I feel like I can't take a deep breath
Posted , 81 users are following.
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
air_hungry kenzi2994
Posted
this is literally identicle to my situation
jacque45958 air_hungry
Posted
have you found anything that helps?
paige68656 jacque45958
Posted
have you been tested for acid reflux???
jacque45958 paige68656
Posted
no i havent. would you advise me to ?
Cantbreath2254 kenzi2994
Posted
hey everyone i suffer from this on a extreme level its 24/7 constant need to gasp and sigh every 15-30 seconds... i feel like a car running out of air will someone please reach out to me i cannot do anything my life is hell im basically bed ridden and doctors dont find anything.. please someone with this talk to me about it
richard93738 Cantbreath2254
Posted
From what I have experienced, it seems to be related to anxiety. I know, I did not believe it either for a while, but I have a sick family member whom I love beyond words and when she would get sick, I would notice it happening. If there is an unresolved issue or problem in your life, learn to either address the problem or let go of it- believe me it is hard to do. Your body must be in a truly relaxed, content state or it will not stop. You cannot fool your body, it knows the difference. If you can change the problem then tackle it and change it. If you cannot change it, walk away from it and don't look back.
naomi26687 Cantbreath2254
Posted
mine is defiantly anxiety related my doctor put me on sertraline it took a few weeks for it to start working for me, i still suffer with the unsatisfying breath every day but my mined dosnt seem to let it bother me as much unfortunately it flared up the day befor christmas day so atm im struggling but just trying to get on with things as normal so i know how you feel as when it first started for me i was a complete mess crying all the time thinking i was going to die but you really have to push yourself to do things to take your mined off it as hard as that sounds
Cantbreath2254 naomi26687
Posted
today has literally been the worst ive had intense pain all over my chest my ribs my back.. sharp pain in my chest when inhaling to go along with the shortness of breath.. it is Terrifying its so bad yet nothing is found when i say its bad i mean so bad i take a shower once every 2 days i struggle to brush my teeth any bite of food i take makes it 10 times worse i cant work i am 100% disabled like there is no way I'm not dying i feel sooooooooooo bad!!
naomi26687 Cantbreath2254
Posted
i had the same pain its from over using your muscles that are used when breathing you need to try your hardest to stop forced breaths as scary and frustrating as it is you need to try and push through it, you said you have been to the doctors are you on any medication or changed any medication you was taking before?
Cantbreath2254 naomi26687
Posted
did u feel it 24/7 every 15-30 seconds gasp only relief came when asleep unable to function at all
naomi26687 Cantbreath2254
Posted
yes i was a total mess i had my mum come over because my partner was away for work and i thought i was going to die, i have had it for 9/10 months now but i can get on with my life as normal i still have flare ups but i try not to let it bother me by doing something that takes all my attention, has your doctor prescribed you any medication?
Cantbreath2254 naomi26687
Posted
ive had it 10 months still bad
naomi26687 Cantbreath2254
Posted
are your doctors doing anything to help?
Cantbreath2254 naomi26687
Posted
there us literally nothing they can do they aren't finding anything i was diagnosed with pots but thats not the cause for the gasping the doctors are baffled and my life is that of a hospice patient
jesse73639 kenzi2994
Posted
Ive been STRUGGLING every day with this for years now, its the worst thing i have ever dealt with by far. Breathing excercises do give me some relief but as soon as i stop thinking about it the need to take a deep chest breath every so often comes back. That deep breath feels so good, but its like i can only take about 3 of those at most in a row and then my chest feels constricted again. The worst part about this for me is that pretty much every time i speak its like i dont have enough air so i run out of air just by saying a small sentence, horribly affecting my communication. Ive tried inhalers, xanax, and had chest x rays and pulminary tests and no doctor has been helpful. Does any one else feel out of breath every time they try to speak like i do?