Deep breathing, yawning and anxiety

Zoloft helped with anxiety and the occasional panic attack.  Probably would help with the breathing if it's related.  Have you tried some of the breathing exercises that I have seen discussed for people with similar issues? 

Reading your post is like reading a history of my life.  I've had this since I was a young child but didn't have a clue as what it was and why it was happening to me.  I was hospitalized as a child and my had all kinds of tests on my lungs, blood, chest x-rays, etc.  All tests results were normal.  The condition subsided for long periods then returned for reasons unknown to me.  After I married and had a family, I began having these horrible symptoms again.  I really thought I was going crazy and would end up in the Naval Hospital ER where they ran tests on my blood gases, heart, chest x-rays for lungs, etc.  After several rounds of this, one savvy ER doctor told me my symptoms were not based on medical condition, and suggested I see a psychologist.  I felt somewhat insulted but my fear and anxiety outweighed everything.  I cried a lot and continued in the cycle of deep breathing to catch a breath, constant yawning, etc.  Then one day after having another one of these anxiety/panic attacks, I decided to look for a psychologist.  I found one who specialized in agorraphobia. I accepted his diagnosis because I had developed phobias of avoiding places where I had experienced anxiety/panic episodes.  He used cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation techniques, a series of tapes (had to purchase), etc. I did not take any medication.  The CBT, tapes, relaxation techniques really helped me and I thought I was CURED. Fast forward 110-15 years and I was back at square one.  I was working in a very demanding, high-stress managerial position, managing a household alone because my husband was a Naval Officer who was constantly going out to sea for 7-8 months at a time.  In addition, I was raising two sons, one of whom was a teen.  The anxiety, panic, deep breathing, constant yawning, trouble sleeping, stomach/intestinal issues, etc.  This time, I sought and found a wonderful, female counselor who specialized in anxiety/panic disorders.  She put me in touch with a psychiatrist who placed me on  Prozac which really helped with the symptoms while my sessions with the Psychologist addressed the underlying issues.  I got better over a period of several months and continued on the medication for about 2 years, then weaned off the med, with the approval of my psychiatrist.  I saw the Counselor for almost a year then she said I didn't need to see her anymore.  Again, I thought I was cured.  Now, here I am again about 10 years later struggling with the same old symptoms.  I have come to realize that times of great stress give rise to the return of my symptoms.  My psychiatrist has since retired and my old counselor is not taking new patients at this time, so I'm having to start with new psychiatrist and a new Counselor.  My symptoms were so bad, I went to my family doctor who prescribed something for me to sleep and help ease the anxiety until I could see the new psychiatrist and Counselor.  I'll see the psychiatrist tomorrow and have an appointment with the Counselor next month. 

Sorry this is soooo long, I just wanted you to know that I now feel connected to others who have had my same experiences which gives me immeasurable hope going forward.  Thanks to everyone for your honesty and for sharing your experiences.  I know I have work to do to get to the root of my anxiety and fear, but I'm ready to do my work.  Sending you all light as we walk this path together!   

I, too, thought I had a lung or heart disease.  However, I was diaagnosed with anxiety and mild depression.  I am on an anti-anxiety/anti-depressant combination SSRI medication.  Specifically, I am on generic Lexapro, generic for antivan (very low dose 1mg) and generic for Abilify.  This combination halted the anxiety/panic attacks and the air hunger symptoms have ceased completely.  I'm not recommending or suggesting you take these same meds, but this is what my doctor prescribed after talking to me, discussing my symptoms and talking through what works and what was not working.  I feel like my old self again.  I should mention that I am also seeing a licensed counselor to get to the root cause of my anxiety and address it.  I understand what a struggle it is to have air hunger, anxiety/panic attacks, and depression -- all at the same time.  I tell you this to give you hope that relief is possible.  Talk to you doctor, find a good counselor, and give the medicine time to work.  I forgot to mention that I visited a hospital Emergency Room and had all kinds of tests to the tune of $10,000 all which came back negative.  It was then I knew my problem involved issues with possible imbalances in my brain chemicals.  I hope this sharing of information helps you. Sending you hope, blessings and light.