i had the "not able to take full deep breath" problem when I was 5. I remember, the day before I got diagnosed with anemia, I was sitting on the couch, just watching tv and I could not take a deep breath. The only thing that somewhat helped was yawning. So, yes, I think some cases can be due to anemia

however, I still do have this problem, I remember, it came back when I was about 7 or 8. I only remember because I was in school assembly, and the piano teacher told us all to take a deep breath because we were about to sing the morning song, and I couldn't take that breath. I've had it on and off ever since. Lately, it's been happening every day though.


I don't have anemia now though, nor have I had it since that time when I was 5, so I don't know what's causing it.

I was also diagnosed with asthma at about 10 years old, but now, i'm beginning to question this since most of my "attacks" mean I can't take in a deep breathe and my inhaler does nothing. I take it, but it doesn't work, it takes hours for this problem to go away. In fact, i'd say I can control my breathing better when I don't take the inhaler and it goes away quicker when I just deal with it on it's own.


Also, I recently (about 1-2 weeks ago) got put on a steriod preventer inhaler and ever since then, i'v had these "not able to take a deep breath" attacks pretty much every day since then.

Are these possibly related? Or just pure coincidence?

Hey everyone ... I just returned from my dr's today and we think that we have found the answer to my breathing problem. It turns out that my red blood count is low, i'm losing them somewhere, making me slightly anemic. The dr has prescribed an injection commonly used in athletes who are "doping" to boost the oxygen level in my blood stream. We'll see if it fixes my breathing problems in the coming weeks. More importantly, we need to find out where the loss is occurring. Also, I have began walking daily and realized some immediate relief. I think i'm close to solving this mystery!!! ...God bless ...Paul

I've had the same problem since my early teens, i'm 35 now. It seems to have been getting worse for the last 8 years or so. I'm not sure what triggers it but stressing about it definitely makes it worse. I'm leaning towards allergy as the trigger, I notice it's worse when I can't breath through my nose very good. I broke my nose when I was around 12 and as a result I can't breath through my nose too good normally, it's worse when my allergies are acting up. Does anyone else notice the same thing?

I have been having shortness of breath/not being able to complete yawns -exactly like so many previous posts have described-for about 2 months now. Asthma, embolism, and acid reflux have been ruled out. One thing that seems a bit different about my condition is that it started shortly after I experienced a very sharp pain under my right rib during a yoga class. I felt a stabbing pain, and then a snapping, as if a rubber band had been snapped against my rib. 12 hours later the sob started.
I'm thinking that I pulled or strained a muscle. Any ideas or similar experiences?

Hi, im 35 year old female and I have the same problem not getting a deep breath. I remember a few other "episodes" that only lasted a day or two, but this time it has lasted almost two weeks and really starting to scare me. I used to smoke and had planned on quiting, and this just gave me the extra boost to quit. This time it started on thanksgiving, and the next thursday I quit smoking, and friday went to the doc, I told her the symptoms, couldnt get a deep breath, need to yawn and sometimes couldnt, and she listened to my lungs, said they sounded good, but sent me to radiology to get a chest xray just to be sure. Now it is wed and I havent gotten the results back yet from the xray. I also have had anxiety in the past, and she told me that is probobly the cause. I know it could be some of the problem, but this is so physical, and real, its hard to imagine sometimes that it is caused by stress or anxiety. I should hear about the xray results in a day or so and will post the results.........In the meantime I am going to keep searching the web for answers.........

I got the results back from the xray. They are normal. No problems. I am breathing better, but still a few days like I need a deep breath........Maybe it is just anxiety..........

I just registerd to post in this thread, I can only re-iterate what other people have said. Im happy to have found other people who suffer from this, not happy that other people have it but happy to know im not going crazy. The descriptions are very acurate, I think of it as when you're breathing you get to 80% and then your lungs switch off and say "nope no more" and the frustration is so intense.

With most doctors at a loss other than "stress" as to what causes this I think it would be good if we all shared our opinions/theories and/or anything unusual that stands out. If we can find a common link then maybe we can find out what is causing this.

I have some theories as to what causes it and it would be good if people could give some feedback.

1) vitamin d defficiency: if anyone or better yet a few people suffer from this breathing condition and have good suntans from hot cliamtes then please post as this will effectively void this theory.
2) low adrenal hormones cortisol/dhea etc.
3) low blood pressure
4) sitting a lot / bad posture
5) exercising indoors on bike/trainer

again if anyone or a collection of people have this and have high blood pressure or barely ever sit down or never exercise indoors or have an excelent suntan etc... Then these can be largely discarded.

So please post and pool all our info, if doctors cant think of anything then we can only help ourselves.

I had trouble taking a deep breath for about five months last year. Like everyone, it had a me a little concerned. I even called 911 once when I thought I was going to pass out. I finally went to a knowledgeable massage therapist who released my intercostals (the muscles between the ribs) so that my ribs could expand properly when I breath. It was almost instant relief, and I haven't had a problem since. Not every massage therapist knows how to do this, though; you have to ask around.

I have the same problem. Throughout the day, every ten minutes or so I feel the compulsion to take a deep breath, I just get this feeling (not a pain) in my chest. But when I try to breath, I struggle, and can't seem to get enough air in to satisfy that "urge", so I keep sighing or trying to yawn to get enough air in. I just turned 25 years old. It started when I was 18 but I drank alcohol alot and was getting panic attacks coming off of it, so doctors wrote it off as anxiety, even though I completely stopped drinking alcohol and the issue preceded for months afterward. They put me on anti-depressants, like paxil, then wellbutrin, but nothing helped. Eventually I quit smoking and it ended up going away, but I also started taking painkillers at the same time. I was fine until I turned 23, this breathing problem returned and I've had it ever since-the last 2 years. I started smoking again after it went away originally and still do today, so I'm trying to quit cuz I know that cant be helping. Last year I went to a doctor for the problem and he heard an irregular heartbeat so I got an echo and was also diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, but all he did was put me on another anti-depressant, lexapro, that didnt help. I've been to a few er's since then and it's always "anxiety", but once they tried to tell me it was asthma even though I had no other symptoms of it. I am so frustrated cuz it interferes with my daily life. The only reason I have anxiety is cuz I cant breath! I did get relief a few months ago when I was put on seraquel (an anti-psychotic and major tranquilizer, even though I am not psychotic) but I stopped taking that because I was constantly tired and sleeping over 12 hours a night! couldn't function or work. I have a new doctors visit coming up but am not so hopeful. I've been doing my own research and have concluded (I am not a doctor tho) that it has to be somewhat related to that mitral valve prolapse. My best guess is that my body is too sensitive to adrenaline or any stimulants (even though I quit drinking caffeine and used to live off of it, yet the problem still exists) Or it has something to do with hormones, because I recently started charting my symptoms and noticed my breathing problem is really bad for about 2 weeks then it ALMOST disappears for 2 weeks, around certain times in my menstrual cycle. I have taken xanex and valium off of friends but they dont seem to help much, which was disappointing. Besides that mitral valve prolapse every doctor had said I am in great health otherwise (maybe a little underweight because I dont eat much) I AM JUST AT MY WITS END WITH THIS UNABLE TO BREATH PROPERLY AND AM DETERMINED TO FIND A CAUSE, OR MORE IMPORTANTLY, A SOLUTION! I REFUSE TO LIVE MY LIFE IN SUCH MISERY AND STRESS! I have read numerous other postings on sites like these from people with similar problems and if I can find any relief will GLADLY share it with the rest of us, who all seem to have fairly clean bills of health from doctors yet are still suffering daily. And it seems no one (family, friends) understands when I try to explain how stressful and depressing this is or what I am going through. IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN HELP, PLEASE LET ME KNOW-AND DONT GIVE UP!

This is so frusterating! This has been happening to me off and one for years now since I was a teenager (now 29.) I used to think it was asthma but I just went to the Dr. (who was very unhelpful) and he said it's just allergies and gave me allegra and an inhaler. They don't help at all - by the way.

This problem used to be a lot more sporadic in the past, however, the past few years these episodes have increased - though only every so many months (and then it was typically at night when in bed.) NOW, it's anytime of day and I hate it.

Right now I am having one of these 'episodes' where I can't get a full breath. And I agree with a prior poster that THAT is what is causing my anxiety. This will happen to me anytime... most recently... when I've been sitting at my desk, walking down the street, driving - anywhere.

And my nose and head seem to get congested when this occures. Then from trying to take in so many big breaths, my mouth/throat get dried out. Also, I cough sometimes too. Does this happen to anyone else?

I start trying to take in more air and then I get light-headed... it's a horrible situation. I know that everyone on here understands... It makes me feel like I"m going crazy!

I have come up with a ton of consulusions, including:
- heart problems
- digestion of certain foods
- allergies
- lung or throat cancer
- etc.

I'm sorry that this is happening to all of us! It consumes my thoughts when it happens. I find myself jumping up to a standing position, or stretching/yawning...

right now i'm breating fine but my nose is completely running.

WHATEVER THIS IS, IT SUCKS.

Hi everyone,

i'm so amazed to find this site and see that i'm not nuts with these symptoms i've been having. Trying to describe it to my doctor is awful as they just say it's so unusual. While I feel for all of you, i'm happy to find that i'm not alone.

I have a couple of related symptoms that I haven't heard anyone mention but i'm wondering if anyone here has experienced them.

When i'm dealing with the shortness of breath/yawning thing, very often I will start to feel intense pressure building up in my head. A feeling of fullness in my head! And i'm often afraid or unable to eat anything during these times as I don't feel capable of swallowing properly. It's all very claustrophobic and scary!

Has anyone else had the head pressure or difficulty swallowing??

Thanks, gigi

I just want to say that I am so happy that I found this site!

I am 37 years old and I have had this problem for almost 20 years!! So for all the "new" people that have just discovered this problem, don't worry, It has not killed me yet.

I have been to the doctors and I have had the same tests and treatments and nothing seems to work. My doctor determined it to be stress but the problem is that I never feel stressed and I do not have panic attacks.

My breathing problem just comes and goes without any pattern.

It is the same symptoms as everyone else. Can't get a deep breath, yawning all the time, etc.

I am in the middle of an episode that has been with me for about two weeks and it is so annoying!!! My problem now is that I am so tired because I am not sleeping well.

I personally have a theory that a couple of other people have touched upon. Even though I am not a stressed out person not do I get or ever had a panic attack, I am a very busy person. It is rare that I am ever totally and blissfully relaxed.

When I speak about my condition to my husband, I say that my "lung muscles are tight".

I think that it could be the muscles tighten in the back, rib, lung area so it does not let me expand my chest to get a full amount of air.

Technically, stress does cause your muscles to tighten so wouldn't exercise and so wouldn't anxiety.

I would love to keep reading any posts because it is so nice to know that it is not "all in my head"

Thank you!!!

Have you ever thought about trying datura cigerettes?

OMG, Amazed to find these posts. I am 34 have had this problem well
over 10 years. Also have had asthma although very mild and definitely agree this is NOT asthma. I had test in past, CT scan, xray pulm function tests, echo ALL normal. Not anemic. Don't smoke or not around second hand smoke. What you describe is EXACTLY me.

My head does hurt sometimes I think there is excess pressure from straining to take a deep breath and trying to yawn that causes that. I don't think mine is anxiety but not sure.

I mean I have had times when I had more stress and was more "anxious" about issues and it didn't happen. When I AM already having a spell when I get a little stressed it does seem to be worse but I don't think that is the only problem. I agree it is way too physical.

Mine is actually a little better when I lay down on my side.

I have been to two pulmonologist who couldn't figure it out, tried advair, albuterol, acid suppressors nothing has helped.

I have an appointment with a third pulmonologist next month. I will let you all know if I found anything out. Anyone else who finds the answer please come back and tell us

Glad to know it wasn't all in my head (especially when the MDs can't figure it out.

Im glad to know that Im not alone on this, but at the same time so totally amazed at how many people have this. I have had this problem going on 4 years now. I used to smoke, but have quit for 7 years now. I have PFT test done, Sono of my heart, bloodwork, numerous trips to the ER. I pretty much get the same response as you others do. Nothings wrong, or its all in your head, or its Anxiety....blah blah blah ! Well I just went to my doc last week and told him I would like to see an allergist. So I went this past Friday and actuall had allergy testing done. Come to find out, I am allergic, and he said (HIGHLY) to Dust, Dust Mites,Mold Spores,Dogs, Chocolate,Pollen{grass, and tree}and all dairy products!!! I was so shocked! Its so bad that allergy meds are not going to work for me, but I must get shots 3 times a week. I was clueless to the allergies. I had no itchy watery eyes, ocassional sneezing, but my shortness of breath was what was driving me BANANAS !!!! SO I am starting these series of shots next week. I will let yall know if I get any relief from them. The Allergist stated I probably have allerginic asthma........so we will see what happens! God Bless you all..........I will write again soon

Wow, I have also had this problem for a long time now, I am 27, and I started (I remember the exact night) feeling shortness of breath when I was about 20. I have been to numerous doctors, had lung ex-rays, ekgs, even a cat scan where they inject dye into your veins and then do the scan, all came back normal. The only thing they said was "I have some right heart strain" - the right side of the heart is the side that receives and delivers oxygen, and sometimes when I can't take a breath, my heart will palpitate a little bit. Not sure what the cause might be. I had asthma as a kid, still use an inhaler, but it doesn't work well for my problem. When I get to sleep at night (finally) I sleep well and don't seem to have any breathing issues then. I also smoked cannabis when I was younger, which is around when the problems started - haven't done it in about 4 years though. Also had very bad bronchitis when I was a baby, and they said it left scars on my lungs. Maybe some or all of this is contributing to the problem? I don't know, but I am getting very tired of it and I just wish I could breathe normally and deeply. It can even get embarassing in public places when you can't breathe normally and I wish I knew how to fix it!

forgot to mention this. My dr. said it was a possibility I had "mild pulmonary hypertension" which is high blood pressure in the lungs. I have read up on this and it is extremely rare and when it is found, it's usually in it's later stages. Just wanted to mention this to everybody, maybe some of you should test for this?

Hi All,

I have been reading about the misery that has been affecting people in this forum. I may be able to provide some relief.

We have technology (the world's best) that TREATS the air so as to remove particulates - so your NOT breathing them. Our product is NOT a medical device, but many have benefited from it. Our technology is filterless and goes out to the source of the problem. We, in effect, bring the "Solution to the Pollution".

If interested, I can tell you more.

Bob Bitler
PerfectAIRplus

Hello, maybe some of you could find an answer here:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/mitra l-valve-prolapse.htm

I know I have MVP and have lived with many of these symptoms for a long time. One of them is that I will have this inability to take a deep breath for a few days - then it can go away for a few months or years and come back.

Hope this helps. Worth looking into for some of you maybe!
Gigi

Thanks to everyone for all the great info. I agree with many of you that it is nice to see we are not alone, however I wish we didn't have this in common and that we knew what was going on. I had gotten really sick this winter and had developed bronchitis and then other sicknesses on top of that. I have rhematoid Arthritis and the meds I take lower my immune system, which can lead to me getting sick at times. Just when I thought I was getting better this breathing problem kicked in high gear. I like many of you ended up going to the ER after not being able to breath. I think it was worsened by a panic attack brought on from not being able to breath. My Dr has had me on Advair and Albeuterol for almost 3 months, but I really don't think it is doing the trick. Other than not being able to finish a breath and forcing myself to yawn to get the full breath which doesn't always work, I feel fine. She thinks I had irritated my lungs from the other sicknesses and am slowly recouping. I am certainly willing to give the no caffeine/alcohol and sweets a try, which I have read from others as a suggestion. I wish you all well. Please keep posting the updates.