How does dysfunctional breathing affect you?

[DaveT81]

Hi all,

I've suffered with a progressively worsening breathing problem for almost 18 months now and have, as yet, got literally nowhere on the way to explaining it.

I'm 38, have never had any health problems until about 3 years ago. But last year this issue hit me hard and I've had almost 12 months off work with it.

Initially it was a breathing problem on exertion. Then it gradually became at rest, and got progressively worse for the past year and a half, but more recently it's felt like it is becoming worse on a daily basis.

Right now, I feel like my body is suffocating/poisoning me, can't get enough oxygen, and my breathing 'apparatus' is very weak, almost like it's going through the motions. I feel constantly weak, tired and out of sorts as a result.

I'm increasingly finding it hard to concentrate, and it feels like there's a lack of oxygen getting to my brain. I'm constantly yawning and sighing, but I also struggle to 'complete' yawns. It's almost as if my diaphragm isn't working properly as well.

I've had numerous x-rays, scans, and although I have atrial fibrillation (ablated 2017), that has been ruled out as a cause.

I've seen a respiratory specialist at Spire recently, because after I was diagnosed with ME a few months ago, even the consultant in that dept. said he didn't think my breathing issue was associated.

The resp. Dr has referred me for PF, FeNO and a 'six-minute walk test', to measure the ability of my lungs, capacity, etc. and to see what levels of oxygen are in/being processed, I guess. In his letter to my GP, he says he 'suspects dysfunctional breathing'.

Does any of this sound familiar? And, if so/not, what are your symptoms like?

I'm really struggling here, particularly as we approach the holidays and I can barely walk to the toilet without gasping for breath. Very conscious of ruining Christmas for my wife and family but I'm at my wit's end at the present moment.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Julie14]

Hi Dave like you my breathlessness has become worse over the past year. My recent flare up has left me with having aids in my home & having some adaptions. I have a walking stick for short distances & a wheel chair for further as i become breathless very easy. Do you have any aids as i find this is a big help.

[DaveT81 in reply to Julie14]

I don't unfortunately. I am still awaiting any sort of diagnosis so I don't have any help at all at the moment.

I am sorry to read that you're having a bad time too. I can certainly sympathise.

[knitter]

Have you given any details about your dysfunctional breathing yet? Have you been observed when at rest and after exertion ? Hopefully that will be done soon.

My breathing pattern was monitored by a nurse .....how many breaths a minute, what part of my lungs I was using....upper chest or lower.

My friend was similarly monitored by her gp....she didn’t realise what was happening ...it was just a discussion and observation. The GP told her later that when she was talking about certain difficulties she was having, her breathing rate got quicker and shallower. Her anxiety/ breathlessness got into a spiral.

I was diagnosed as hyperventilating....over breathing so the oxygen/ CO2 got out of synch.

Try and nose breathe to warm and filter the air.........gentle gentle breaths.

Are you taking any medications.....some inhalers make my breathlessness worse....it’s a case of trial and error to find what suits you, I have a better preventer now. Discuss this with your health professional.

Meditation, relaxation exercises and yoga.....without the deep breathing ...have all helped me . Gentle, gentle breathing as relaxed as you can. I practice yoga alternative nostril breathing to help calm . Gentle exercise too.

Diet helps ...plenty of fruit and vegetables....again trial and error to see what suits you best.

When you are walking , try and nose breathe....if you get breathless, stop walking, gently nose breathe, gain control then carry on walking.

Sending best wishes .

[DaveT81 in reply to knitter]

Unfortunately, not! I am still waiting on a confirmation. I only saw his comments about dysfunctional breathing at the bottom of his letter to my GP so I've done a bit of Googling about it.

I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue 4 months ago but DB has all the same symptoms, plus the breathing issue which is why I'm assuming he's on to something.

I had been trying loads really, meditation, yoga, hypnotherapy, reiki and they all helped to a small degree but I'd inevitably fall back again and my big issue with slow breathing is that I also have a deviated septum which was recently diagnosed too and until I've had my surgery on that I won't know how much that affects me either!

Have you found any improvement in yours?

[Dietrech in reply to DaveT81]

Hi Dave, do you have an oxymeter? There are loads on Amazon. You can check your oxygen levels at rest and during exercise, and if it’s normal, you will know it’s unlikely to be lung disease. If you are hyperventilating, there are plenty of books and videos (on utube) to show you how to practise shallow breathing. Anxiety can cause it too, as I know! Hope it’s diagnosed soo for your peace of mind. If you have ME, that can cause many symptoms too.

[DaveT81 in reply to Dietrech]

Hi Dietrech,

Thank you. I didn't think so but I just realised I took my dad's old oxymeter when he passed away! My oxygen levels are going from 96-98.

I've never felt like I was hyperventilating. If anything, I often find I'm breathing very shallowly and only 8-12 times a minute. I'd always thought that when somebody refers to hyperventilation, the person in question is breathing very fast/rapidly. Is that not the case?

I've been looking into breathing techniques on YouTube for people with this problem. I've tried breathing more shallowly but it does make me feel short of breath and a little bit lightheaded. Is that normal to begin with?

Anxiety and depression had been ruled out as causes but I've no doubt that I'm feeling incredibly anxious lately, as it's been getting much worse. I'm also sad to say that there may be some depression setting in too, as it feels like there's no light at the end of the tunnel at the minute.

[DaveT81]

So just an update following Christmas - I had a slight bit of respite over the holidays but in the last couple of nights, things have seemingly gone back to the way they were when I posted this message.

A large part of the problem I'm having is that if I don't get a solid 8-9 hours sleep without interruption I'm pretty much guaranteed to see my breathing issues take over the next day. It's almost as if my body needs to recover from the previous day, even if I'm not doing much.

I've been trying some breathing exercises, with a small degree of success but there is little guidance online other than YouTube videos and I'm not 100% that many of these are even medical practitioners. I don't have another NHS appointment until the end of January, and the way things have progressed in recent weeks, I don't know if I can wait that long now..

[Sevenstar]

DaveT81

Sorry to hear you are struggling. I've suffered exactly the same thing for years , it is also known as Chronic Hidden Hyperventilation Syndrome, in other words people can't see you doing it but you know something is out of whack, it makes you feel rubbish as it changes the whole chemical balance in your blood !

When this happens it sets off all sorts of symptoms sending you back and forth to your doc with all sorts of things ranging from numbness of the face and hands to palpitations and brain fog !

Anyway I could go on for pages but see if you can get a copy of 'chronic hyperventilation syndrome ' by Ann Pitman , it will really help you !

Good luck

[vishnuGkl]

Hai Dave I am also having this same condition for the last 7 monts .I had started jogging 7 months ago after my jogging I had my workouts .after one month suddenly I was experiencing short of breath while I am doing my excercise.i thought it was because of gas problem .and I was diagnosed by gp and had couple of blood test but every thing was fine .gp suggest me to use an inhailer but it was not works on me .till now I am having this problem I feel like sighing all the time in the inervel of 2 minute sometimes I had to take yawing .but while I am sleeping I dont have any problems.i can sleep fine without any issues . I am just 28 ,now i am extremely scared and confused.i hope you are keeping fine now

[Melody2019]

Hi Dave. I was diagnosed with dysfunctional breathing 2 and half years ago. I have similar symptoms, and can get very breathless and exhausted after only a few steps. But my Oxygen levels are fine.

Inhalers didn't work, and I was given breathing exercises and voice exercises as I lost my voice for 2 years too..

It effects all parts of my daily living, but there are aids that can help.