Trouble Breathing

[simpsea]

For years and years on and off I get periods where I feel I can't "catch my breath", its like my breath gets "caught" deep in my throat and to relieve it I have to take a really deep sigh.

Its happens every few minutes and its very distressing. I mentioned it to my doctor a couple of years ago and he hadn't heard anything like it.

Can anyone help?

[Eve]

Have they done any tests or referred you to a specialist?

Could it be anxiety related, like some kind of panic attack?

Are you asthmatic?

[simpsea]

I'm not asthmatic and I'm not sure if its anxiety, I do suffer from depression so it may be related.

I don't think its a panic attack because its almost constant.

I do think I may have to see the doctor again, I was just hoping that someone else had the same symptoms and would be able to help.

Thanks for the reply.

[Panic Button]

Ask the receptionist if you can seea different doctor?

[simpsea]

Thats a good suggestion, I'll make an appointment tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

[tamborine]

Paper bag relief Scrunch the bag as though to pop it - breathe in and out into paper bag. It feels like it opens the lungs and lets in the full breath.

[simpsea]

I know the paperbag thing is useful for one off panic attacks but because its a constant thing I don't know if it would work. If I breath in deeply enough I can let the breath out, but it happens again quite quickly.

Thanks for the reply.

[coccinelle]

Does it happen mostly when you're working hard or exercising? I have a friend who this happens to (usually when mowing the lawn or walking quickly) and she uses an inhaler thing.

[Velvetee]

Perhaps you have a heart Murmur?

[firewatch]

Yup i get this!!!!!!!!
How strange, up until recently i got very scared when it happened, its been happening now for almost a year, like you on and off not regularly (although most days i have an episode). My breathing is often accompanied by palpitations-which leads to mild tachycardia and mild hypertension.

What i do is concentrate on my breathing taking slow deep breaths holding it in for a few seconds before releasing it.
If i get a bad one at work when i cant breath and and in distress and can't control my breathing we are lucky enough to have a cfr on site who looks after me until it settles. at home my husband is getting into the routine of getting me to control my breathing.
Unfortunately i still do not know what it is and the doctors are still baffled! But good luck, i have had heart scans and seen a cardiologist etc, and think you need to discuss it further with ur GP ASAP!

[Brum Lady]

I also get this. I did put a question on here last year, don't know how to post the link though.
Mine started about six years ago when I was driving, and I suddenly realised I wasn't actually breathing! Since then, if I think about it I have to keep taking really deep breaths as you describe. I went to the doctors, and they suggested it may be mild panic attacks and also suggested the paper bag 'cure'.
Mine is always worse when I am in the car , but if we have the radio on and sing along it takes my mind off it.. Also if I can't get to sleep I become very aware of my breathing and take ages to calm it down! Drives you mad, doesn't it?
I try and think of something else to take the focus off the breathing.
Good luck - it's nice to know I'm not the only one experiencing this.

[jkkerr]

Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I too used to suffer from this constantly when I was younger (primary school age).

I described it as feeling as though I had to get my breath up over a wall in order to feel the benefit.

Strange!

[simpsea]

Thanks for all the answers, I do think its a psychological thing and not physical. I tend to experience it less when I'm busy and my mind is active.

I'm glad to know that I'm not alone in this.

Thanks again.

[louculhane]

Hello everyone sorry I am only getting back to u all now. Thank you for all the suggestions I am really trying to work on breathing technique and keeping my shoulders down and it def helps me. I spoke to my doc and she also feels it cld be anxiety related I am hoping and praying that goin away to see my sisters in England Saturday will help once I get this flight over me! Thank you all again xx