Excessive Yawning and Constant Need to Breathe Deep

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For the past few days, I've been yawning a lot, much more than average (once every few minutes I feel the need). If I'm not yawning I'm breathing in as deep as I can to get similar "satisfaction". Often I cannot get the "satisfaction" from these and so the urge grows and grows, meaning it can get quite uncomfortable. When I do manage it, the urge is back a few seconds later. This is whether I'm tired or not, almost all day. 

I'm not particularly anxious about anything in particular, and get the same amount of sleep as before this started. 

This also happened at some point within the past year which continued for a month or two if I remember correctly. 

Does anyone have any idea what it is or how to make it a bit better? 

Thanks.

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  • Posted

    I have definitely experienced this many times in my life, for weeks, and sometimes longer, then it goes away mostly.  The first time I went to the doctor about 20 years ago, they said anxiety/depression right away and prescribed anti-depressants.  I took them, but it didn't really do anything.  In my years of having this problem, I've learned to kind of ignore it -- a few things sometimes help though -- breathing through your nose for a few minutes usually stops it.  So maybe it's some type of hyperventilating that we can't turn off.  I've also noticed it happens on days where the allergy index is high and sometimes during low pressure.  The worst time for me is when I get an attack during exercising on the treadmill.  While I'm running, I'm fine, but once I stop to rest, the need to yawn is crazy! I have to slow the treadmill down to almost stop to get that breath in.  Also, I have heard something about your heart being overheated that could cause yawning.  During the treadmill incidents, I sometimes wonder if that is happening, but this also happens when I'm at rest, so probably not.  Anyway, luckily this usually resolves itself.  Strange thing though!  Maybe a little stress, a little allergy, a little hyperventilation -- take your pick smile

  • Posted

    Please help!!! The answers list!!!

    I have an helpful idea. Can everyone who reads this post please post what works and or worked for them to help the overwhelming feeling to “catch your breath” also known as getting that “satisfied” breath.

    Just post the things that work and or help even slightly.  One thing or all things that help. 

    This just started for me 5 days ago, I was in the ER... I changed my diet and made an appointment with a breathing specialist. 

    Not sure what else to do? 

    Did acupuncture help anyone? Or yoga, Pilates, and excersise equipment for the lungs?

    Has anyone found a solid “cure” or at least fully gone into remission.

    I keep reading all the same & similar symptoms/ issues. But haven’t really read much of anyone’s amazing fixes if you will.  Weather it be one thing a few things or a complete lifestyle change, daily routines and ever changing modular behavior based off of certain factors...

    Thanks In advance. ;-). 

    PS. If your vitals are all good and initial X-Rays from the ER and the quick blood Check all say your ok but you still can’t catch your breath. Does that mean it’s a nerve issue and or in your head? Or that it could still be COPD and or Cancer?  

    Please help with sound advice.  Please. Thank you. 

    • Posted

      What triggered yours off?I’ve had it for over 3 months and I’ve done a buteyko course and apparently I’m over breathing! I’m still getting the urge to yawn and take a deep breath but trying to resist it given what my therapist has told me and the exercises I do! Meds don’t help me...! 
    • Posted

      I am 24, vegan, attend the gym at least 2 hours a day six days a week - weights, cardio, yoga, dancing. I don't get stressed, nor have anxiety. I have nothing physically or mental wrong, no diseases, disorders or take medication.

      However this has been an on-again, off-again problem for the last almost 2 years.

      My doctor couldn't find anything wrong with my breathing but issued me with ventolin with an inhaler. This made my breathing worse and I stopped using it after becoming increasingly dizzy and light-headed.

      I have had whooping cough twice (at ages 16 & 19) which I thought might have been the cause but this has not been confirmed.

      I have been struggling for the last week with constant yawning and not being able to get a satisfy breath, again.

      The only thing i've been able to do is take myself away from people or put headphones in - sit down and concentrate on my breathing and try to complete a full breathe. I find that if I am on my own and really think about it - I can calm the issue and feel better for a while.

      I would really REALLY like an explanation and some advise on this issue!!!! 

      I have posted on here a few months ago and someone advised to watch out for sodium benzoate - this has been something I have been looking out for although I don't eat much processed food I do believe has been helpful and I am working on cutting out all processed food altogether.

      Can anyone else advise some ways of reducing or alleviating this issue, I am sooo tired of constant yawning!!!! 

    • Posted

      I have asthma. It’s mild tho. And I went to the sand dunes on my dirt bike. I felt a little wheezy on the way out there and it got worse heading back that night. I was fine out riding I think.

      Any how I pulled out my old inhaler and took it with me because my breathing was  botheeing me again. The next morning.

      I went to the dentist for the other half of my deep cleaning.  They gave me Anastasia and that was the last straw I guess because I had them call 911 and take me to the ER. They have me a breathing  treatment which didn’t really help because it doesent feel like asthma. Asthma is wheezing. They all pretty much just said it was in my head. 

      But that’s not the problem. I’m sure there is a legitament diagnosis. I assume it’s something similar for most of us on here with all the same synthoms. That’s why I want to try and get a list of what people have found that “cures” them of this inability to catch their breath with that satisfying yawn we all know of. 

      Are you satisfied with the prognosis that you are “over breathing” and it’s because of psychological issues? 

      Did you get tested for COPD and all the other physical tests??

      I just hope I can find out why it happens, what causes it and a perminant healthy cure for it soon! I’m scared and feel desperate. Scared of doing the tests also...!

    • Posted

      I have asthma. It’s mild tho. And I went to the sand dunes on my dirt bike. I felt a little wheezy on the way out there and it got worse heading back that night. I was fine out riding I think.

      Any how I pulled out my old inhaler and took it with me because my breathing was  botheeing me again. The next morning.

      I went to the dentist for the other half of my deep cleaning.  They gave me Anastasia and that was the last straw I guess because I had them call 911 and take me to the ER. They have me a breathing  treatment which didn’t really help because it doesent feel like asthma. Asthma is wheezing. They all pretty much just said it was in my head. 

      But that’s not the problem. I’m sure there is a legitament diagnosis. I assume it’s something similar for most of us on here with all the same synthoms. That’s why I want to try and get a list of what people have found that “cures” them of this inability to catch their breath with that satisfying yawn we all know of. 

      Are you satisfied with the prognosis that you are “over breathing” and it’s because of psychological issues? 

      Did you get tested for COPD and all the other physical tests??

      I just hope I can find out why it happens, what causes it and a perminant healthy cure for it soon! I need to be healthy for my wife and 3 year old daughter.  I’m scared and feel desperate. Scared of doing the tests also...!

    • Posted

      I was in hospital for 2 days with ever test done!xrays, ct scan bloods, blood gases!i had repeat bloods last week and all normal! The reason I went to hospital is because I hyperventilated so much to the point of a panic attack! 

      At my buteyko course, she measured my end tidal volume and I’m not retaining enough carbon dioxide! The normal body needs 6-7% co2 and I’m down at around 3.5%. Lack of co2 can mimic itself and feel like you are low on o2 when in fact you have too much from the constant over breathing! 

      I’ve been doing my exercises a week now and altho I still have symptoms they are not as severe! It’s something for you to look into for sure! I’ve been told that over breathing is a habit and I’ve been a mouth breather for as long as I can remember which is not good for you and can catch up on you! Which I feel like is what happened for me! I’m willing to put the time and energy into the exercises if it means any sort of relief! It’s definately not something g that be changed over night!

    • Posted

      I've had this problem off an on for 20 years. Try Pepto Bismol. (Not the off brand. )It worked almost immediately. I went to the Dr and he prescribed me heart burn medicine, which I thought was crazy. I didn't take it but thought just maybe that was the problem. I went on here searching for answers, then researched elsewhere.( GERD is something to research)Someone mentioned trying Pepto so I thought I would try it. People, I'm not lying when I say it changed my life! As soon as this happens to me I use it and it's almost immediate relief. I also (around the same time) started taking in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (with the mother) mixed with a little water, once in the morning. Try these things before you waste your time at the ER or Dr. Hope it works for you all😃

    • Posted

      I took one old Tums. Not sure if it helped. Ok yea I’m gonna get some Pepto today. I hope it works. 

      Also I was eating a lot of hot sauce for the last year.  I put it on everything. So I will stop. 

      I feel like my lungs are a bit congested. And I do have a bit of phlem coming up. 

      Hope that pepto helps. Thanks for the reply! 

    • Posted

      Try Pepto Bismol. Not the off brand. When symptoms occur. Also try apple cider vinegar "with the mother ". 1 tablespoon mixed with water every morning or night. (Not just when this happens). It changed my life. I've had this on and off for 20 years I'm healthy and active. The feeling of not being able to take a full breath is a horrible feeling. Try this and hopefully it works. It may not for everyone, but it did for me!

    • Posted

      I ever watch from YouTube, this is good for gastric reflux.. can I add Apple Cider Vinegar with Honey? "With the Mother" mean? Is it a brand?

    • Posted

      I mean don't buy the off brand Pepto  Bismol. Like the store brand.  The Apple cider vinegar will say "with the mother" on the label.

    • Posted

      15 years now! Please give me an answer...I do believe it’s taking in too much oxygen but so hard to stay focused on something that is supposed to come natural! 
    • Posted

      Hi John, I am 20 years of this symtoms.. when it was serious, I can't work I cant study.. need to catch my breath every seconds... I believed myself is GERD and breath too much... Anyway, anybody from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?? Probably I can introduce yo to attend spiritual class that might able to help.

    • Posted

      Thanks Lynn! I will try anything...Did it help you? I tried the GERD thing and took antacids but it wasn’t it. I never get GERD symptoms either! It’s definitely a breathing problem... 
    • Posted

      I don't have GERD symptoms like heart burn, but when my breath stuck, my stomach will be bloated, after burp out the gas, I can breath in

    • Posted

      I have the same problem.  I have been to the ER and checked out healthy. As I stated in previous posts, my issues resolved when I stopped ingesting sodium benzoate.  They return immediately if I ingest sodium benzoate.  Try removing this artificial preservative from your diet to prevent symptoms.  If you already have symptoms, the breathing exercises do help.  Try to wait before you take your breath in order to get more satisfaction from it.  My previous posts explain in more detail if you are interested.

       

    • Posted

      Most popular is Braggs apple cider vinegar. It’s basically non filtered. Yes you can add honey. Braggs has a small book about apple cider vinegar, it is amazing for many things. 

    • Posted

      GERD syntoms dont always include heartburn. You know they say our real brain is in our digestive  system. I would do a digestive/colon cleanse.  Also are you allergic to wheat?
    • Posted

      Been scoped both up and down and no food allergies... been there. Short of breath daily at rest and had a cardiac cath as well. It was clean? 
    • Posted

      I didn't take wheat. I control my diet like no coffee no soda drink, but the symptom is there and worst in the evening. I can't talk a lot bcoz can't catch my breath. I need to bend my body and press my knees to breathing hard, than I might able to get the satisfaction. I try to breath slow, but no effect to me.

    • Posted

      It's definitely not COPD or cancer. OCD Somatic Breathing is when you've become aware of your breathing pattern and try to manipulate it to your liking. Do something to take your mind off of it like reading or something that keeps your focus. This is not life threatening and you won't die from it, you'll just be very uncomfortable. I've read to cut out dairy (phlem causing foods), caffeine, and others but I just don't how that would matter when it's not a physical situation. Remember one thing.... when your body needs that deep breath it will take it on its own based on CO2 and O2 levels in your body. DO NOT try to manipulate it by taking your own deep breath. Let your body do it's thing and you go on with life. You will be just fine. Even though I say these things I still very much deal with it but I start repeating in my head that it's me changing my breathing that's causing this. Check out the post I put up with the link in it.

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