Anxiety and Stress Forum - Major Breathing Problem

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Q: Major Breathing Problem

asked by: Grungeprincess on February 14th, 2006

New User

I know this or things like this has been brought up in previous threads, but still I decided to post a new topic...

You see, I have a huge breathing problem that is interfering with every aspect of my life and right now im just desperate for any kind of help or understanding...

Let me describe my problem: it feels like when I breath, im not getting enough air into my lungs and I have to take a really deep breath to (what it feels like) prevent suffocation, sometimes that deep breath wont go down either..

This is the second time I feel like this. Last time was during november-05. It started out on a regular day, and I wasnt anxious or stressed out at the time at all.. It was just so weird. Naturally I panicked and went to the er, where I got an astmha test and an ecg. All came out clear...I did have an immense pain in the throat and chest though so exhaling was unbelivably painful, this was probably from the tension hyperventilating.
The doctor thought I had vcd (vocal cord dysfunction) I went to an ear throat and nose doctor who concluded that I didnt have it...

After almost a week of hell I was prescribed diazepam to help me sleep (i would be awake for several nights in a row)
this helped greatly and my problem eased before vanishing in the following weeks.

I had been totally symptomfree for several months when the problem resurfaced nearly a week ago. I have suffered paralyzing anxiety with this and I feel that the problem is totally out of hand!! I take diazepam, but I know that I cant go on for long with that..The meds doesnt take away the breathing issue in itself, it only dozes me off enough to make me ignore it.. I only take it to sleep.. In the daytime its apparent all the time..

Hopefully it will go away soon again, like last time but im still so baffled by this!! I mean I do not have anxiety or depression, a well functioning social life and I really do consider myself happy! Im only 16 for christ´s sake and I shouldnt have to worry about this, I dont have any form of disorders or conditions and I am defiantely not overweight..This is just killing me, I cant do my normal activities like I should and this makes me so depressed, the feeling of not getting enough air I so scary..

Has any of you heard of something like this?? Please give me something to help me feel better my heart goes out to all of you who suffer any form of breathing or anxiety discomfort!! /sam

Replies(19)

Chesterfan

replied on February 14th, 2006

New User

Hey sam, i'm 20 and have suffered from panic attacks for a couple of years now. I also get them on and off but its impossible to say what causes them. For me it could be the trauma of my parents splitting up that has hidden itself deep down for nigh on 11 years now. A accident I was in about 3 years back or the fact I smoked quite a bit of weed for a while. Really think what it may be and if you want to talk to someone but can't face your parents or friends then give samaritans a ring (swedish equivilent. Basically someone you can talk to confidentially). I did and it helped no end.

Regarding your symptoms. Does your throat feel tight? If so that may be a condition called globus where the throat expands due to anxiety but fear not, it will not close and although your breathing feels heavier, its not the case. Simply stop what you are doing, a concentrate on deep breaths, in through the nose for about 3 seconds then out the mouth for about 6. This will expel any excess oxygen in your system which is making your heart beat faster. I'm not a doctor but i's pretty sure thats the theory!

Make sure you breath infrom your stomach, not your throat so to ensure your whole body is feeling the benefit. After about 5 minutes or so, you should feel ok.

I know I can't understand your symptoms exactly but remember, no one has ever died from a panic attack and its just your mind being mean! Talking to someone and taking pro active steps to make your mind happier will help alleviate your symptoms.

Best wishes and good luck, I hope my incessant ramblings are of some help!

Grungeprincess

replied on February 14th, 2006

New User

Im so happy that someone replied, I only posted a minute ago, it makes you feel not so alone anymore..

Thank you very much, I dont feel like having a lump or something like that in my throat and im pretty sure I dont hyperventilate either :?

Chesterfan

replied on February 14th, 2006

New User

Do you feel like you can't control your breathing?

Its alrite, i've just found this forum and have found it to be incredibly helpful just thru reading past topics! Stress and anxiety attacks happen to most people in their life, we are certainly not alone!

scrdat20

replied on February 14th, 2006

Experienced User

Hi sam:

i have this exact same thing!!! It is definitely frustrating huh? My anxiety happened when I had a really strong heart palpitation (skipped heart beat that feels kinda wierd, I guess everyone gets them every now and then, especially with a panic attack), anyways, I was just sure I was going to have a heart attack or something which doesn't make sense at all being that I am a healthy, active, 20 year old female. A couple days after that I started having shortness of breath just as you are describing. The need to take a deep breath, but that sometimes I can't even do that. So I really thought I was having a heart attack (damn internet, you type those symptoms in and it tells you that you're going to have a heart attack)... Anyways, I had a panic attack, my throat got tight and I couldn't breath, hearts racing, in a cold sweat... Now I know that it is just my anxiety about it.. Anxiety can do some weird stuff to you. Now if I feel that shortness of breath, I just relax, try not to think about it, and as soon as i'm relaxed, its not a problem. Just make a conscious effort not to think about it... Its really tough at first, but it'll get easier. If you have been to the doctor and they haven't found anything... I wouldn't worry about it! Best wishes!!... Keep us posted..

~mk

Grungeprincess

replied on February 15th, 2006

New User

Once again, thanks for replying!!

Well, I try to keep calm but during this "episode" (that has lasted now, approximately a week) I havent really felt better when I have tried to wind down and relax.. I should probably just try and let it go until it subsides...

It can only get better from here, I didnt think it would pass last time, but hey, it did! Hard to keep a positive attitude at all times though, my family and friends just think im weird cause I feel like this, like im imagining it, but im surely not!

It feels so good to not be alone having this!!! Anyone know how to prevent this in the future, or is it totally uncontrolled??

scrdat20

replied on February 15th, 2006

Experienced User

I know what you mean about the family and friends thing!! My husband gets really frustrated. He tells me to just stop thinking about it and to forget it.... But he doesn't understand how truely hard it really is. I now see how upset it makes him so I really try not to bring it up anymore. This forum has helped a lot for that because the stuff gets overwhelming sometimes and I always felt like I needed to talk to someone about it and I couldn't to him or my mom, so this was a wonderful place to do it...

The only thing I haven't got figured out is that some days are worse than others for some reason. Some days I will feel completely normal and not really have to think about any of it, but other days are bad... I just have to figure out what is triggering these bad days,and that is what is making prevention so tough for me, but the bad days are happening less and less so maybe this will just take some time and some will power to go away. I am just trying to stay positive, alleviate any stress that I am having, and not think about it. I think that the worse thing that you can do is shut yourself off from the world. I know that I went out with my husband and friends this last weekend and had a great time and I felt so much better. Good luck, I hope that some of what I have said might be helpful to you! Keep us posted. :)

Grungeprincess

replied on February 15th, 2006

New User

How long have you been experiencing this? Last time I had it, it went on for about three weeks, right now im up at one week of pretty intense troubles..

Have you tried any form of stress treatment or anything like that? I dont know if you belive in that kinda thing but im just asking, I sort of feel like if the conventional healthcare doenst have anything to say, maybe there is somewhere else where you could be met with understanding, I sure have had my share of insensitive doctors...

I read a lot of people found comfort in the fact that they werent sick in anyway, but that conclusion actually made me even more anxious, like there is no aid for me! Im all alone with a problem thats not visibly existant!

I can truly relate to the feeling of it just vanishing when im being occupied with other people like on a party or that kinda thing

i really hope and I know that the both of us, and all others with this "issue" will get better!! I wish u my best, you will be in my evening prayer :wink:

Grungeprincess

replied on July 24th, 2006

New User

Hello everybody....Hoping to get some new replies ;)

last time I had breathing troubles in february, when I last posted, I think the problems just went away in a few weeks. A huge relief. Now I hadent felt a thing for over 5 months.

But this friday I started noticing my breathing...Made me anxious since I know how bad I have felt when having this problem in the past. Like the other times I wasnt stressed out or emotionally upset when it first occured.

Then it has gotten gradually worse for a few days now...Im struggeling every day not to panic and trying not to mind it. What I could use know is some comfort from you guys...To break my negative thinking patterns.

If it went away the other times then it must go away this time too right?? Im trying to keep my mind on this...Cause I lost hope completely last time and thought about suicide...Then it left me...Right know, what should I do?
Remain calm, patient and confident that it will go away in a matter of days to weeks like before?

I take diazepam before going to sleep, since I find it better than for example alcohol. Last time this worked out fine and I went down in dose before going of it completely. Why is this happening....I just cry cause its so depressing and it makes me so emotional all the time...Like I have this scary feeling it will never be ok again...Though I know that it will...

Jschultz

replied on May 15th, 2007

New User

It's All Good ;) @grungeprincess

Hey I'm a 15 year old male, ive been reading the topic from before since page one, and this one. All today. I have the exact same problem. I had it really bad 3 years ago for a month or two when i was on a vacation. I have extreme fears of flying, im guessing thats what caused it. And recently, it's the end of the school year, behind on homework, Parents fighting, with themselves and me. Lots of things to be stressed about. and im having the EXACT same thing as you. I had it 3 years back. I thought it was all kinds of things. But you forget about it and it just goes away. It did for years for me. Then one day i think about it. And realize that it was the same as before. I read all this, simply calmed myself and told myself it was all in my head. And said w.e if there is something wrong why would i want to worry? and if there isn't, then we're all good.

Your probably not getting any of this cause you have been gone for a while, But i can relate. I turned to weed for a while...Kind of helped took the edge off, but drugs are worse for you then this....It's never been a huge problem. Just lately ive been really looking at it. Just keep on given'er and it gets better. Worry about it and it will get worse. Reading this forum more and more will actually make it worse, because you will find it hard to take your mind off it. Eventually you will realize your fine...

Our problem is very similar to laughing when someone tell you not to..Breathing is an involuntary action, you shouldn't have to think about it. This is a problem that will make you feel depressed. Just smile. Its as simple as being happy, you get to choose what you do, and a simple little thing like this can dominate you. Never let that happen. I don't give a rats ass if i have a hard time breathing as long as i know its all in my head.

I wish you the best, If you read this please reply, I'd like to know if you've seen this

Best wishes, Be happy

Jordan

metatroninme

replied on May 27th, 2007

New User

i have been having the same problem for two months now. i also have the urge to yawn all the time, but i cant! its so annoying. i have days when it doesnt bother me as much and days when i feel like i just cant breath. the most frustrating thing is feeling like there is nothing i can do about it. there is no magic medicine that will make this go away. i have to do it myself.

Jschultz

replied on June 1st, 2007

New User

No, just don't worry about it. Mine lasted a week. Its just stress and your body is reacting to it. Just chill.

Try to breath normally, slowly. And you will see your lungs are filling up fine and you are not strained. Just take it easy and it goes away. Thats stress Sad

louieann34

replied on June 8th, 2007

Experienced User

I use to have problems on my breathing...I just suddenly felt pain on my chest and then I just couldn't breath.

Can anyone tell me whats wrong with me?

this link is not approved

davido757

replied on June 9th, 2007

New User

Breathing Therapy?

Have you tried any kind of breathing therapy? You may be able to learn to control it and once you can do that it will go away.
One word of warning: You will often read advice about "deep breathing exercises". Avoid these like the plague. Most of the people that give breathing instructions don't know anything about breathing and anxiety. They just learned some yoga or meditation and they think it will cure everything. Evil or Very Mad

Deep breathing causes hyperventilation and anxiety, even panic. What you need to learn is slow and gentle breathing. That's what calms your heart and nerves and "may" help your symptoms.

castlesinthesky

replied on June 19th, 2007

New User

Anxiety

i also have a hard time with my breathing.one night i went to the er and they rans all kinds of tests and they said everything was fine. so i just went home and started taking my ativan. it help a little but i still have shortness of breath.i wake up at night like im choking for me it all adds up to my anxiety and panic attacks

BurlesqueBarbie

replied on June 22nd, 2007

New User

Man, I was having the same symptoms. So, I went to the er. I was having a panic attack combined with acute myalgia. Myalgia is when your muscles tighten and hurt after a viral infection or excerising too hard and stuff like that. I had a moth long sinus infection and that's what caused it. Get you some Flexeril, a muscle relaxer.

Deimos

replied on June 22nd, 2007

New User

You may have apnea, which is nothing to serious, just means having smaller breathing canals or something. I have apnea, just tell your doctor about it and stuff.

For second thoughts look this up

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apnea

Klane

replied on June 23rd, 2007

New User

I'm having similar problems, i suddenly find my self having trouble breathing, and then start getting hot flushes and feeling like i'm going to pass out and get very sweaty, and also feel like im going to have an heart attack. and in the last week or so my left hand has been numb none stop only 2 of my fingers and half of my palm and my entire arm has felt weak. i've had the panic/anxiety attacks before, but this numbness like this i haven't. and it's really starting to bother me, it also seems to get worse at night. anyone have any ideas?

*Edit* I'd also like to add i'm also constipated, which i've recently learned can be brought on by stress

Arei

replied on June 30th, 2007

New User

I've had that problem before too!! Exact same thing... After not being able to breathe well for a few years, its gone down alot, I don't have it near as bad as I did even though my stress, anxeity, and depression have worsened, this was probably at the time I was beginning to have depression.

At the end of the week (this was 3 years ago) when I was rehearsing I started to get this severe constricting pain all over my midsection. I could barely breathe and moving was painful. The medicine I got from the doctor that day helped it be gone by the next day, but the next night during our final preformance, I had a reaction to the medicine and began to overheat considerably, so I had to drop out (they wanted to kill me xD but i probably would've passed out on stage) After that when I got home I had an extreme anxeity attack where I could hardly breath at all, and I did the breathe in boiling water thing to help relax/clear out my lungs and that worked, for awhile after that when I got anxious and couldn't breathe I'd do that, but I haven't had to shortly after that.

2 weeks later the pain came BACK and I went to a different doctor (I think the medicines I had been taking ended and immediately wore off) I waited 4 hours and 45 minutes and he diagnosed me in less then 10. He said it was growing pains O-o I dont beleive I was anxious at the time so I didn't say anything XDD I took some Mobic along with Nexium and I was on cloud 9 for those 2 weeks, that stuff is freakin MAGIC.

Since then I haven't had that problem.

I went to allergy doctors and specialists to see why I couldn't breathe but they had no idea, now I know its anxiety, stress, and depression.

Hopefully it will go away on its own with time, I can't say you have the same problem, but it sounds almost exactly the same.

judz

replied on July 2nd, 2007

New User

Similar....

I have suffered wtih tightness of the throat, like im beeing choked or I have a frog in my throat. I either cough or gag.. When certain ppl were around, I felt my throat tighten, to the point of having a tight chest.. And breathing became harder. There was no regualr pattern.. Wen I went home..After a couple of days it would go away. But then started to come back more regulary. I see this as a panic attack or anxiety. But.. I feel for me.. That because I have alot of repressed emotions, that this is my bodies way of saying enough is enough, deal with it already. This last week has been realy bad. Im not sure why.. Im not pms-ing.. These attacks were a result of my emotional stuff rising to the surface. Then comes the attacks, and hyperventalations..Etc.. I had a puff on my friends asthma puffa and that helpd a little with my breathing. I have been to the drs and they sugges cognitive therapy.. Wich is fine but I think I need different guidence. Although I feel like someone has theyre hands around my throat constantly, its not at all painful for me. Just annoying

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