Desperate for Answers

I have recently had a similar issue. My doctor took x-rays of my lungs and thinks that I may have developed asthma from allergy's. I am now using an inhaler, but it is too soon to really know. But, he is the greatest doctor... I have gone to him for years and he has never been wrong and is always very patient and helpful. His name is Joel Adkisson at Southcrest Family Physicians. His number is probably in the phone book, but I would recommend him to anyone.

Oh my goodness. This is the same thing that happens to me and I have never been abble to describe it that well. It feels like I just ate the biggest meal of my life and I can not take a deep breath. If you find out what the problem is please let me know. I am going to ask my doctor when I go net week. I did have the same thing when I was a kid and I had an endoscopy done, they gave me zantac to take before i ate. It went away for a while, but now I feel like I can't catch my breath anytime, I dont have to be full from eating to feel like this. Weird, I have never heard of anyone else with this. Good Luck

I have the same problem sometimes. The doctor doesn't know what it is. If you get any answers let me know b/c I am at a loss. I have had mine since I was a teenager and I am 27 now. It sucks

I have always suffered with shortness of breath. Some people just don't have the same lung capacity that others do. By worrying about it you are honestly probably causing it to be worse by being so hyper-sensitive to the problem. You can do exercises to increase your lung capacity, just like swimmers do. Blow out slowly - and then take long breaths in filling your lungs - hold it for a few seconds. Do this a few times a day. It is also relaxing. Then just do your normal things. Be thankful that your tests have come back with nothing identified. You're healthy, just breathe as naturally as you can and don't "think" about it. Enjoy each day to the fullest and be glad you can.

Well since you have went and had tests done and they come back normal it could be Panic attacks and that can be caused by many reasons even some medications. I know several people who took cholesteral medication and it caused panic attacks and they still had them even after they quit taking the medication. If you are at a desk job and your posture tends to hunch forward that can affect your breathing because your airway isn't as open. If you want to take something for Panic attacks but don't want to get a perscription go to you local health food store and see what they have to calm you. St Johns wart is a good one unless you are on birth control because it can make the birth control less effective. I was taking that and I ended up calling them because I didn't think it was working and they said it may take a couple of weeks so I just upped the doseage by one and that helped but they may have other things at the health food store. Also something to look into is Silent Reflux you have very vague symptoms but NO heart burn. I was sick for a year and by a fluke found out that is what i had and I started taking Tums and my exhuastion went away and then I read an article and realized that had been my problem so I got Marshmallow root instead of like nexium and I am so much better I sleep soundly at night now (which i didn't realize I wasn't) my exhaustion is gone and my head feels clearer.
Something else you could try at the health food store is Pure Lavender or Natures Sunshine has something called ____ Calm I can't remember the whole name but if you go to their website it will tell you.
I hope some of this helps.

I went through a time like this too, and I still do on rare occasions. FOR ME it just honestly turned out to be a lack of sleep, maybe combined with a little stress. I wouldn't call what I experienced a panic attack because to me those come and go, but I felt that way all day long. For me, working hard to get more sleep and maybe doing some relaxation exercises helped and it did eventually go away. I would double check that spot on your lung (although our organs can sometimes just have harmless spots on them). Follow your instincts and if you really feel something is wrong keep talking to your doctor. But sometimes it is the simple solutions that will make us feel better. I hope you feel better soon.

A.,
First of all, you said you have a small spot on your lung. Having a mother who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which then moved to her lung I can tell you without reservation, get a second opinion! More than likely everything is just fine but it's important when you hear news like that to do more investigating. I'm honestly not trying to scare you but, they told my mom that she was in remission with only a tiny spot on her lung and three months later when she went back in for her check-up she was told the cancer had spread through her entire body. She is no longer with us after almost four years of treatment. I feel it's important to remind women that they are just as important as the people they take care of. Sometimes as women, we're so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to give our bodies the attention they deserves as well. It's important that you take charge of your body if the doctors don't seem concerned and find a doctor who will listen. Have you had a mammogram done recently? My mom always took care of everyone. She was so busy taking care of others that when she discovered her lump she was diagnosed Stage 4 (which is the worse stage). I am not a pessimistic person A. I just want you and all other women to get the best care that we all deserve. After all, if we're unhealthy how can we care for our loved ones around us in an effective manner. You're in my prayers,

T. S~ Collinsville, OK

You may consider seeing a chiropractor. I grew up with asthma and I felt like that a lot. But as I grew out of it my pulmonary function tests were becoming normal, but I still felt like I had to try for a deep breath and I was always yawning. My dr didn't want to medicate me cause my test were normal, so I started seeing a chiropractor. With regular adjustments it gave my lungs more room to breath and helped me rely a lot less on my fast acting inhealor. Just my opinion. It's NOT all in your head, see a dr soon.

It sounds to me like panic disorder. I know that's the last thing you want to hear. It was not what I wanted to hear in 1996 when I was finally diagnosed. What a relief when I finally accepted it for what it was and found the perfect medication for me (I have no side effects whatsoever and I do not have to see a therapist nor a psychiatrist. I get my medication from a Family Practice Doctor and he calls it in to the pharmacy for me once a month).

I never tell people that I have Panic Disorder, but I'm sharing now because honestly, it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's no different than having diabetes--and I wouldn't be ashamed to tell people I have diabetes.

Different medications work differently for everyone. I take a small dose of Klonopin each day, and it has totally changed my life. I am as functional as everyone else I know, and I breathe deeply and freely without any problems any more!

I do encourage you to speak with your doctor and to try medication. It really will make a huge difference and you can get your life back!

Good luck to you,

A.

A.,
As a pulmonary patient I can well understand how you feel. First of all yawning is the result of your lungs trying to remove microatelectasis. Your lungs have zillions of little air sacks which is where the oxygen enters and carbon dioxide exits the blood. Here's a quick visual. Those air sacks (alveoli) should be all nice and explanded like grapes, but when we sleep or are inactive those grapes sorta collapse and start looking like raisins and oxygen doesn't transport well, SO you yawn and fill those alveoli back up. You say sometimes you can't take a deep breath, but you don't say how you are feeling before these episodes. Do they occur randomly or regularly ? You say you had a PF done but have you seen a pulmonologist ? It drives me crazy when doctors tell you it's all in your head and blow you off when you KNOW something's not right in YOUR body. I'll send you my email address by private notation if you want to talk or if I can do anything to help you. God bless. A.

Hey A., I know what you are going through. I go through it. It is anxiety/ panic attacks. I take a anti anxiety med for it and it helps for the most part. I have a lot going on in my life, as I am sure you do, so it doesn't help all the time but most of the time! Maybe you should talk to your dr about getting on something like that. Best of luck.

Don't give up. My husband was doing the same thing. Went and had a CT of chest done at beginning of year, it showed a small spot on the rt. lung. The doctor said not concern and they couldn't explain the shortness of breath. Well, long story short it went on for about 8mths and then we ended up in the hospital with pneumonia and almost dying. Stay on the doctors, change doctors or whatever. But don't let them dismiss it as nothing. I also had a friend that kept having chest pains and she was told that it was anxiety and all in her head. She had a massive heartattack and open heart surgery at the age of 45. My pediatrician tells me that if you feel something isn't right, then it usually isn't. So stay on the doctors until they can give you a answer that satisfy you.

It definately sounds like panic attaCKS OR ANXIETY TO ME. i HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 20 YRS. I AM 41 RIGHT NOW.i HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY DOCTORS THAT i WILL PROBABLY BE ON MEDICATION FOR MY WHOLE LIFE TO CONTROL IT. IT IS VERY DEBILITATING. I USED TO STAY HOME AND WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE OR GO ANYWHERE. I TRIED TAKING MYSELF OFF OF MY MEDS ONE TIME AND IT WAS HORRIBLE. I WAS BACK AT SQUARE ONE, UNABLE TO FUNCTION. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU IT IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD HAS APPARENTLY NEVER FELT THIS HORRIBLE DISORDER. IT IS A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE IN YOUR BRAIN. IT WOULD JUST HAPPEN AT RANDOM TIMES WITHOUT ANY WARNING. SPEAK TO A DOCTOR AND EXPLAIN WHAT YOU ARE FEELING.I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A PANIC DISORDER. YOURS COULD BE SOMETHING SIMILAR. HOPE THIS HELPS. ONCE I MY DOCTORS FOUND THE RIGHT MEDS, I COULD FINALLY LIVE MY LIFE AGAIN.

It sounds as though your brain is not getting enough oxygen. When I had these problems I had a sleep study done and it turns out I had a serious case of Sleep Apnea. I still at times have the same symptoms, and I know it IS my anxiety, but I actually don't feel I have that much to be anxious about. Sometimes mild medication is required. I talked with my doctor and 2mg valium is what he prescribed because I am not a 'medication' person. I rather deal with things naturally, anyway ocassionally when it gets ANNOYING I will take the little pill.
Best Wishes
B.

What was that spot in your lung? Are they checking it out? I'd go after that.

If it's stress, you'll know if you do some stress-relieving things and it's still there. Neurofeedback is great for stress. Go in for it - see a neurofeedback practitioner. The results are usually immediate.

But I'd *definitely* get that spot checked out.

L.

Just like Jenny, I have had the exact same problem since I was a teenager. While I have always been willing to consider that it might be anxiety, I DON'T FEEL ANXIOUS during one of these spells, except that they sometimes CAUSE a little anxiety. I have had all the testing done too...my pulmonary testing came back 25% abnormal, which was horrifying to me since I'm very healthy and active, but the pulmonologist says they aren't concerned until it's 50%, meaning you're disabled!!!

Some things that I have found help me are singing and exercise. I have 2 theories about it...if it IS anxiety, these 2 activities might help me relax. However, they also both cause me to breathe deeply on purpose and force my lungs to open completely as well. Tai chi also really helped. It's both relaxing and focuses on deep breathing. I hope this helps. I'd love to hear if you ever find a cause!

A.: I can relate to you. I know what you're going through is really scary and does consume your thoughts and energy. I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (one of my valves opens and closes the opposite of what it should) in 1990. The medicine the doctor put me on initially caused breathing difficulties such as you described--not being able to get deep breaths, yawning, etc. It was not only stressful (which made it worse) and dangerous (sometimes the yawning started while I was driving), but embarrassing also (especially in church). I told my doctor I didn't think it was fair that I had to choose between having my heart beat right or breathing! Eventually the beta blocker I was taking to slow down my heart rate kicked in and the problem is less noticeable. But he also told me that practicing Yoga might help, as it teaches you deep breathing exercises and how to relax. I did do it for awhile and it was effective. I see that you don't seem to have a heart problem, however I do think that Yoga might help you to manage the panic that comes with not being able to breath more deeply until you can find out the medical reason for this problem. Hope my experience is a help to you.

Since the tests you've had done are all normal, you should really consider that you are having panic attacks. See your physician and have him recommend a therapist and possibly prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication. It is nothing to be ashamed of. I have had panic attacks for years and control them with medication and therapy.

Hi,

It does sound like you may be having panic attacks. I'm a dentist so I see that from time to time. If you can't calm yourself down - almost meditate - go to your MD and try a mild antianxiety drug. We prescribe them before treatment for a few patients and they work well. Once you begin having trouble breathing you tend to think about not being able to breathe and things get worse from there. You need something to help calm you and slow your reflexes. Meditation and yoga also help slow breathing. It's hard for your mind to win but hang in there, you can make it work!!

Wishing you the best!
M.

Good morning A.,

Bless your heart, I know this is very difficult because I have been through the exact same thing. I got sick about 3 years ago and couldn't breath - had the same symptoms you are having. The doctors couldn't really find much wrong, except for the spots in my lower right lung. I was told at first that it was pneumonia, then I was told it was probably endometriosis (yes, in my lung). They went in and removed the infected part where they could see the small spots. That didn't help and I do NOT recommend doing that. I still had a hard time breathing after that surgery. One of the doctors told me it was caused from inhaling a mold spore. We started looking through our house and found that our bathroom shower (the bathroom in our master bedroom) was leaking and there was mold all in the wall. I was really stressed out with work at the time and I believe my immune system was lowered enough for the mold to cause me a lot of problems. The doctors told me after they removed my lung and I was still having problems that it was panic attacks, too. I know if I start getting upset over it I won't be able to breath, so anxiety has something to do with it getting worse, but not the cause. I still have a hard time sometimes, mostly during this time of year. It is no where near as bad as it had been though. August seems to be the worst. I would suggest checking your house for mold. I would also suggest getting some olive leaf extract from Seagate. This product helped me more than anything else. If you're stressed out it will lower your immune system. Eating healthy will also help strengthen your immune system. Sorry to write so much... but I've been there. Keep your chin up. If you want you can email me direct, ____@____.com.

A., i know you'll get all sorts of answers....i've had that issue and it was allergies and asthmatic bronccitis...i take allergy shots now and use an inhaler....i guess you checked out the "small spot on lower right lung" issue....might try an allergist...the "air" has all kinds of stuff in it now...and the ozone limits effect your breathing...depending on where you live and if you have allergies that you don't even know about. Good luck...R.

A.,

Panic attacks are not ALL in your head. This is a very real disorder and can cause some of the symptoms you mention. Are you being treated for anxiety? But some of the things you are speaking of does not have anything to do with panic attacks. The yawning is a clear indication of oxygen hunger.
Now the question is --- What did they say about the spot on your lungs ? Why is it there? Have you had a mammogram recently and are you up to date on your pap smear, if not do this. But not on my advice go to another doctor. Have you been to Birmingham doctors? Kirklan clinic at UAB is a good place for getting a diagnosis.
And dear, panic attacks would be a normal occurance for anyone having difficulty breathing. Do not be afraid, the main fear is always not knowing what is going on. Blessings to you.
Fran

I used to have a similar problem, and all of the medical tests come back normal. I didn't see this yet, so...

You might have a vertebrae out of place...the right one (wrong one???) can cause trouble drawing a deep breath. A chiropractor can help TREMENDOUSLY.

Also, you can have your PH tested. People with acidosis tend to yawn, sigh and try to breathe deep but still feel uncomfortable. The extra oxygen helps balance the PH and our bodies know this, so there's a struggle to keep getting more oxygen.

I would definitely have a second opinion on the spot!

Good luck,
~K.

you might go back to a different doctor i had a severe allergic reaction to dust? weird i know ! which ended up as phenumonia/bronchitis i dont think they really knew either but i was in the hospital 3 days and it all started because i felt like i couldnt breeath they had me on oxygen steriods to open my lungs so mybe try a diffeerent doctor

Hi A.,

I have had similar symptoms that you have described, however mine usually pass after a day. Usually when it happens I also feel like I have something in my throat that I can't swallow. To have to go through it 24/7 must be miserable. I'm not sure why it happens but lucky for me it passes. I'm guessing that it is probably stress related. Keep praying and I hope you the best!

A.
It sounds like anxiety. It will make you feel like you cannot breathe or swallow. There are many medication available for this, so talk to your doctor about it. I thought I may be having a stroke when I was diagnosed with anxiety. I was put on a combination of two medication and they worked wonderful. I learned over the years to control the anxiety and no longer take meds. That is not possible for everyone. Some people believe diet plays a part in anxiety, I do not. All this MSG stuff does is give me heart burn.
Talk to your doctor, let him guide you in the direction you need to go. Do not be afraid of medications, they work. Anxiety and panic are very real, and can really affect your daily living. Good Luck

S. Miller

S. Miller

Hey A.,
I wish I had an answer for you...I have friends who have experienced panic attacks, etc, and they say it's terrifying! Have you asked for anti-anxiety meds? It almost sounds like asthma but I guess you already got that checked. I'm sorry girl, I will pray for some relief for you!

I had similar problems and it ended up my thyroid was completely out of whack. It got to the point that I would get out of breath just from talking or walking from room to room in my house. I was eventually diagnosed with Hypothyroidism when the problem became pretty severe. I didn't really gain a bunch of weight but had never lost the baby weight from my last child despite breastfeeding for almost two years. He was 3 1/2 years old when I was finally diagnosed. It seems that there is not complete agreement amongst doctors regarding what is an acceptable TSH level. If you haven't checked into thyroid problems you might do so. Also, after my last child was born I had anxiety attacks that seemed to be triggered by hormones every month about a two weeks prior to my period. I think my thyroid was probably not functioning correctly even at that time and I just didn't realize it yet. Good luck with figuring it out. I know personally how frustrating it can be to tell doctors something is wrong and not feel like anyone really hears you.

i had a problam like that a several years ago. and my mom took me to the doctor and thay did them echo and stress tests and almost anything elts u can think of an than thay got to thinking some thing easy and thay told me i had Exercise asthma. it makes u have trouble breathing and stuff like u said.. and the doctor gave me 2 perscriptions serevent and flovlent (not sure on the spelling there) and i know my problames where makeing it hard for me to have a life now i was about 13 when it happened to me. i would have problems breathing when i walked ran or anything and i had to be proped up when i slept with pillows and i had to have a fan blowing in my face to keep me breathing and stuff my mom said she watched me a few tims and i would sometimes stop breathing at night and stuff if u would like to talk to me more email me at ____@____.com

Hey Girl. I'm an RN, a mother of a 4 year-old son, about to turn 40 in a week, and my husbnd left us and has filed for divorce (so I understand little about anxiety and stress). First of all, see about having some sleep studies done. Insurance ususally pays for most of it and sleep apnea and sleep disorders can affect us in so many ways-from anxiety itself to the type of breathing difficulties you are describing. Ask your family doc and if your doc discourages you (get a new doc) and call a local sleep disorder clinic directly-they probably will see you without a referral. Don't listen to ANYONE who says it's just in your head-what an insensitive thing to say!! EVERYTHING is in "our head" if it is destroying our daily life-and it needs to be adressed. Stress and anxiety are beasts but can be helped so well-from meds to herbal and vitamin suplements to exercise to even basic "simple" stress management techniques like a lavender pillow case. We all have different stress and anxiety levels and they express themselves differetnly and many different things help many different people. Don't give up until you feel better. And I'll tell you what has helped me more than anything else in the world-finding a welcoming and friendly church. Not trying to get all "spiritual" on ya' but faith and medicine go hand in hand for many of us. Let them work together. Good luck and God Bless and never ever give up-Life is so precious and you are awesome to reach out for help. Be proud of yourself and remember that docs are people too and can be wrong or insensitive-find one that truly cares and will go on this adventure with you of finding the healing combination.
Kel

Hi A.: Are you taking in a lot of caffiene? I had those symptoms to the point I would get lightheaded from having to try to take in so many deep breaths. Well, turns out the Dr. said it was too much caffiene. I was only drinking 3 to 4 cups a day. Apparently somehow my immune system wasn't able to process the caffiene. Caffiene comes in coffee, diet drinks,regular drinks, "health" drinks, tea, chocolate, ect.
You will have to get on the internet if that is not it and go to the Mayo Clinic health cite and see what you can find there. G

I have had something like that sometimes, but it is not constant, and it seems like when I just resign to it and forget about trying to fix it, it goes away. I think it is kind of a mental, psychological thing. I am not calling you crazy so please don't think so! it's just that when you redirect your attention to focus on something other than that, it doesn't really bother you so much anymore. if it is 24/7 though, like you said, it very well could be a medical problem and you will have to find the right doctor. In the meantime, my sister has co-authored a book that might help you. She is a yoga teacher and massage therapist who firmly believes (as do I) in the power we all have to heal ourselves to some degree. the book is called The Panic Attack Survival Guide, by Maynard and Higginbotham. and even though that may not be your problem, you may be helped by the breathing exercises and relaxation techniques outlined in the book. hope this was helpful, and just know you are not alone.

Have you thought about asthma?

I have the same problem. It IS anxiety attacks. You feel like you just can't get enough air in there. You need to tell your doctor right away and see if there is a medication he can prescribe for you. I have actually taken to using an over-the-counter inhaler whenever I have one, and it really helps. You could try that, but your doctor needs to know about the attacks. It is stress related, so don't be surprised if he puts you on Paxil or something like that. Good luck and God Bless You.

Hi A.,

I had similar problems and spots on my lower left lung. I found answers and solutions at www.wholebodywellnesssolutions.com, first check out the educational information, there is a lot to learn.

Hope this helps you as much as it has helped me.

I know exactly what you are talking about. Sometimes my mouth will start hurting from continously yawning trying to catch my breath. I was told it was anxiety/panic attacks as well. My best advise to not think about it, keep busy with other things b/c it gets worse the more you have your mind on it. Sometimes it also helps me if i buy a cheap inhaler at Walmart. Hope this helps.

I also have this problem and it is due to anxiety for me anyway. I have managed to get it under control after atleast 20 years of dealing with it but sometimes it pops up and i freak out for a couple of hours to all day long. You can get depression/ anti-anxiety drugs for it but for me they didn't help. Just home therapy did for myself. I also had the heart test done ect it all came back to anxiety. Good luck, talking about it helps.

have any of your doctors checked your gaul bladder. I know it sounds strange but I was having the same problem along with a pain right by my esophpjus and my doctors diagnosed it as acid reflux and last week the pain and breathing problems got so bad I drove myself to the er and i had to have my gaul bladder out that night. It never hurts to check it out and see.

go to a doctor that takes care of the lungs it sounds like you have asthma nothing to fool around with I know cause I have asthma and copd so get a checkup with a doctor that treats asthma and copd good luck

My mom went to the doctor this week for this very reason. Since she is a smoker, she thought she had lung cancer, but it turns out she has a hyatial hernia at the opening of her stomach that is causing her stomach to actually come up into her esophagus and blocks her lungs from being able to expand completely.

Have you been checked out for asthma? Sometimes your breathing can be irregular with asthma. Also, it could be panic attacks. You could be stressing about them so much that it actually makes them worse. I am sorry that this is happening, I hope it gets better soon.

I had this same problem when I was detoxifying from chronic candidiasis. It came about because when the yeast was dying it gave off acetylaldehyde which is an alcohol and caused an imbalance in my oxygen and Co2 balance. It felt terrible and created alot of anxiety. I could not sing at church especially as could not seem to get enough air. It would not go down! Have you had yeast infections, allergies or immune system problems?
B. S. RN CCM

Have they tested your blood sugar levels or your iron levels? This could be a sign of hypoglycemia or low iron as well. I get the same thing (especially while pregnant). I went through all of the EKGs and heart tests too and nothing. When I get spells where it seems like it just wont go away I drink a LOT of water. Dehydration can cause this too and most of us are dehydrated all the time.

My suggestion would be to monitor your diet for a while and pay attention to your sugar intake versus your shortness of breath. I find the more sugar I eat (I love baked stuff like brownies) the worse I am. I can tell when I splurge. Also make sure you are taking a good vitamin supplement. I suggest trying a liquid over a pill. Drink a lot of water. Avoid caffiene... sodas, coffee, tea since that can also trigger the shortness of breath.

I honestly had to figure out what was causing it myself by self experimenting. I learned that all of the things above were what made it happen to me and if I have too much sugar now (trust me I do not cut it out completely cuz my willpower is not that great) or have too much caffiene I pay for it dearly. I'll get so bad that I can be mid conversation with someone and have to stop to get my breath back. It happened to me just yesterday, actually. It is frustrating and embarrasing. As crazy as it sounds, exercising helps a lot too. I find the days that I work out I feel better than days that I don't.

I don't know about all those tests and maybe they answered this but what about asthma? I am sorry that you are going through that. I can sence your desperation and frustration in your post. Hopefully they can find out what is wrong.

Hey A.-- I can relate to the feeling you are describing, and I am also suprised to see how many other people have experienced it too!!! It could be any number of things, but as for panic/anxiety, I have struggled with this pretty much all my life. I've struggled with phobias that make it hard to function some days, and its when i'm overwhelmed that I seem to have the most trouble breathing.
I'm glad to see that you are Christian, and I will be praying for you!
At risk of sounding "fruity" or whatever, I really think things like this can be demonic. There may be a legit medical reason for it, but I urge you to pray about it and ask God to make it clear to you what it is. Don't be afraid to stand your ground and demand that it leave your body!
I got to Frontline Church in downtown OKC. We have service on Sundays and Thursday nights. It's very down to earth and you should come check it out if you are interested. If you don't have a vehicle, and are anywhere in the downtown area, the church busses folks in from the okc rescue mission on thursday evenings.
Bless you...

Yes, A. I am affraid that this does sound like panic/anxiety. I have been dealing with the condition for 8 yrs. It is one of those hard ones for doctors to pinpoint, but if all tests are negative then that sounds like to answer. Next time you feel like you can't catch your breath look at the situation and see if you are worried or stressed about something. If you can try to sit quietly somewhere and breath in through your nose and out your mouth very slowly. Sometimes it helps to spell a word like "p-e-a-c-e" on the in and "c-a-l-m" on the out. This seems to be one of the easiest and most helpful techniques that I have found. For long term care though you might want to seek counceling to help find the underlying problem. This could possibily result in having to take some type of medication. Once you understand the condition and know why it is happening you will be able to cope when you have an episode and could even have them stop all together. I hate to hear that you are going through this but it will get better one day. I wish you the best, hang in there!

I am not assuming you smoke but, I have heard that smoking can cause you not to be able to reach those full satifying deep breaths. I am sure with all the doctors you have seen that if you are a smoker then they would have mentions something to you. Sorry I could be of any help.

Have you checked to see if you have asthma?

Have you been checked for asthma related problems? It seems to be a big problem around our area! They can check your oxygen level and tell you if it is normal or not.

"Its all in your head" doesnt mean you're making it up, its a legitimate problem. Sounds a lot like what I use to experience, and I'm subject to anxiety/panic attacks. I was even working on a pretty nice ulcer. I had to learn the symptoms of onset - butterflies, gripping the steering wheel, rapid breathing, etc. and teach myself to control them. You could try yoga or any other relaxation technique. The foods you eat could also play a major role, as the additives - MSG especially - commonly cause or exasperate these symptoms and a host of others (google this and learn the nightmare). Try a whole foods diet with lots of fresh fruit and veg (make it yourself - no mixes or premade, and no restaurant or fast food) for about 4-6 weeks. You should notice a substantial difference. Meds are the only other option, but not if you have addictive tendencies. I was on Buspar for a short time and it seemed to help until I could take over.
The yawning could be due to swelling or blockage in your ears. I do that when I'm having allergy probs. A diet change will help alleviate that as well. Lemme know if this helps or if I can offer any tips? :}

have you ever had your thyroid checked? i think that this might have something to do with it.

I am not sure what it is, but I am sure that you need to get an answer. That means if your doctor will not help you figure it out, then you should see another doctor. "It's all in your head" is not a legitimate answer, and no doctor worth their salt should tell you this. There is something wrong and you deserve the respect from your physician to find out what it is. I would investigate the lungs more, #1 because you say that there was a "spot" on your lungs. #2, a Pumonary Function test (PFT) may or may not give a definitive diagnosis, especially in the case of Asthma. Asthma is an episodic disease, which means that there are times when you will have completely normal lung function and times when you will have problems. If an asthmatic takes a PFT when they are not having an exacerbation of asthma, then it can say that their lung function is normal. #3, you say you feel the need to yawn, which may mean that your oxygen level in the blood is low, which could be either a lung problem or a heart problem or even anemia. Please go back to your doctor, or see a new one, and insist that they continue to investigate to find out what the problem is so that you can receive the proper treatment. Good luck to you. D.

My friend and I both had this problem after we had children. We both went to a chiropractor and he said our ribs were out of alignment. It was instant relief. I highly recommend it.

A.,
Another possibility is severe anemia. This happened to me during my second pregnancy--it got so low I shouldn't have been able to get out of the bed. But they didn't check it for a few months, for some reason, and I didn't think to ask, so we didn't know. Remember: Blood carries oxygen. Not enough blood, not enough oxygen--and bam, you can't breathe.
There are two types of anemia: hemoglobin deficiency, and iron deficiency. Make sure they check for both.
Other possibilities may include allergies--food, medication, environmental, etc. Allergies cause swelling in the body--including the airways/bronchials.
A sopt on the lungs can be something really bad...or it can be aggravation (inflammation/swelling).
Chronic inflammatory spots in the lungs and scar tissue can also indicate asthma--which can be chronic for some, and situational (allergies, smoking, etc.) for others.
Find a good doc who will test all these things; don't take no for an answer!
Blessings to you,and praying for your recovery!
--H.

I have a problem sort of similar to this, but I am a heavy smoker on top of having a little athsma. Sometimes it feels like the only time I get a good deep breath is when I yawn really big, or take a puff on a cigarette. Obviously my problem is because of smoking. If you're a smoker, all I could suggest is to quit if it's bothering you that badly.

Not sure, but I had the same symptoms after my pregnancy and I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. I felt like was suffocating sometimes, I just could not take a deep breath. Dr. first prescribed prescription medicine but now it hardly ever bothers me and when it does I use over the counter medicine.

It does sound like panic/anxiety attacks. This can lead to other phobias the longer you let it go on without controlling it or treatment. Have you ever had a full blown panic attack? If so, this could be your way of trying to keep another from happening. I think your body naturally tries to calm itself by breathing. I have the same problem but I know that it comes from past panic attacks that I had. I learned to control them by breathing deeply and relaxing. Also, I know that the worst thing that can happen is that I will faint. I will not die from them. Try some stretching exercises and rolling your head back and forth to loosen up. Your not crazy, just probably have some stress that your body is reacting to.

I would have the "spot" looked into. However, it would help if i knew how old you were. In my late teens I developed a syndrome known then as "hyper-beta syndrome" I think they now call it "hyperbeta adrenal syndrome" which can cause the symptoms you have. Particularly if you get sick to the stomach or dizzy when hot or standing for long periods of time. Echocardiograms and lung function tests come back completely normal...the diagnostic they use is a "tilt table test" where they start you off laying down and stand you up slowly to see what happens to heart rate and blood pressure. In a normal person when they stand you up you should go from say 70 to 85 or 90 and then settle back to 75 or 80 sustained heart rate...however in a person with HBS, the heart rate may go extremely high and then not fall to normal ranges at all and the blood pressure may drop dramatically...my heart rate goes from 70 to 120 and never falls below 95 unless I'm taking beta blockers (which almost always completely solves my problems with shortness of breath because the heart is finally slow enough to not need extra oxygen and lessens the tightening in the chest that makes you feel like you can't inhale deeply).
M.

I know you probably don't want to hear what you heard before, but in my opinion it sounds like Anxiety, have you spoken to ur Family Dr about taking something for nerves until you can try to control it on ur own. I was diagnosed with it about 10 yrs ago. I was young and going through alot of stress. I still have just no where near as bad as it used to be. I used to take my Xanax like every other day, now I take one like maybe 2x a month. I try to control it, but sometimes it just comes on too fast and too strong.

Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe there's someone going through the exact same thing I'm going through and at the same time. I've had several tests done as well and everything was normal. My doctor checked my thyroids, he thought I had a goiter. Nothing has shown up. To go along with the breathing problems, I have chest pains from which my doctor says is inflammation around my chest bones. What??? I don't know what's going on, but I do know that it's not normal. Please, Please, let me know if you find out something.