Strange Involuntary Breath

[terrymcc]

I am a 53 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.

[ShellB726]

I was reading about what Natalie Cole just died from and I have those same symptoms. Which seems similar to what you are speaking of here.

[Jeffliroff]

I am a 69-yo male who started having this breathing issue about 10 days ago. Every so often I find myself taking a deep, sighing breath and on the inhale I have that sob interruption. My theory is that in my case it is caused by my starting to take a beta-blocker which reduced my pulse by about 33% around the same time these symptoms started, and that I take these deep breaths in order to compensate for shallow breathing and lower oxygen uptake due to a slower pulse. That does not explain the hitch or sob during the inhalation, however. If I find out anything more, I will reply again.

[BQSS]

I have to say that I also enjoy my sudden involuntary intakes of breath and find them relaxing and strangely comforting. I too feel oxygenated and whilst relaxed also feel invigorated. They somehow seem to 'cleanse' and clear my brain in readiness for sleep. I've recently had reason to have my blood oxygen checked and it was absolutely fine. I personally think it's a perfectly normal bodily instinct for survival, a natural oxygen leveler at times of physical stress (illness), emotional stress or environmental stress.

I'm 62, overweight (according to national statistics), Hypothyroidic (for 33+ years), family history of cardiac problems, still working, still happy (probably because I'm now single) and still loving life. I realise some people are very poorly and they have my greatest sympathy, but really folks I think de-stressing, chilling out and being more laid back is more of a lifesaver than any medication. Que Sera Sera.

I wouldn't be without my 'sharp intakes of breath' - love 'em!!

I wish you all the best.
BQSS

[ThreeBoysMom468]

Hi, the involuntary breaths also happen to me and started when I was pregnant with my first child 12 years ago.  I would like to know what kind of cancer you had and if you had any other symptoms.  I would love to hear back form you.

[dmae123]

Yes I also enjoy them. They started a few years ago, when I was about 56, and after going through a particularly stressful several years. I get them infrequently, like once a week. It does seems to relieve stress, it's calming - and feels good.

[Ajay02]

I've also got the same problem and after studying all comments on this thread the first thing that jumps out mostly is the strong connection to sharp intake of breath and sleep problems.  The reason for my sleep problems are due to severe depression. Sleep depravation can obviously be due to many different reasons but mostly as I've observed here it's the most common reason for the sharp intake if breath syndrome on this thread .  The second one seems to be  thyroid problems. We know that most doctors are a bit dismissive of this condition and I think we should be a bit more demanding of our GP's. It is uncomfortable for some, a nuisance, can be embarrassing not to mention worrying. So! I for one am going to now push for some tests to be done which a lot of GP practice's are reluctant to do unless its an obvious matter of life and death due to the financial impact it has on their practice's...these tests cost them which makes an unwelcome dent in their budget...I think it's only the people who insist and won't be fobbed off with perhaps  a home remedy suggestion? Are the people who are heard.  Whilst we respect the fact they have a budget I feel it should still  be taken more seriously.
We have to look after ourselves so let's all give an extra push...maybe talk a bit louder...or listen to their suggestion and then repeat what we want....(at least a referral) ... That would be a good start right! We need to make sure we are healthy after all we pay our national health so they should help..let's not be put off OK.  Good luck everyone and I wish you good health. Right I'll step down off my soap box now.