Yeah, I get that all the time.
I'm sure it's almost certainly psychological, caused by anxiety
try some breathing excercises and see if it helps...
Otherwise see a doctor

I get that too. I if I consentrate on taking slow shallow breathes for a minute then taking a deep breath it helps. Or breath into a bag like when you hyperventalate.

I was so convinced it was a heart attack I actually took an asprin lol, but its the next day and im still alive so it probably wasnt a heart attack? Plus yesterday was the first time I took a bodybuilding produt called no-xplode. This happend to me last time I took it to but not as bad, maybe because now im also on meds

Hypochondriac, I get this all the time too. It is like I can't get a good deep satisfying breath. I sometimes have to yawn really big to get it down. And sometimes it takes two or three "yawns" to get a good breath, right? I totally understand what you mean. It happens to me too. It is just another symptom of anxiety and stress.

I have such a hard time breathing it seems like I can't get enough air in or out and if I deep breath I yawn so much my jaw hurts.

I get the same thing, if u take anxiety meds, does this go away. Because my doctor said I have anxiety, but I didnt really think I did

Me too here im that way alot its like you cant quite catch your breath

I'm that way right now just cant quite catch it.

I was just did a google search on "can't take a deep breath" and found myself here. I am in my mid 30s and have had this problem as long as I can remember (at least pre teens). I have been to several different doctors who have claimed that it is "stress related", "hormonal", and/or possible asthma related. It appears that no body has any real idea on what it is (really, how stressed could I have been at 13?).

I find that during the day if I keep myself busy I can ignore it or at least not let it bother me. My problems arise when I do try and go to sleep. The harder I try to relax by taking a deep breath the more frustrating it becomes. Usually, if I sit up or get out of bed I can "grab" that lung full or yawn which feels great and offers temporary relief.

It is refreshing to hear that there are others out there suffering from this. If anyone can offer advice I am ready, willing and able to try.

Its all mental!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took me forever to figure it out. But I have not figured out a way to cure it. "mind over matter will be the cure but thats like asking the impossible! Can anyone relate. I have been told by a specialist here in florida that this is a condition and it is called something. But its not a disease or problem its something you create under anxiety. Then it becomes a habbit. I twist, turn, stretch, yawn all day long, crack and pop neck for more extension, lean over, hold my mouth open to yawn, am I leaving any techniques out, guys? (lol) i'm telling you, I look like an fool! But I don't care b/c I just want that satisfying breath!!!!!!!!!!!!!I have had a full blown panic disorder and anxiety issues for 4 years now. I'm only 21. It ruins your life.!!! Life is too short for this crap! I get so irritated. Medications I take are only temporary and are not good for you. (ok I was typing fast and look up to see this jargen in caps and lower case. I'm really an intelligent person I just get worked up over this stuff. I apologize for the horrible writing.

Hmmm, not sure how refreshing that is. I was almost hoping that someone would come up with a sure fire cure and I would be fixed. The last couple of days have just been really bad at night and I just get soooo exhausted by day three or so. I just know that soon I will go through a week or so of it being tolerable so that helps. For you female's out there - any linkage to that time of month? I have seen some correlation and know that in both my pregnancies it was unbearable which leads me to believe there may be some linkage to the hormonal thing? For you guys out there - any linkage to anything hormonal?

Ya anxiety attacks are the best way to describe what you are feeling. Alot of people will get too worked up over something so little and then anxiety kicks in and you start to have little attacks. Ive had this before, and then its sometimes is hard to breath. The best thing to do is just slow down and remain calm and try to catch your breath. Shut your eyes and just relax. Pretend like you are the only one in the world and you have no problems. It works for me.

Something that really helps me. I got a vicks hot steam humidifier and got the liquid vicks that you pour into it. I will turn it on and sit beside it and watch tv or something after a little while, my lungs feel clear and I can breath normally and take deep breaths. If it's real bad I will put my face in front of the steam coming out for a few seconds and breath deep. It makes your eyes water and takes your breath away but it is refreshing and helps!

Before all the palps kicked in a fortnight ago... I had the same thing for two weeks... I even took benolin cos I thought it was a chest think... Just couldnt breathe!!! Thought it was ashma... Then it went away and the heart started... Obviously this is stress then!
:roll:

I completely relate to what ambernedley says....I to feel like I fight it all day sometimes (some days better than others) and I dont have it all the time..Comes and goes but I have that same feeling of the need to take a deep down long breath and I just cant quite get it! More so on left side than right?? Also on left side I have pressure/pain in back and around to rib cage area so I twist and turn and try to pop it...Pain/pressure also in neck and shoulder are on that side...Drives me crazy!!! The more I try the worse it gets...Sometimes when I am busy and occupied I dont think I notice it?? Had my oxygen level tested and a chest x-ray..All normal....Maybe stress is the culprit?? Yawning can usually get that satisfying "completed" breath feeling but only momentarily...Then im back to square one....I do have asthma but I take a daily med (azmacort) to prevent attacks and increasing or changing that never seems to help the sensation at all....And no wheezing..Just cant get that darn breath!!!! Does anyone feel that they may be outta whack such as back/neck?? I certainly have that feeling and have thought that a good snap or pop would make everyhting feel so much better!! But since I fear chiropractors I am at a loss.....Any advice?

For the past 6 months, I feel that I can not get a satisfying breathe. When I am talking to someone, I have to keep pausing to try to get a good breathe in. I try and yawn all day just to get some relief. I went to my doctor, and he said it is anxiety, and recommend anti-depressants. I am not depressed, and refuse to believe that a drug is needed. Has anyone had these symptoms that lasted as long a 6 months. After reading some of these postings, I feel a little more relieved that I am not the only one with this problem. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to control or beat this annoying and scary problem.

Hi,
i thought I wasnt stressed, but sometimes our bodies are just saying hey!! Enough is enough and wham all these things happen..... I was coughing and spluttering in the bathroom thinking it would help and I still couldnt get my breathe!! Im ok with it now.... I assure you it will be anxiety!

Does that paper bag method work for anyone?

Like symee I also did a google search and ended up here ... And i'm quite relieved to see that for you guys it seems to be a mental problem rather than physical which has put my mind at great ease ... I still think i'll get it looked at just in case ... But this page has really helped me