whits end with shortness of breath feeling

[ash160808]

Hi everyone, so for the last few months everyday i have had the feeling of shortness of breath its like i feel like i cant get that full satisfying breath. I try to do this even when i am just sat doing nothing and my throat feels tight and sore. I am known to have bad health anxiety for the last 8-10 years and i also have asthma but this was diagnosed the same time my anxiety was. My peak flow 600-650 all the time and never really changes and the doctor has changed my inhaler a couple times in the last few months based on what i have described. My diet is also very poor as is my sleep pattern

Any suggestions or input if you have had this and what helps would be great, as you know with anxiety and asthma you always think the worst and think something is wrong

in the last 2 weeks i have also joined the gym and done yoga and tai chi and during these classes i have never had to use my blue rescue inhaler either.

Thanks for reading

[CDPO16]

It sounds like joining the gym and doing yoga and tai chi are really helping you. Hopefully they will ease your anxiety too. I often find that anxiety is harder to cope with than breathlessness and it certainly makes the latter worse.

[strongmouse]

Any special reason why you say your diet is poor? Soups are a good way of getting nourishment if you are not eating a lot. It is important - as you know - to have a good diet when dealing with any long term illness. There is a lot of help and advice about healthy food and it can make a big difference to your overall well being. If it is poor habits ask if your GP can refer you to a counsellor to help you make some healthy changes. I find planning ahead and having some easy quicky meals which are also healthy helps.

[Saassii]

What's your environment like? In your home are there any signs of mold or water damage? That will work precisely like you're describing for some people.

[ash160808]

thanks for the replies, my diet is mainly junk food if i am honest and lots of cola. There may be some water/mould as in my living room there is an extension and i have noticed the wall paper is starting to peal of. I also tend to sleep on the sofa in my living room aswell with my 2 dogs

[strongmouse in reply to ash160808]

Sounds like there is a lot going on for you and several possible triggers for health issues.

It is great that you are going to the gym as exercise is good for all health conditions.

In terms of your environment if you are better when you are out of your home then it does suggest something at home might be aggravating your asthma. A reaction to mould is a possibility and to your dogs. Doctors can do allergy tests to check or refer you to someone who does this. If you live in rented accomodation then this is something your landlord should sort out. The local council's environmental health may be able to help / advise or the Citizens Advice Bureau. If you have an allergy to dogs then Healthy House have a spray which I have found works to neutralise the allergen (we looked after my sons dog for three weeks and normally I am allergic but the spray made a huge difference). I use air filters at home and find this helps.

Take it one step at a time to improve your health. You have made a good start with exercise.

[LDloveslattecoffe]

Anxiety is a well known asthma trigger.

Have you tried swimming? I went swimming when my back was really bad I plodded through pain and after about 10 lengths it got easier and pain eased I found fora weeky breathing eased. It was as if the act of swimming had unblocked something and unblocked my Airways.

[Greenfingers2014]

Hi ash160808

I have exactly the same issue with catching my breath. It’s great reading the responses you’ve already had, very helpful.

I’ve found exercise, like the yoga etc that you’re doing and also walking and as previous responses swimming will help.

I’ve also found meditation particular before going to bed helps. Try the Calm app, they have a good range of breathing for anxiety and also sleep stories. I also have a humidifier in my bedroom and put in Olbas oil or lavendar oil.

I’m discovering that my deep breathing is worse when my noise is blocked/running. I’m going to ask the doctor about post nasal drip. I’m constantly sucking on cough sweets as I’m recovering from a chest infection/sinusitis at the moment, which isn’t good long term but is helping me.

And I’ve found that a saline nasal spray helps, it’s a natural remedy too and you can use it up to 6 times a day until congestion goes.

One revelation is that I carry stress/anxiety in my neck and shoulders. When these muscles are tight it affects my deep breathing. Also when you’re struggling for breath you’re using muscles that aren’t meant to be used for breathing and they get tight. Also not helped by sleeping on raised pillows. If you’re sleeping on the sofa is probably isn’t good for your overall posture/neck/shoulders. If you massage your neck muscles or do neck stretching this can help. Also try easing them with a hot water bottle. My doctor has recommended acupuncture sessions which I’m starting tomorrow.

I hope this helps x