18 years of age shortness of breath/dyspnea

[ay13222]

Firstly I am an 18 year old male and about 3 weeks ago I noticed a shortness of breath and it has been with me ever since I feel the need to keep taking a deep breath. I have had a chest X-ray, ecg and ekg and all came back normal/clear. About 2 days prior to the breathlessness I had been vaping on nicotine eliquid. Could the vaping be the direct cause to the breathlessness or could’ve the nicotine brought back my hypochondria. It’s been very stressful and has made it so I don’t get to sleep until very early morning. I also did a flow test and they said my readings are above average which was surprising. The breathlessness has also lead to anxiety attacks.

[Pantani]

It may be that vaping is to blame , 18 teens were hospitalised in Milwaukee with lung damage attributed to vaping. While vaping is perceived as better than smoking the actual effects of long term vaping are unknown. The American Lung Foundation say that young people lungs are more susceptible to toxins as they are still developing. I would try to give up vaping and breathe fresh air.

[ay13222 in reply to Pantani]

Thank you for the reply!, I have given up vaping but the hypochondria has me thinking I have something life threatening. I also noticed that it gets easier to breathe when I’m really tired don’t know if this could indicate anxiety is the root. I read about that it’s definitely becoming a problem

[hypercat54 in reply to ay13222]

Hi it is very common with health anxiety to feel breathless and a tight wheezing feeling in your chest. There are a couple of very good anxiety sites on here so why not join them. I am on them and you will find many others with the same symptoms. They will be able to give you the benefit of their experience and this should help put your mind at rest. x

[ay13222 in reply to hypercat54]

Hi, thank you very much for your advice I’ll get on it

[hypercat54 in reply to ay13222]

These are the 2 busiest sites. x

healthunlocked.com/anxiety-...

healthunlocked.com/anxietys...

[knitter]

Has your breathing patterned been observed when you are at rest?

Some people may breathe with a tight upper chest or too fast for instance, especially when they are worried.

Try to nose breathe only ......very very gently with relaxed shoulders and diaphragm.

It's easy to get into a cycle of breathlessness, anxiety, breathlessness, maybe the vaping caused a short term trigger.

Have you been offered any help with your anxiety? Talking therapy or meditation or relaxation exercises for instance.

I would ask your health professionals advice.

Best wishes.