First, you need several medical tests to confirm if you really have breathing problems or not.
A physical examination (inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation) is the first step. Then, depending upon the physical examination results you can be referred for an ECG, chest X-ray and lung functional tests (functional capacity, FEV and PEF). Standard blood tests plus certain specific blood tests for evaluating the lung function (hemoglobin saturation, pO2 and pCO2 levels, alcal reserve, blood’s pH, etc. in the blood) can also be done. If all these tests are okay you probably don’t have breathing problems.
Sometimes breathing problems can be due to a neuro-muscular disorder that affects the nerves or muscles that maintain the breathing. Bone disorders of the spine, ribs or sternum can also affect the breathing.
A final option, but one very common in young women like you, is anxiety and panic attacks.
You may want to consult your family doctor first and then a pulmonologist, if necessary.
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