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I feel like I can't take a deep breath

Posted , 81 users are following.

kenzi2994
kenzi2994

I have been trying to figure this issue out for 3 years. It feels like I physically can't take a deep breath, all the time - 24/7, no matter what I am doing. This issue started when I turned 19, my sophomore year in college. I have had a chest x-ray, an EKG, an ECHO. I have had my hormones and thyroid levels checked. I have gone to an asthma-allergy doctor. I have seen a psychiatrist and tried 9 different medications for anxiety. I have seen a counselor for a year and a half and have not found anything that helps or any answers. I do not identify with Generalized anxiety due to the simple fact that this issue persists all of the time, even when I am (or should be) at my most relaxed. I have been told that it seems like my brain has been re-wired and almost stuck in "fight mode" (fight-or-flight) which I could see as a possibility. I am currently trying biofeedback/ neurofeedback, which I am optimistic about.  I just want to see if anyone has had a similar issue or has any suggestions. 

4 likes, 155 replies

155 Replies

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  • abrasive
    abrasive kenzi2994

    Posted

    Advice is try blowing out all the air from your lungs repeat 10 times.
  • sam94333
    sam94333 kenzi2994

    Posted

    I have the same exact feeling. I have had mild asthma before but since a year ago it felt like it got worse. It hasn't improved since,I have had all the tests and all of them indicate everything is fine. It feels like I can breathe simply like normal breaths but then when I try deep breathe, it feels tight and horrible. I know what it feels like to breathe fine without any problems because my breathing was normal before. They say it is anxiety, but even relaxed I feel it.

  • moon53540
    moon53540 kenzi2994

    Edited

    I had the feeling I couldn’t take a deep breath in, I had a dull ache around my lungs every now and then and I got palpitations. I had echocardiogram, ecg, chest X-ray and blood tests all which came back clear. My breathing became so difficult and my pulse kept going through the roof and I had really bad chest pains so I paid to get a chest CT with contrast and it turned out I had multiple pulmonary emboli. Ask to get a D-dimer blood test to see if your blood is clotting normally, PEs are misdiagnosed as anxiety and musculoskeletal pain all the time. They are very serious and can kill you. Always better to be a bit over cautious when it comes to your breathing.
    • fran24980
      fran24980 moon53540

      Posted

      Hey! I have done 2 ct scans and nothing came up. Is it something easy to detect?  I’m still having the trouble breathing and feel it a lot after eating.  My stomach feels bloated and have back pain as well. What did they notice on your ct scan?  
    • moon53540
      moon53540 fran24980

      Edited

      I had lots of blood clots on my lungs. If you have had CT scans of your lungs and nothing showed up it is unlikely to be that. But if you are experiencing breathing problems after eating it is more likely to be a problem with your esophagus or abdomen. Have you had any tests like an endoscopy?
    • fran24980
      fran24980 moon53540

      Posted

      Ive done an ultrasound of the abdomen. All is good. Next is a colonoscopy, doctor hasn’t suggested an endoscopy. 
    • moon53540
      moon53540 fran24980

      Posted

      With an endoscopy. Ask your doctor about it and see if it is a possibility. 
    • fran24980
      fran24980 moon53540

      Posted

      I will have to ask for one. Now I’m going to stress about it. 
  • jacque45958
    jacque45958 kenzi2994

    Edited

    Hello,

    I've also had this exact problem for about 2 years now. Some days it's better than others but my breathing doesn't feel normal even on a good day. It feels like i can't get the sensation of getting a full breath, I concentrate on my breathing constantly and have become obsessed with it. I've had every test possible and everything has come back normal. I WANT THIS GONE! I find it's alot worse on a hangover, I've never been a anxious person but find myself very anxious sometimes and worry about everything. Does anyone know anything which will help get this feeling out of my body? I eat well and work out cardio/muscular exercises 5 times a week. Any help I'd appreciate so much, thank you

    • naomi26687
      naomi26687 jacque45958

      Edited

      my problem is the same as you some days its better than others but still not the same its like i have forgotten how to breath properly, i force deep breaths insted of them just happening on there own and sometimes i don't get that satisfying breath so it makes me think of my breathing even more, i am on sertraline it has help abit but not a miracle cure only thing i can say that dose help is straighten your back when you take deep breaths as it will help take in more air, sorry i couldn't be more of a help

    • jacque45958
      jacque45958 naomi26687

      Posted

      Hi Naomi,

      Thanks for your response. Do you find it's worse when you've had alcohol?

      Jacque

    • naomi26687
      naomi26687 jacque45958

      Posted

      i don't really drink often so not sure, it gets worse when i am on my own or no i have somthing to do, i have recently started taking cbd oil so i am going to see if it makes any diffrence

    • jacque45958
      jacque45958 naomi26687

      Edited

      I recently purchased some CBD oil but haven't noticed any difference yet. My back is so tight and full of muscular knots so I'm going to get a massage tomorrow to see if that makes any difference. I'll let you know if it helps. I also find exercise helps alot, makes me feel alot less stressed and makes my breathing better

    • naomi26687
      naomi26687 jacque45958

      Posted

      hi just wondering do you find that your breathing gets worse when your on your period? i find it starts getting worse a few days before i come on and through my period

    • air_hungry
      air_hungry jacque45958

      Posted

      did u ever smoke? im 3 years in with this now... been 24/7 since it started. and i assume its from smoking but my tests show no lung issues. LITERALLY getting an endoscopy rn, waiting in the lobby for them to call me

    • air_hungry
      air_hungry paige68656

      Edited

      went well, found out i have acid reflux, but its most likely not the culprit of my breathing issue

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