breathing difficulties

[salthom]

Does anyone feel the need to take deep breaths suddenly like your not getting enough air or something. I have basically dealt with this all my life where i feel as though i'm not getting enough air. I have had ekg's done have seen a cardiologist before have also been hooked up to a monitor keeping watch on by heart beats and rhythem all came out normal, i am one to run to the hospital fast but they all tell me the same thing nothing's wrong. I'm going back to the cardiologist again to do it again, i'v been told i suffer from anxiety and that it's just me but i don't like this breathing issue i'm having, i'm having it now as i write this does anyone go through this? and is ther anyone who can help? I do't have no other symtoms or anything just this!

[jlroesner]

Hi Salthorn,
I'm so sorry you're going through this.  I'm so glad you've had all your medical tests done!  It's like mammo said, a psychiatrist can help with offering you treatments that will help you.  Something to remember is this.  Some people, when they have anxiety or are nervous or tense, get horrible neck and shoulder pains.  The muscles spasm up and it hurts!  That's why getting a massage when your stressed out feels so good.  It is releasing all those muscles that are all bunched up and tight.  It is important to remember that our lungs are surrounded by muscles too.  A lot of times, people who have a hard time breathing or feel that they are not getting in enough air, are experiencing this same phenomena but instead of or in addition to their necks, well the old chest wall tightens up.  That's why it can feel constricted.  Those little muscles are responding to our anxiety by tightening and bunching up.  It feels awful, and it really feels like you aren't getting enough air, but it is by no means harmful.  A lot of people will start to hyperventilate and that can cause a whole host of other symptoms (dizziness, tingling in the extremities, etc.).  So, what can we do to relax our chest muscles?  The first step is to acknowledge to yourself and remind yourself exactly what is going on.  "Oh, that's just my silly old chest muscles tightening up.  I am fine.  I can breathe.  I just  need to release them." Then try some relaxation exercises and deep abdominal breathing.  It helps, it really really does.  What happens is when you are doing relaxation the body achieves the relaxation response.  This is when our sympathetic nervous system (which is responsible for most of the uncomfortable anxiety symptoms) shuts off for a little while.  Very often when some of the muscles in your body to begin to relax, the others follow.  So, you work on releasing and relaxing your feet, your legs, your forehead, your jaw, etc.  Sometimes, you have to do the whole progressive body relaxation more than once in a session.  Sometimes you don't.  But, hey, it's free and it works, right?  Good luck to you!  Hang in there!  Jen

[girlwithhope]

I get it everyday been over 2 years now.Had all test done all normal.I hated it very scary sometimes.

[puddlejumpermom]

i also have these episodes of taking sudden deep breaths. mine started about three years ago, and mainly happens when i lay down in bed for the night. it kind of freaks my husband, startles him, when it happens. but i never know when it's coming; it's just as a surprise to me. i also wish i knew what was up. i have seen cardiologists and had the tests done. many tell me it is due to the dysautonomia diagnosis, others also say anxiety. i'll mention this again at my doc's tomorrow and see what he says. if i get any insight, i'll let you know. and if you find out, i'd love to hear from you. until then, know that you are not alone. if you need to vent, feel free; i understand.

[mammo]

Since all other causes have been ruled out, it's time to address your anxiety.  Anxiety can and does present with these types of symptoms.  Make an appt. to see a psychiatrist regarding your anxiety, so the two of you can decide what course of treatment is best for you.  It may be therapy, medication, or both.  I know it's often difficult to accept that anxiety can do this to us, but trust me it can.  You've ruled everything else out, why not  check out the anxiety theory, to either rule it out or address it.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!