Randomly start feeling like I cant breathe. - Anxiety Support

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Randomly start feeling like I cant breathe.

KatieRichie94 profile image
8 Replies

I've been fine for today until now. I suddenly  started feeling like I cant breathe.. then this feeling will last for hours or sometimes minutes and stop then continue coming back... why is this happening?

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KatieRichie94 profile image
KatieRichie94
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8 Replies
es27 profile image
es27

Hi

I was wondering much the same a while ago unfortunately I don't know the answer but wanted you to know that you are not alone. 

Take care. 

tdawgg123 profile image
tdawgg123

I have it happen once in a while too. When we are anxious we tend to breathe with our chest and not our belly like we should. Focusing on it and thinking about it will only make it worse. Try to focus on something else. And just remember you can't physically stop breathing so don't be afraid of the feelings. 

Ag27 profile image
Ag27

Do you have any other symptoms? Have you been tested for Lyme and coinfections? Babesia causes shortness of breath and air hunger.  Sometimes you wake up with sore ribs.  

KatieRichie94 profile image
KatieRichie94

I also have excessive gas

Jayde_96 profile image
Jayde_96

I've been getting the lately. It feels like I'm starved for oxygen. It's scary 

Mrworrymaster profile image
Mrworrymaster

As always, the Dr. is the first stop with any health concern. Make sure you're clear so you can have a clear mind when battling these types of things. Anxiety is a huge trigger for breathing issues though. I've been dealing with s shortness of breath, and hyper awareness of breathing, for about five months now. Mine started when I quit smoking-so I had a lung test done. Passed, but still feel short of breath at times. The crazy thing is once you really hone in on your breathing then you screw up the natural cycle of things and you feel more out of breath. If you're over breathing you mess up the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide and it actually makes you out of breath. Breathing is an autonomic response, meaning you shouldn't have to monitor it at all. Go for a run, if you can't make it at all then there could be something going on-which is even more reason to go to the Dr. But, if you can huff and puff your way through then it is probably just anxiety causing you to focus too much on a natural activity like breathing.

Best of luck

Mloanddb profile image
Mloanddb in reply to Mrworrymaster

I quit smoking to & I often wonder if that contributed to this breathing problem I'm having. It comes & goes it's absolutely annoying. 

Mloanddb profile image
Mloanddb

I have the same exact problem. I get it at random times. It can last awhile. Sometimes my chest gets tight. I have to take deep breaths or yawn. I know I'm still breathing but it's still alarming at the same time.   

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