Can anyone help me breathe??? Can't get a full satisying breath, anxiety? Please help - Page 2

Sara1000 · 10-28-10, 09:52 AM

I have the same symtom (unable to get satisfying breath) and I'm pretty sure it is a form of asthma. It's a horrible feeling. Sometimes I will hear a faint wheeze when I breathe but not as pronounced regular asthma wheezing.

I take OTC cough syrup when it occurs and that works well. I think an inhaler would be good for this, but it occurs so seldom and the inhalers seem to lose their ability to spray if they sit around too long.

Sandi M · 10-28-10, 09:54 AM

Hi,

I've had this happen to me for about a month or two at a time, about 10-15 times during my life (I'm 51 years old now). First time it happened was about a week after my first baby was born. I seriously thought that maybe the epidural had done something to my lungs, because I couldn't get a full breath! It lasted a few weeks, and gradually improved and I had no idea why. Now I know I was stressing over having a new baby, and as I got used to it, my breathing calmed down.

Over the years, I have realized that it has tended to occur a few days to a 2 weeks after a stressful situation started, and now that I know it's caused by anxiety, it happens much less frequently. It was very difficult to figure it out because it doesn't start when the stress starts, but starts somewhat later. Sometimes after the stress is over!

I read that it is a form of hyperventilation, caused by breathing shallowly and quickly during anxiety episodes. It feels like you can't get enough oxygen, but that's because you are overloading on carbon dioxide.

I would get checked out by a doctor, but it sounds familiar to me.

Sandi

toaster · 10-28-10, 10:00 AM

Often people don't know exactly how to engage in deep breathing; as a result, they are not actually doing true diaphragmatic breathing, which is a relaxing form of breathing that gets more oxygen into your blood stream & slows down your heart rate as well. Try reviewing this handout:
http://www.geneseo.edu/sites/default...st_BREATHE.pdf

SharonNYC · 10-28-10, 10:17 AM

I've had bronchitis in the past and have lately been diagnosed with (occasional) asthma. Barbara Benagh's work in this area has been extremely helpful to me:

http://www.yogastudio.org/teachings/asthma_intro.shtml

I think her breathing exercises are great for anxiety-related breathing problems as well as asthma.

Inchworm · 10-28-10, 10:19 AM

Thanks, I will try that Breathing exercise! I have always had some trouble breathing during exercise and I've always been known to cough and yawn excessively while exercising. Of course this annoying lingering cold doesn't help with this constant mild/cool/mild weather. Yesterday I really struggled with the breath, but stress could be making it worse. I just can't help but wonder if my history of costochondritis on left side (wrapping around heart) is related to this feeling I have. I also have always had a slightly bigger ribcage area on left side, non-symmetric, not sure if that contributes or not. Anyhoo, with major heart disease that runs in my family, when one can't breathe right, it can kind of freak you out. It seems the more I try to concentrate on it the worse it is and then you get that faint headed feeling from the shallow breaths. I will try that handout you posted Beth and thanks so much for all of the advice.

Kelly

tytbody · 10-28-10, 10:23 AM

Im no doc as you know but from watching patients in the hospital, sounds like you need a breathing treatment. You really should push your doc again because you should be able to take a full breath and if you can't, something is medically aloof.

don't play around with this with that wait and see crap..

KathAL79 · 10-28-10, 10:26 AM

Another enthusiastic vote for Barbara Benagh's breathwork, whether you're suffering from asthma or anxiety. Yoga for Stress Relief has some good exercises that I've personally found helpful (I have family history of asthma and display some symptoms myself, despite "passing" tests for asthma). Her breathwork was quite literally a breath of fresh air after trying other styles' breathwork. (For example, kundalini's quick movements while doing breath of fire is a big no for me when I'm having trouble breathing deeply.)

Sarah-lara · 10-28-10, 10:37 AM

Several members of my family have asthma and it sounds like this. I would go to one of those allergy/asthma centers to see if there is some trigger you keep exposing yourself to. I can't breathe deeply for a few days after going to a pool because of the chlorine, so I know to avoid pools. And I know a guy --a trainer-- with exercise-induced asthma, so he had to change up his cardio sessions.

There is a little gadget out there I've flirted with buying for years because my breathing sounds so terrible when I run, even though I feel okay. But I really don't know if it works. I'll put it here, but I really think you should see an allergist/asthma specialist first. http://www.powerlung.com/

frogribbit · 10-28-10, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitstick

Strange we must have both posted at the same time. I just started the "sick for a month now" thread... I'm sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I don't have any advice since I have been experiencing my own issues with some sort of a cold/cough that doesn't want to go away. Maybe if your doctor is not taking you seriously you should get a second opinion..

I think I have the same cold/cough stuff you do! It's very aggravating

devadiva · 10-28-10, 11:17 AM

Hi
I have just returned to work and am having some fatige issues{down to only 1 workout a day} NEVER HAPPENS WITH ME!!! which I am having checked out.... but on your TOPIC...I work at a resort and we all tend to share here which I AVOID!!!!! Coming back many people here have been having a bad flu type thing that is envolving their lungs and many are having ALOT of breathing problems.And have been on steriod breathing tratments and all kinds of antibotics ect. WATCHING them I am SOOOOOOOOO sorry for you.

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10-28-10, 09:52 AM
Sara1000 Join Date: Sep 2008	I have the same symtom (unable to get satisfying breath) and I'm pretty sure it is a form of asthma. It's a horrible feeling. Sometimes I will hear a faint wheeze when I breathe but not as pronounced regular asthma wheezing. I take OTC cough syrup when it occurs and that works well. I think an inhaler would be good for this, but it occurs so seldom and the inhalers seem to lose their ability to spray if they sit around too long.

10-28-10, 09:54 AM
Sandi M VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: La Plata, MD	Hi, I've had this happen to me for about a month or two at a time, about 10-15 times during my life (I'm 51 years old now). First time it happened was about a week after my first baby was born. I seriously thought that maybe the epidural had done something to my lungs, because I couldn't get a full breath! It lasted a few weeks, and gradually improved and I had no idea why. Now I know I was stressing over having a new baby, and as I got used to it, my breathing calmed down. Over the years, I have realized that it has tended to occur a few days to a 2 weeks after a stressful situation started, and now that I know it's caused by anxiety, it happens much less frequently. It was very difficult to figure it out because it doesn't start when the stress starts, but starts somewhat later. Sometimes after the stress is over! I read that it is a form of hyperventilation, caused by breathing shallowly and quickly during anxiety episodes. It feels like you can't get enough oxygen, but that's because you are overloading on carbon dioxide. I would get checked out by a doctor, but it sounds familiar to me. Sandi

10-28-10, 10:00 AM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	Often people don't know exactly how to engage in deep breathing; as a result, they are not actually doing true diaphragmatic breathing, which is a relaxing form of breathing that gets more oxygen into your blood stream & slows down your heart rate as well. Try reviewing this handout: http://www.geneseo.edu/sites/default...st_BREATHE.pdf __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.

10-28-10, 10:17 AM
SharonNYC VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Brooklyn, New York	I've had bronchitis in the past and have lately been diagnosed with (occasional) asthma. Barbara Benagh's work in this area has been extremely helpful to me: http://www.yogastudio.org/teachings/asthma_intro.shtml I think her breathing exercises are great for anxiety-related breathing problems as well as asthma. __________________ Sharon (You can get to my sketchblog through my profile page.) __________________________ I'm what I am, and what I am, Is back on Boogie Street. Leonard Cohen/Sharon Robinson "Boogie Street" 10 New Songs. (I have a professional/personal relationship with an instructor who produces video and book material relevant to this site.)

10-28-10, 10:19 AM
Inchworm Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island, NY	Thanks, I will try that Breathing exercise! I have always had some trouble breathing during exercise and I've always been known to cough and yawn excessively while exercising. Of course this annoying lingering cold doesn't help with this constant mild/cool/mild weather. Yesterday I really struggled with the breath, but stress could be making it worse. I just can't help but wonder if my history of costochondritis on left side (wrapping around heart) is related to this feeling I have. I also have always had a slightly bigger ribcage area on left side, non-symmetric, not sure if that contributes or not. Anyhoo, with major heart disease that runs in my family, when one can't breathe right, it can kind of freak you out. It seems the more I try to concentrate on it the worse it is and then you get that faint headed feeling from the shallow breaths. I will try that handout you posted Beth and thanks so much for all of the advice. Kelly

10-28-10, 10:23 AM
tytbody VF Supporter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MA	Im no doc as you know but from watching patients in the hospital, sounds like you need a breathing treatment. You really should push your doc again because you should be able to take a full breath and if you can't, something is medically aloof. don't play around with this with that wait and see crap.. __________________ ~~~Cheryl Completed a 10 day Pilates Challenge 2019 Completed Pilates 7 day Challenge 2019 Live Life Simply -Simply Love Life

10-28-10, 10:26 AM
KathAL79 Join Date: Jul 2004	Another enthusiastic vote for Barbara Benagh's breathwork, whether you're suffering from asthma or anxiety. Yoga for Stress Relief has some good exercises that I've personally found helpful (I have family history of asthma and display some symptoms myself, despite "passing" tests for asthma). Her breathwork was quite literally a breath of fresh air after trying other styles' breathwork. (For example, kundalini's quick movements while doing breath of fire is a big no for me when I'm having trouble breathing deeply.) __________________ Kath I listen to my body and respond compassionately. - sankalpa from Jill Miller's Yoga at Home level 1, month 5 practice Note: I have had a professional relationship with a vendor of health and fitness books and media. For details please see my profile.

10-28-10, 10:37 AM
Sarah-lara VF Supporter Join Date: May 2003	Several members of my family have asthma and it sounds like this. I would go to one of those allergy/asthma centers to see if there is some trigger you keep exposing yourself to. I can't breathe deeply for a few days after going to a pool because of the chlorine, so I know to avoid pools. And I know a guy --a trainer-- with exercise-induced asthma, so he had to change up his cardio sessions. There is a little gadget out there I've flirted with buying for years because my breathing sounds so terrible when I run, even though I feel okay. But I really don't know if it works. I'll put it here, but I really think you should see an allergist/asthma specialist first. http://www.powerlung.com/ __________________ Sarah

10-28-10, 11:17 AM
devadiva Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: eastern sierras calif	Hi I have just returned to work and am having some fatige issues{down to only 1 workout a day} NEVER HAPPENS WITH ME!!! which I am having checked out.... but on your TOPIC...I work at a resort and we all tend to share here which I AVOID!!!!! Coming back many people here have been having a bad flu type thing that is envolving their lungs and many are having ALOT of breathing problems.And have been on steriod breathing tratments and all kinds of antibotics ect. WATCHING them I am SOOOOOOOOO sorry for you.