I began to have the random quick intake of air breaths a few years back. I now feel I know what mine is. I believe they are a form of either motor or auditory tics. (Think Tourette’s syndrome.)
I recently was prescribed a nasal corticosteroid spray for a nasal polyp, and after a few days on it, I began to have head motor tics. (They are SOO annoying!) Even after stopping the spray over a week ago, I am still having head tics dozens and dozens of times a day. And I realized today (after I had an involuntary quick breath in) that the overall physical feeling of the head tics are quite similar to my quick random breath intakes.
In my research, I have discovered that the belief of a connection between low dopamine levels and motor/auditory tics. Corticosteroids can cause dopamine levels to lower. I also know I have had other times in my life where my dopamine levels drop (D-MER) , so perhaps I am someone who does not have Tourette’s Syndrome but I am more prone to have tics due to having dopamine levels drop. (Also, diets high in sugar can cause our natural dopamine making process to malfunction, so high stress/anxiety equals lower dopamine which can cause tics and for those of us who then eat a lot of sugar to get through stress/anxiety, it can also affect our dopamine.)
So I believe that dopamine levels are to blame for our random quick sudden breaths. I think they are motor/auditory tics.
I hope my head tics go away soon. I truly feel for people with TS. It’s awful. =(
I had to respond to this question as I also experience the sudden, vibrating, intakes of breath. My own occurred as a consequence of my respiratory system failing after chemical pneumonia from a work exposure. There were so many consequences of this that I am still unsure of the precise cause of intakes of breath. However I have managed to learn that the upper respiratory tract senses the presence of carbon dioxide which then stimulates the autonomic respiratory action which triggers normal breathing. As current medical investigations indicate that I am suffering from alkalosis, in which high levels of oxygen are present but little carbon dioxide, there simply isn't sufficient carbon dioxide present to stimulate normal breathing processes and I rely upon pelvic breathing for intake of air. Aside from the likelihood that the chemical may have damaged my upper respiratory tracts ability to sense the presence of carbon dioxide and the sudden intakes of breath may indicate intermittent sensing of it, triggering the huge and unusual breaths.
I am a 50 year old woman, who currently is going thru menopause. Lately, out of the blue, my body has started taking an involuntary deep breath which comes by itself when I am regularly breathing. It happens every day maybe several times. Since I had an upcoming visit with my cardiologist, I thought I would mention it to him. He told me not to pay attention to it, that sometimes the body might need more oxygen and it will automatically take a deeper breath. He checked my heart and did not find anything out of the ordinary, I have inverted t-waves but this has been happening forever and a day, I am what they call asymptomatic, and it is not uncommon for some people to have this condition. My stress tests, holter monitor tests, etc... have all come back positive, so I know and the doctor has confirmed that there is nothing wrong with my heart; it is just the way my heart functions. While the doctors explanation does not set my mind at ease 100% because I ask myself why did this just start up all of sudden, I try not to think about it and go on with my day. If I start to think about it too much, then I find myself regulating my breath and that just makes me feel anxious and worse. I have read the comments here and I have to say that I don't think it has anything to do with a prior condition or any medication. I have never had the health issues stated here, nor do I take any of the medications mentioned & yet I have this weird condition. What I have gone thru was a total thyroidectomy due to a cancerous nodule, but that happened like 5 years ago and this started just recently. I did not go thru radiation treatment as I opted out & praise the Lord I continue to be cancer free. I also had epilepsy since I was a little girl and just recently was removed from the medication that I took all my life due to elevated liver enzymes. I thought maybe it was a side effect of not taking the pill anymore, but I don't know, will ask the neurologist when I see him soon. Like I said I am menopausal & I have so many different symptoms it can be overwhelming. I would like to feel normal just one day. Overall, I don't think this is something serious, but will keep tabs on it. If anyone else has updates regarding this, please post as so many of us are going thru this without no clear answer. I will continue to trust in the Lord, He will see me thru. I pray that all of you feel better. God bless all of you!
I have no answer But just want to share I've had this problem for over three years now. Unfortunatly I live with it now. Mine is all day long and at night I sleep with a CPAP machine.
I had been to a lot of specialists and no one seem to be able to figure it out. Non have ever seen anyone with it before. One doctor concluded its like a "movement disorder" another related it with Touretts Syndrom.
When in public I startle people. My boyfriend turns up the music when driving to drown it out otherwise he slams on the breaks thinking something bad is happening.
When I get hiccups it sounds horrific and hurts but they don't last long at all
I hope someday I can get an answer and also a cure to stop it from happening.
Thanks for listening
I'm 37 m and my symptoms are the same started three years ago suddenly, seems eating or long periods of resting make it worse and feels like it's from my abdomen
I've had chronic anxiety and panic disorder for several years, but I just discovered something that may be life changing for others.
There is a nerve that connects the brain to nearly every single major organ in the body known as the vagus nerve. By taking slow, deep breaths, we trigger the vagus into giving us what amounts to a dose of tranquilizer! Since beginning this practice last week, I haven't had a single episode of random gasping for air. The biochemicals released when you practice this control the release of cortisol, which causes inflammation and a slew of disorders including heart disease. Learn how to "tone" your vagus nerve and free yourself from anxiety. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201705/diaphragmatic-breathing-exercises-and-your-vagus-nerve
Hi ReadinginEden. It was good to hear you were able to get 2 weeks of sleep. It helps to know it can get better even though you're having a rough time now. No I don't have a Deviated Septum, yet our symptoms are the same. The longest I can go is 2 weeks too with normal sleep, then back to problems. It does seem to be at it's worst in the early mornings. Good Luck with the sleep specialist. It don't think my problem is Apnea related. I don't ever stop breathing or feel like I can't get air. It's just a abnormal sharpe breath that can come in the middle of a normal breath. If it's ok let me know how it went with the specialist. Keep the Faith the answer will come.
sleep_e
Hope you've been able to get some sleep ReadingInEden. I'd like to hear how you're doing. Our symptoms are exactly the same (they only happen when I try to sleep not during the day) My "thing" has been pretty bad since the 4th of July. I'm getting about 3 hrs. of sleep a night if i'm lucky.
I have the same problem. I've posted about it 2 years ago under sleep-e. It has been off & on for about 4 years. I just went 2 weeks with no problem and now last 2 days symptoms back (just as you describe) maybe 2 hours of sleep. I'm sure the heart pounding is caused by the anxiety of knowing you won't be able to fall back asleep. I get the same thing. If I didn't get the involuntary inhales I would sleep just fine. I've tried a Benzo (Clonazepam .5 mg) and it helps me get 3 straight hours of sleep. I didn't need for the last 2 weeks,but will take tonight. I'm still trying to figure this thing out too. Stay strong, the answer is out there .
Has anyone found a solution? Or at least a placebo? The involuntary inhale of breath started for me 6 months ago (January). Sleep used to be so easy for me, but then a few years ago I began to have blocked sinuses. Eventually, I learned I had a deviated septum. So sleep just became semi more difficult to obtain. Then came January. This “thing” came out of nowhere and kept me awake for three days. It eventually lessened, but it came and went the months to follow – only happening when I’m close to sleep. But now it’s doing it every time I try to sleep. I’ll blissfully nod off and *sniff* my nose inhales enough to wake me, and my heart starts pounding. And once my heart starts pounding, it’ll stay that way all night. I know it must be a number of things: stress, my deviated nose.
But why did it start in the first place? And why is it getting worse? Last night I got no sleep at all. I’m scared it’ll be like this for the rest of my life.
I wondered if anyone found anything that helped them control it or at least stay asleep when it happens?
Panama85,
Sunshine of Michigan,
Well in Michigan they approved the medical marijuana law, but it has created a huge problem in apartment living because the smell is seeping into my apartment at night and I will cover my nose with my blanket and I will try not to breed deep afraid of inhaling the smell and smoke into my system and that's when it all started. But if I am outside in the fresh air, it doesn't happen. I complained to the landlord and she said she's working on the problem. If the problem is not resolved by August, I will be moving. I am 62 and I don't need to be exposed to that.
I have Sleep Apnea, have had it for years and use a CPAP every night. I've never had the sudden breath intake problem before. Since August 26, 2016. I was in a chemical accident where I was doused with gasoline for approximately 45 seconds. Needless to say it burned my eyes, as well as ingesting and breathing both fumes and liquid. I have had chemical pneumonia since then. That is when my sudden breath intake began. I will either be stationary or ambulatory and it will occur, day or night. My belief is it is a pulmonary issue. You might want to check to see if you have come into contact with chemicals, even if you were in a room where someone was using a strong cleaner that was overwhelming. Deffinately see a pulmonologist.
I was told by my doctor that the "sob breathes" were due to being fatigued.
What is "sobbing breaths' attributed to?
My mom (52) has similar problem. Though it does not hurt but still is discomforting as the reason is not known. One person mentioned that it stopped for her after stopping neurotin. Hope for my mom also it stops.
She is currently taking TB medicine as well as Neurotin for partial seizures.
I am a 68-year-old female, and I have been having these involuntary breaths for about two weeks. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago but do not use the CPAP machine. I wake myself up out of a deep sleep when I have held my breath and gasped for air. It doesn't seem to bother me, as I feel rested after eight hours of sleep and do not feel sleep deprived. I don't like this sudden involuntary breathing.
I too lost a child 4 years ago. Have been under a lot of stress with her leaving five kids. The snorts (I call them) just started after a copd exacerbation episode for which I was hospitalized. I Have been home for 3 weeks snorting. Had sleep study, 02 was dropping to 70. They said I just stop breathing. Smoker for 48 years I quit six months ago, overweight, I am 60, have panic attacks, both hips replaced. Sound a mess. Also get acid reflux. I Was on steroids and wondering their effect on this. When I came home this last time. my back hurts if I stand longer than five minutes, the left side of my bum goes numb and I have to sit down, and the snorting stared. So this really makes me wonder about a pinched nerve issue causing it from laying up In the bed for weeks. I do catch myself not breathing and shallow breathing, they make a breathing tube called a flutter/flute. I have started using that to build lung capacity and it also breaks up mucus. Going to do the breathing exercise someone else suggested too. I'm hoping to find an answer here, I see a lot of ideas.
Very sorry for your loss, no one should have to feel the pain of losing a child should they.
I have been taking medication to lower blood pressure and now I have a low heart rate (52 thumps a minute). I have a feeling this might be the cause of my involuntary breaths,gasp,sighs (whatever) as my problem started about the same time too.
I was reading about what Natalie Cole just died from and I have those same symptoms. Which seems similar to what you are speaking of here.
I am a 69-yo male who started having this breathing issue about 10 days ago. Every so often I find myself taking a deep, sighing breath and on the inhale I have that sob interruption. My theory is that in my case it is caused by my starting to take a beta-blocker which reduced my pulse by about 33% around the same time these symptoms started, and that I take these deep breaths in order to compensate for shallow breathing and lower oxygen uptake due to a slower pulse. That does not explain the hitch or sob during the inhalation, however. If I find out anything more, I will reply again.
I have to say that I also enjoy my sudden involuntary intakes of breath and find them relaxing and strangely comforting. I too feel oxygenated and whilst relaxed also feel invigorated. They somehow seem to 'cleanse' and clear my brain in readiness for sleep. I've recently had reason to have my blood oxygen checked and it was absolutely fine. I personally think it's a perfectly normal bodily instinct for survival, a natural oxygen leveler at times of physical stress (illness), emotional stress or environmental stress.
I'm 62, overweight (according to national statistics), Hypothyroidic (for 33+ years), family history of cardiac problems, still working, still happy (probably because I'm now single) and still loving life. I realise some people are very poorly and they have my greatest sympathy, but really folks I think de-stressing, chilling out and being more laid back is more of a lifesaver than any medication. Que Sera Sera.
I wouldn't be without my 'sharp intakes of breath' - love 'em!!
I wish you all the best.
BQSS
Hi, the involuntary breaths also happen to me and started when I was pregnant with my first child 12 years ago. I would like to know what kind of cancer you had and if you had any other symptoms. I would love to hear back form you.
Yes I also enjoy them. They started a few years ago, when I was about 56, and after going through a particularly stressful several years. I get them infrequently, like once a week. It does seems to relieve stress, it's calming - and feels good.
I've also got the same problem and after studying all comments on this thread the first thing that jumps out mostly is the strong connection to sharp intake of breath and sleep problems. The reason for my sleep problems are due to severe depression. Sleep depravation can obviously be due to many different reasons but mostly as I've observed here it's the most common reason for the sharp intake if breath syndrome on this thread . The second one seems to be thyroid problems. We know that most doctors are a bit dismissive of this condition and I think we should be a bit more demanding of our GP's. It is uncomfortable for some, a nuisance, can be embarrassing not to mention worrying. So! I for one am going to now push for some tests to be done which a lot of GP practice's are reluctant to do unless its an obvious matter of life and death due to the financial impact it has on their practice's...these tests cost them which makes an unwelcome dent in their budget...I think it's only the people who insist and won't be fobbed off with perhaps a home remedy suggestion? Are the people who are heard. Whilst we respect the fact they have a budget I feel it should still be taken more seriously.
We have to look after ourselves so let's all give an extra push...maybe talk a bit louder...or listen to their suggestion and then repeat what we want....(at least a referral) ... That would be a good start right! We need to make sure we are healthy after all we pay our national health so they should help..let's not be put off OK. Good luck everyone and I wish you good health. Right I'll step down off my soap box now.