Strange Involuntary Breath

[vijisep18]

I am a 38 year old female, non-smoker and have no weight problems, and no known health problems.

Over the past two years, I've had numerous episodes where my body takes involuntary deep breaths, one every 7-8 minutes, interspersed with my normal breathing.  The intake of breath can be when inhaling or exhaling, and it when it occurs, it disrupts a normal breath.  Often the involuntary breath feels "catchy" as if I'd been crying or sobbing when in fact I have not.  

When the involuntary breaths first started, Sometimes I would go for 3 months without an episode, but then it would come back again, last for a few weeks and go away again.

Within the past 4 months, I had a horrible cold, and then a bad case of bronchitis.  The involuntary breathing has started up with the cold, and it is now contiunous, every 7 to 10 minutes or so.

I recently had an upper endoscopy, and finished a regiment for h pylori bacteria, however this annoying problem remains.

Is it possible this could be related to stess?

I've mentioned it to my doctor, and she doesn't seem to be concerned about it,  Unfortunately, it is of concern to me, and I have no idea what might be causing it.

Any assistance that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.

[Lebz]

Hi,
I am a male 41 years old. I have lived with exactly what you are discribing for my whole life. I am told that it started when I was a few months old, my parents were baffled, checked with few doctors, who never understood what they were talikng about, the problem eased off and they stopped seeking advice.

In 1975 -76, at seven years old,it must have been worse because, for the first time I recognised it, and it got my parents panicking and once again searching for answers. I spent two years of what I think were intensive check ups at the hospital in Johannesburg. After countless tests, they recommended that, parents should try not to upset me, gave some new pillows, cant remember if there was any medication.

My spasms just as you discribe it, normally kick in when I am asleep, I dont remember it ever starting when I am awake. when I was a child, it was something that would happen in my sleep and go, without me even recognising it. and the following day I would be fine. Thrughout my high school years I was an athlete, and it gave me a break-it became my childhood thing of the past. (1985-89)


Late 1990s, it came back again, much stronger, and longer lasting. Since 2004, it comes intermittently, not regular, I have been trying to understand what brings it up, alcohol, sex, excercise ,,,stress ,,No. Lately, it really has a lasting effect, starts during sleep, and now it lasts whole day and makes me feel tired and sluggish. When I catch my breath during the night, it so forceful that it really scarce my wife and the noise wakes up each time.  

In 2005, I underwent a number tests, at one of big hospitals in Johannesburg.. after struggling to explain to doctors who look at me like a fool, the ECG, heart monitor machine was attached to me overnight, but the results were normal-of course I had a normal night. Some other tests and screening to check for heart size, defect, etc, were made all good.

I still leave with this thing, and last week it was so bad I had to get out of bed, spasms so frequent I had to get out of bed, for the rest of the night. The most frustrating thing is that - No Doctor seem to understand what I am talking about. They always look at me like I am crazy. That is so frustrating to me.

It still very irregular and unpredictable as ever. And at times I feel sure that most likely, it is my ticket out of this world. Just a matter of time.

I dont know what to do. I am currently studying so out of medical aid even.

let me know, if you get help, I am so certain we are talking about the same thing.
Good luck
  

[hava]

Do the pranayam for 5 minutes each, everyday, and your breathing problem will ease after a few weeks.The extra oxygen going into the lungs will regulate your body systems. If you feel tired or dizzy stop, and resume after one minute.Build up your timing slowly.Let me know how you feel after four weeks of pranayam. You can increase your timing, if you are fighting some other health problems as well.

Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose.Duration upto 5 minutes.

Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 15 to 30 minutes twice a day.  Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Anulom Vilom - Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.