Shortness of breath and neurological-like symptoms

[UAB]

Hi, it started about 5 years ago with chronic non-allergic rhinitis (allergy testing negative), and a mild pressure headache in the temples when laying down.  Slowly progressively I have developed a constant frontal pressure/tension headache centered over my ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses  but covers basically my whole forehead and I can feel it even back in the center of my head  like a heavy pressure or weight, feels like the blood pressure is extremely high in my head if I had to describe the sensation.   I also have bouts with bad vertigo from time to time and less commonly mild tinnitus.

That is the history.  Now most recently my vertigo is becoming worse, I am starting to feel confusion and mental haziness and shortness of breath.  This shortness of breath is not related to physical exercise but is most noticable when inactive.  I allways feel the need to yawn but I just dont feel I have the lung capacity to get a refreshing breath of air and sometimes I wake up and night feeling like I'm drowning.  Again, all this is happening while I have this constant headache and confusion.

It has been suggested that my parasympathetic nervous system maybe compromised causing the non-allergic rhinitis but I don't have any info to substantiate this plus what could explain the rest of my progressive symptoms.   Please help thank you.    PS- I am a average otherwise healthy 33/male.  230 pounds regular exercise, non smoker, non drinker, no drugs.  Previous history of 1 pack a day smoking not in over a year.

[Inanga]

hi i've been through something similar. for me it turned out to be hyperventialtion syndrome. Basically shallow chest breathing rather than depp slow diaphragm breathing. the altered O2 and CO2 levels can cause yawning and feelings of air hunger. Often in resposnse you breather faster and bigger - but still with the chest - which then leands to hyperventilation - too much O2 in the blood - you feel like your still getting enough but you're actually getting too much. You can get weird symptoms that's I've expereiced like light headed ness, dizzieness, that frowning feeling, panic attacks from feeling like your giong to die from not enough air (get masses of adrenhalin from the fright), uncontrollable shaking, etc. I did some training with a breathing psyiologist - how to diaphragm breathe properly and recognise the symptoms. It took a while to change the habit for chest breathing, and it was uncomfotable at times becuase the brain had to adjust to differetn (proper) O2/CO2 levels, But I got there and am 100% better now.
good luck.

[National Jewish]

It is unlikely that these symptoms are related to your nasal symptoms.  You should see a neurologist to evaluate the confusion, vertigo and headaches.  The shortness of breath also needs to be evaluated by either your primary care physician or a pulmonary specialist.