Help please

[treyjeff]

I often feel short of breath, however when I check my oxygen it reads 97-99 and my peak flow is normal. I do have anxiety disorder, so I'm wondering if that could be the culprit and wether or not I should worry about this. For reference ok 20 years old w no health issues besides asthma and anxiety. Appreciate any all insight.

[Shellc]

I would say it’s your Axiety

[Hidden]

It obviously could be your anxiety, you dont mention whether you inhaler gives you relief.

Other conditions I know of that can mimic asthma are, Vocal chord dysfunction (VCD), reflux (GERD), silent reflux (LPR) and Vagus nerve damage (from virus) or Vagus nerve over stimulation from stress or reflux.

[strongmouse in reply to Hidden]

I agree that reflux can make you feel out of breath.

When does the shortness of breath occur? Is it after exrecise or at specific times or in certain places? This may help you to work out the cause. It is abit like being your own detective and checking what clues are available to see if there is a pattern. Examples - after eating, when you get home from work - an allergy? - after exercise, heart or lung issues, around pets or dust - allergy to something? When you wake up.. or when you are worried about something? Hope you find out something that helps.

[geoffreythompson]

i wish my oxygen level was the same as yours girl,then i would,nt need my oxygen and nebuliser when i get up my reading is around 87.90. and im gasping.nothing anyone can do,just gotta get on with it,good luck kiddo

[LDloveslattecoffe]

My oxygen while sitting/standing is always over 97% which is good but when I lie down my oxygen levels drop causing me to gasp for breath. I was diagnosed with sleep apnoea on top of my asthma.

I get shortness of breath but usually related to exercise/activity or infection or allergy.

I don't know what it's like to have a panic attack thankfully but when I am really stressed with situations/people I can find it hard to get breath and chest tighten and hurts, I end up sitting and taking deep breaths. End up yawning and sighing a lot when this happens.

Being unable to breathe is scary. My scariest times have been when infection has exacerbated my asthma and when it is during the middle of the night when this happens is scarier than during the day. I live alone and generally, I tell myself yes it's scary but panicking will not help I need to be calm. I make sure I sit up supported and slow my breathing as best I can.

Strongmouse asks excellent questions to ask yourself. If you can identify when they occur you can identify triggers and also recocgize when it's anxiety related and when it's trigger related.

Remember sometimes it will be your anxiety, other times it will be your asthma/allergy triggers.

Good luck