fine! So I have had to accept that it's anxiety now and am going to try counselling or cbt treatment. It's horrible mate just try and be strong and we will sort it out!
hey,guys im really worried these days,i just wanted to know can anxiety cause breathlessness while lying also.?im just tired of facing this breathlessness all the time..nothing can help me out..
im glad that i got response from someone,who actually went through this terrifying situation,which now im facing unluckily.im just tired of this situation..and it surprises me when doc says that my heart and lungs are fine..i keep on wondering that what has happened to me..i feel so bad all the time,whereas others say im fine..i really dont know whether i will get over this situation someday or not..its so awful..
I had this for a very long time. It feels very real. It felt like I couldn't get a full breath, ever. But I had 100 percent oxygen, so I really did, it was just a feeling, like a cramp in my chest. It got better, but very very gradually. You have to distract yourself and think about other things. If a cognitive behavioral therapist can help with that you should try that. I know how very real it feels, but you should try to believe your doctors that they don't see anything wrong. But it is very common to feel the way you do. It feels horrible, and it doesn't go away quickly, but it can go away eventually. I spent a whole year monitoring my breathing after someone in the family had a lung problem. I was breathing too fast, forcing it, being conscious of each breath, like it wouldn't happen correctly if I didn't do it consciously. But I eventually got over it, and you can too. Not right away, but little by little, you will find that you can go for longer periods without thinking about your breathing. Really! you can do it.
i really dont understand that how can a psychological issue be so strong that can make me feel breathless,i feel as if i will pass out..and yeah in my area there are no good therapists help me out..
i wanted to tell that i have had ultrasound and ecg done,and doctors have said that my heart is totally fine,only my heartbeat was faster..and doctor even looked at my previous chest xray and said my lungs are also fine..and i shouldnt be wondering about breathing issue..he gave me vitamin and an antidepressent..he actually said that why i am getting tensed,when there is no problem with my lungs and heat,whereas what i keep on feeling the whole day is horrible for me as if my breathing is laboured and i have to force my breath..wondering what will happen the next moment.but yeah the results did satisfy me alot...
Tachycardia (increased heart rate) is perfectly normal and to be expected with anxiety. Have you made plans to seek out professional help for the anxiety? That's a must!
thanks for ur support..i just wanted to share that today i visited a general physician..he said after looking at my chest xray,that my lungs are in good condition,and that there is nothing to worry about.then he checked my heart rate and said that it was little bit higher than normal and said that i could have an ecg done..now im worried that does a higher heart rate be considered a red flag for me..i mean im so tensed..can higher heart be considered as a heart condition or can it be something else..i mean i have heard that when we try to take long or deep breaths our heart beat increases naturally..im so confused right now..
I'm sorry you're still struggling with this. A few things I want to mention...
Anxiety largely involves us focusing on the FEAR instead of the FACTS. That's a first step you can take to help get this under control, when you start feeling anxious and start having those "what if" thoughts, replace them with facts.
Example...."What if I have a heart condition?" (FEAR)
Answer..."I have seen (by your own words) the BEST specialist in my area and have been thoroughly assessed. The doctor has said that I'm in good health, and none of the tests showed anything wrong (which they would). I'm young and healthy which would make my chances of having a serious heart condition very very minimal." (FACTS)
A therapist will help you learn how to do that kind of reprogramming of your thinking process. You're stuck in that anxious cycle of thinking. You feel anxious....you start "what iffing".....your anxiety increases......the "what if" thoughts worsen. It's a vicious cycle for sure.
I strongly suggest that you seek out the help of a therapist, preferably one well versed in CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Also, you MUST stop searching the internet for topics that relate to your fears. That's like throwing gasoline on a fire for your anxiety. It's NOT a good idea at all.
Best to you, please update us when you can! Make an appt for yourself today! Get that ball rolling!
Anxiety largely involves us focusing on the FEAR instead of the FACTS. That's a first step you can take to help get this under control, when you start feeling anxious and start having those "what if" thoughts, replace them with facts.
Example...."What if I have a heart condition?" (FEAR)
Answer..."I have seen (by your own words) the BEST specialist in my area and have been thoroughly assessed. The doctor has said that I'm in good health, and none of the tests showed anything wrong (which they would). I'm young and healthy which would make my chances of having a serious heart condition very very minimal." (FACTS)
A therapist will help you learn how to do that kind of reprogramming of your thinking process. You're stuck in that anxious cycle of thinking. You feel anxious....you start "what iffing".....your anxiety increases......the "what if" thoughts worsen. It's a vicious cycle for sure.
I strongly suggest that you seek out the help of a therapist, preferably one well versed in CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Also, you MUST stop searching the internet for topics that relate to your fears. That's like throwing gasoline on a fire for your anxiety. It's NOT a good idea at all.
Best to you, please update us when you can! Make an appt for yourself today! Get that ball rolling!
hey guys im posting after alot of days,but its just that i couldnt get over my breathlessness issue..just when i try to forget everything,again i start feeling worse..i wonder can it be a heart condition,im worried,after reading alot of posts on net..but then i see,that i do not have any risk factors which can contribute in my breathlessness issue,i mean i have never smoked,im only eighteen.and neither im overweight and if i had an inborn issue in my heart then why didnt its symptoms appear earlier..seriously guys im feeling worse then before..i even couldnt control my excessive yawning and secondly i wanted to ask can a chest xray highlight heart condition,that whether it is fine or not..
You summarized the issue and made a perfect recommendation here. "they will not be able to identify anything for me.because the chest specialist whom i visited is claimed to be the best doc in our area."
Check out the self help books and stay away from more docs is your best path unless you have the means to pay for therapy today, as it is likely the fastest route to dealing with anxiety. Also read this list of anx resources. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Anxiety/REPOSTING-LIST-OF-ANXIETY-RESOURCES/show/2076448
Check out the self help books and stay away from more docs is your best path unless you have the means to pay for therapy today, as it is likely the fastest route to dealing with anxiety. Also read this list of anx resources. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Anxiety/REPOSTING-LIST-OF-ANXIETY-RESOURCES/show/2076448
yeah ,for me there is no other choice..i mean i went to a chest specialist and a general physician,but the only thing thing they can identify is either its tension or allergy..and it cant be allergy since i used an inhaler and asthma med,but they didnt help me a bit..sometimes i think to visit a heart specialist,but my family says they are only going to confuse me further.and since im only 18 and i have no risk factors,so there is no use of going to doc.birdie0907 what do u recommend,i mean what does your experience say?i mean is chest specialist's diagnosis fine for me,and are chest xrays and pft test enough to identify my problem..or have i missed up anything..even my sixth sense says,that even if i visit more doctors,its gonna be no use and i will get confused further..they will not be able to identify anything for me.because the chest specialist whom i visited is claimed to be the best doc in our area.and i have seen many patients heading towards recovery by his given treatment..so what do u say,should i keep patience?i mean god for bit,if u were on my place,what would you do?
We can't diagnose you so if you are concerned yes, see doc to make sure you do not have a problem.
aadursh has been diagnosed with no breathing problem so for her it is a matter of believing the doctor's diagnosis, using some of the tools that ng and I suggested. A self help book will list more. Meds are a last resort.
aadursh has been diagnosed with no breathing problem so for her it is a matter of believing the doctor's diagnosis, using some of the tools that ng and I suggested. A self help book will list more. Meds are a last resort.
I came across this post accidentally while thinking I might have anxiety.This is the same way i feel all the time.I am 29 and i have been like this from my teenage i guess and learnt to accept this way of living.I do work in front of a computer and my interaction with people is limited and even at home i do sit in front of tv or television and stopped interacting with people. While I am in front of PC or tv or reading i do feel shortness of breath. should i take med help?
yeah,i know i have to be strong,to get rid of this disease or whatsoever.i wish someday i could overcome my fear,like you did.the point is whenever i try to forget my this issue,again something happens which makes me feel worse.i mean these days for me even climbing stairs is a big thing.l feel breathless.i mean its a normal thing that people do get breathless,after climbing stairs,but it never happened with me before.many people say that in state of anxiety,adrenaline causes this to happen.....while many people associate it with heart failure.this thing terrifies me.. i, mean i did have a chest xray,and if anything was wrong with my heart,the chest specialist might have figured out??
You outlined the problem nicely here. "i feel i have a some kind of mystery disease that doc cant figure out,and this thing upsets me.i guess anxiety is playing with me tricks,otherwise at least something would have showed up on my chest xray"
The key to getting rid of anxiety is to stop worrying that there is a mystery disease. If you are unable to look at this problem from "outside the box", perhaps a self-help book can help you through it. Otherwise try therapy which will cost you more. I had a fear of flying at one time after my plane lost power and glided between mountain tops, shaking like it would fall apart. I was able to overcome it with a light hypnosis which didn't make me cluck like a chicken or any of those other stage show hypnosis tricks. Perhaps you can get a book on hypnosis and try to self hypnotize - I could have done it on my own if I had read about it beforehand.
All the hypnotist did was have me relax in his chair and tell me to focus on what I would be doing at the end of the trip (The secret was to stop thinking about what would happen if my plane crashed - which it wouldn't anyway but the hypnotist didn't even discuss this silly fear) - kind of like what you have for a problem a need to refocus from what happens if you stop breathing (you will not stop breathing so the fear is groundless) to what fun you will have when you get up after a night of sleep. Then he gave me a line to recite whenever I got on a plane and it worked to relax me. "I relax quickly and easily, living life to the fullest day by day"
Not everyone can get rid of anxiety but many including myself have, so don't give up.
The key to getting rid of anxiety is to stop worrying that there is a mystery disease. If you are unable to look at this problem from "outside the box", perhaps a self-help book can help you through it. Otherwise try therapy which will cost you more. I had a fear of flying at one time after my plane lost power and glided between mountain tops, shaking like it would fall apart. I was able to overcome it with a light hypnosis which didn't make me cluck like a chicken or any of those other stage show hypnosis tricks. Perhaps you can get a book on hypnosis and try to self hypnotize - I could have done it on my own if I had read about it beforehand.
All the hypnotist did was have me relax in his chair and tell me to focus on what I would be doing at the end of the trip (The secret was to stop thinking about what would happen if my plane crashed - which it wouldn't anyway but the hypnotist didn't even discuss this silly fear) - kind of like what you have for a problem a need to refocus from what happens if you stop breathing (you will not stop breathing so the fear is groundless) to what fun you will have when you get up after a night of sleep. Then he gave me a line to recite whenever I got on a plane and it worked to relax me. "I relax quickly and easily, living life to the fullest day by day"
Not everyone can get rid of anxiety but many including myself have, so don't give up.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
