Why can't I breathe?!?
Discussion
Before the cries of "Stop posting on PH and get thee to a Dr" start, I've seen the doc....
Since xmas, I've had periods where I've been struggling to take a full breath. Not short of breath, just unable to finish that last 10-15% of a nice deep breath. This co-incided with suddenly not being able to yawn, which I can only assume is related.
It seems to come in phases, and not predictably/routinely. It occasionally gets worse and feels like I can't get the last 25% or so, and then will ease over the course of 7-14 days. Sometimes to the point it's almost gone away (although never goes completely) and sometimes getting worse again almost immediately.
The feeling is that my chest just won't expand far enough. Sort of an amplified version of when you've had far too much to eat and there's not room for everything in your abdomen.
Some other symptoms/points that may or may not be relevant:
- I'd had a cough since October last year (the joy of having young children) that seems to have finally cleared up mid way though March
- I was a smoker (last 20 years, but generally <10/day) until recently, Giving up has not had any effect (not that I expected it to really)
- I run fairly regularly. Pace doesn't seem to have been affected, in fact I ran a 10K PB recently.
- Running does't appear to make it any better or worse (that I've noticed)
- Generally, first thing in the morning (the first few minutes after waking up) I can breathe fairly normally
I've had a chest x-ray due to having had a cough for >5 weeks. That came back as "bang on normal" (doctors words).
I've been referred for a lung function test (reverse spirometer?) to rule out any issues there, although the doctor doesn't believe there is a problem there at this point.
Her current theory is that it's chest muscle fatigue from the long standing cough, but I'd have thought that this would get better and then go away, rather than the swings between better and worse that I'm seeing.
I'm not entirely sure now what I hope to achieve by typing all of that, or what I'm really asking. You obviously can't diagnose me over the internet
However, any suggestions or theories I can run through with the Dr at my next appointment would be appreciated as we both seem to be a bit in the dark about what's going on.
Cheers.
Since xmas, I've had periods where I've been struggling to take a full breath. Not short of breath, just unable to finish that last 10-15% of a nice deep breath. This co-incided with suddenly not being able to yawn, which I can only assume is related.
It seems to come in phases, and not predictably/routinely. It occasionally gets worse and feels like I can't get the last 25% or so, and then will ease over the course of 7-14 days. Sometimes to the point it's almost gone away (although never goes completely) and sometimes getting worse again almost immediately.
The feeling is that my chest just won't expand far enough. Sort of an amplified version of when you've had far too much to eat and there's not room for everything in your abdomen.
Some other symptoms/points that may or may not be relevant:
- I'd had a cough since October last year (the joy of having young children) that seems to have finally cleared up mid way though March
- I was a smoker (last 20 years, but generally <10/day) until recently, Giving up has not had any effect (not that I expected it to really)
- I run fairly regularly. Pace doesn't seem to have been affected, in fact I ran a 10K PB recently.
- Running does't appear to make it any better or worse (that I've noticed)
- Generally, first thing in the morning (the first few minutes after waking up) I can breathe fairly normally
I've had a chest x-ray due to having had a cough for >5 weeks. That came back as "bang on normal" (doctors words).
I've been referred for a lung function test (reverse spirometer?) to rule out any issues there, although the doctor doesn't believe there is a problem there at this point.
Her current theory is that it's chest muscle fatigue from the long standing cough, but I'd have thought that this would get better and then go away, rather than the swings between better and worse that I'm seeing.
I'm not entirely sure now what I hope to achieve by typing all of that, or what I'm really asking. You obviously can't diagnose me over the internet
However, any suggestions or theories I can run through with the Dr at my next appointment would be appreciated as we both seem to be a bit in the dark about what's going on.
Cheers.
Seriously, keep pushing your doc - ask for a referral to a specialist. I am guessing from your profile photo that neither Papworth nor the Royal Brompton are terribly convenient for you, but they are among the top places for chest/lung stuff.
I say keep pushing because I am a cautionary tale. I had a persistent cough and shortness of breath. The latter I put down to being a non-exercising middle aged bloke (unlike my younger days when I rowed so was in good shape). The cough I just didn't notice, it was just "there". I didn't feel in any way "unwell". After numerous scans, lung function tests and finally a biopsy, they know that I have some form of pulmonary fibrosis. If it turns out to be one of the ones they think it may be, then a lung transplant is the only treatment option, and that's a pretty gloomy prospect.
I say keep pushing because I am a cautionary tale. I had a persistent cough and shortness of breath. The latter I put down to being a non-exercising middle aged bloke (unlike my younger days when I rowed so was in good shape). The cough I just didn't notice, it was just "there". I didn't feel in any way "unwell". After numerous scans, lung function tests and finally a biopsy, they know that I have some form of pulmonary fibrosis. If it turns out to be one of the ones they think it may be, then a lung transplant is the only treatment option, and that's a pretty gloomy prospect.
I've had something very similar for a long, long time. Feels frustrating, as you can't quite get what feels enough air!
It's not constant and comes and goes, and I've never got to the bottom of it.
I think it gets worse at stressful times, but that's maybe when it's more noticeable. It seems to get worse when I'm aware of it, or think about it, so it's perhaps something mental for me? Not much help I'm afraid.....
It's not constant and comes and goes, and I've never got to the bottom of it.
I think it gets worse at stressful times, but that's maybe when it's more noticeable. It seems to get worse when I'm aware of it, or think about it, so it's perhaps something mental for me? Not much help I'm afraid.....
It's anxiety, do you have a history of any anxiety? are you on medication? stressed out?
I've been on 20mg Citalopram (an anti-depressant / anti-anxiety medication) for a number of years and I came off it for a few months and I had constant feelings of 'not getting a whole breath' when trying to breathe. If you ask someone to describe a panic attack they will say it feels as though they can't breath thus increasing the panic.
I've been on 20mg Citalopram (an anti-depressant / anti-anxiety medication) for a number of years and I came off it for a few months and I had constant feelings of 'not getting a whole breath' when trying to breathe. If you ask someone to describe a panic attack they will say it feels as though they can't breath thus increasing the panic.
Thanks guys, some interesting and slightly terrifying stories!
Another way I'd describe it is to imagine you've expanded your chest to it's max capacity and someone tied a belt tight around it at that point. Then you breathe out and back in, but they've pulled the belt in a couple of notches and you can't expand it as much.
I've never been treated for it or prescribed any medication for anxiety or stress.
However, I did read somewhere that it's possible to have anxiety without feeling anxious. I might do a little more digging around that and see if there's any "self help" techniques I can maybe try.
Thanks everyone for your contributions so far
Europa1 said:
Seriously, keep pushing your doc
I intend to. She seems keen to find out the issue.Europa1 said:
After numerous scans, lung function tests and finally a biopsy, they know that I have some form of pulmonary fibrosis. If it turns out to be one of the ones they think it may be, then a lung transplant is the only treatment option, and that's a pretty gloomy prospect.
Really sorry to hear that. My fingers are crossed that it's one of the ones with a better and happier outcome for you. How long has it taken to get that diagnosis?didelydoo said:
I've had something very similar for a long, long time. Feels frustrating, as you can't quite get what feels enough air!
You have my sympathies, I've not had it long and I'm already fed up of it. I find the inability to yawn the most frustrating thing. That seems to lead to a dire need to yawn more frequently, and I can't. End up just stood like a guppy with my mouth open and nothing happening.didelydoo said:
It's not constant and comes and goes, and I've never got to the bottom of it.
I think it gets worse at stressful times, but that's maybe when it's more noticeable. It seems to get worse when I'm aware of it, or think about it, so it's perhaps something mental for me? Not much help I'm afraid.....
It's certainly less noticeable when I'm busy, or out and about.I think it gets worse at stressful times, but that's maybe when it's more noticeable. It seems to get worse when I'm aware of it, or think about it, so it's perhaps something mental for me? Not much help I'm afraid.....
J4CKO said:
Could by hyperventilating <snip> is it like a feeling of the breath not going "over the top" sort of thing ?
I don't think it's hyperventilating, I'm not struggling to catch or take a breath, just can't get that satisfying deep breath when I want one. Another way I'd describe it is to imagine you've expanded your chest to it's max capacity and someone tied a belt tight around it at that point. Then you breathe out and back in, but they've pulled the belt in a couple of notches and you can't expand it as much.
J4CKO said:
Could by hyperventilating ? are you stressed
Matt-il77s said:
It's anxiety, do you have a history of any anxiety? are you on medication? stressed out?
That's come up a couple of times during my internet searches. I've never thought of myself as an anxious person, I'm very rarely stressed or anxious and pretty laid back in general. I've never been treated for it or prescribed any medication for anxiety or stress.
However, I did read somewhere that it's possible to have anxiety without feeling anxious. I might do a little more digging around that and see if there's any "self help" techniques I can maybe try.
Thanks everyone for your contributions so far
Having been through similar it's really the chest X-Ray that should show up any issues, failing that the lung function test (spirometry) will give an indication if anything is amiss or if it's in your head. I take it any sort of asthma has been ruled out?
My issues also started with the cough I couldn't shift for which I also blamed the kids. Many types of antibiotics later and I was sent of for an X-Ray, this came back showing some issues so was quickly followed up with a CT scan. Then it got scary as I was referred to the hospital as potentially having cancer. This was swiftly followed by a bronchoscopy / needle biopsy which was inconclusive and finally a surgical biopsy. The biopsy result said no cancer (phew) but that I have Sarcoidosis. By this time the cough had more or less gone so I decided on no treatment. It flared up again in the summer on a family holiday abroad getting on for two years ago. Been on steroids ever since which has kept it under control.
Good luck.
My issues also started with the cough I couldn't shift for which I also blamed the kids. Many types of antibiotics later and I was sent of for an X-Ray, this came back showing some issues so was quickly followed up with a CT scan. Then it got scary as I was referred to the hospital as potentially having cancer. This was swiftly followed by a bronchoscopy / needle biopsy which was inconclusive and finally a surgical biopsy. The biopsy result said no cancer (phew) but that I have Sarcoidosis. By this time the cough had more or less gone so I decided on no treatment. It flared up again in the summer on a family holiday abroad getting on for two years ago. Been on steroids ever since which has kept it under control.
Good luck.
OP, in answer to your question: it's taken about 18 months-2 years to get to the diagnosis. And thank you - fingers are firmly crossed that it is one of the other outcomes - they think it may be sarcoidosis (see C0ffinDodger's post above) as a side effect of Crohn's Disease. The bummer is that whatever it is, the scarring on the lungs is irreversible, so the breathlessness will be permanent - occasionally the transplant option of having the lungs of some strapping 20 year old who's wrapped his Corsa around a tree installed is almost tempting!
C0ffin D0dger said:
Having been through similar it's really the chest X-Ray that should show up any issues, failing that the lung function test (spirometry) will give an indication if anything is amiss or if it's in your head. I take it any sort of asthma has been ruled out?
Asthma hasn't been mentioned yet actually, and would be an obvious thing to rule out. I have no history of asthma though, can you develop it at 40?C0ffin D0dger said:
My issues also started with the cough I couldn't shift for which I also blamed the kids. Many types of antibiotics later and I was sent of for an X-Ray, this came back showing some issues so was quickly followed up with a CT scan. Then it got scary as I was referred to the hospital as potentially having cancer. This was swiftly followed by a bronchoscopy / needle biopsy which was inconclusive and finally a surgical biopsy. The biopsy result said no cancer (phew) but that I have Sarcoidosis. By this time the cough had more or less gone so I decided on no treatment.
Well I'm glad it didn't turn out to be cancer. I'm not a hypochondriac by any means, but that was one thing that weighed on my mind initially. The normal result from the chest X-ray was the tipping point to finally ditch the fags for good.Sarcoidosis is a new one on me, just been having a read of the Sarcoidosis Charity website and will mention it to the doc. As you mention though, it sounds like that should've shown up on the chest x-ray. Will see what comes out with the lung function test.
C0ffin D0dger said:
Good luck.
Thanks.Europa1 said:
occasionally the transplant option of having the lungs of some strapping 20 year old who's wrapped his Corsa around a tree installed is almost tempting!
I can see how that would be appealing! SlidingSideways said:
I find the inability to yawn the most frustrating thing.
- yup! You get started on the yawn, can't complete it and you don't get the satisfying finish...... I'm pretty sure it's stress/mental related for me. Been happening on and off with me for over 20 years, and to be fair, whilst it's annoying, it's not caused any issues for me.I see it mentioned above but I'd certainly be exploring the anxiety route. I had similar symptoms shortness of breath, but felt ok apart from that, I was also having trouble sleeping, but I've never been the most restful sleeper. The only thing I can think of is that I was stressed at work but no more than usual and it wasn't something I was consciously aware of.
Anyway, he diagnosed anxiety and I was put on medication and told to stay at home for a week, it worked wonders. 18 months on and I haven't had any further issues. Sometimes it takes a good medical professional to force you to take a step back even just for a short period of time so don't be afraid to seek more than one opinion.
Anyway, he diagnosed anxiety and I was put on medication and told to stay at home for a week, it worked wonders. 18 months on and I haven't had any further issues. Sometimes it takes a good medical professional to force you to take a step back even just for a short period of time so don't be afraid to seek more than one opinion.
Yeah, will be looking into every possibility. I don't feel any more stressed of anxious than I've been before, and I'm generally pretty laid back. Work is fine, enjoyable and stable.
My brother suggested it may be "tension" (does that differ from anxiety/stress?) and that a back massage may help. He's an architect rather than a Dr though, but worth a shot I guess..
My brother suggested it may be "tension" (does that differ from anxiety/stress?) and that a back massage may help. He's an architect rather than a Dr though, but worth a shot I guess..
I've had similar symptoms for a week or two now. I saw my GP who I get on extremely well with (in fact my father used to lecture him in physiology at University so we're not exactly out of the loop when it comes to medical stuff).
I saw my GP on Tuesday and knowing that I hate taking pills we decided to sit on it for a while. Come Saturday morning I could barely walk to the toilet without running out of breath.
I got an emergency visit to what is called 'Care Doc' over here and was instantly handed over a dose of 10 prednisone and some Augmentin ABs. Followed by a ten day prescription.
A week or two later I'm feeling better, though far from being right.
A few hippy dippy far from scientifically proven techniques that might help are.
1. Try to breath from your diaphragm before you breathe from your chest. i.e. with everything deflated, stick your tummy out and then in breathe up with your chest, then deflate your chest then deflate your tummy.
2. Finger tapping to the left and right of your sternum, use four fingers and tap at a rate or 1,2,3,4,5....10, do it again and again, 10 times.
3. Get the sputum out of your body, Don't swallow it, spit it out and dispose of it.
I saw my GP on Tuesday and knowing that I hate taking pills we decided to sit on it for a while. Come Saturday morning I could barely walk to the toilet without running out of breath.
I got an emergency visit to what is called 'Care Doc' over here and was instantly handed over a dose of 10 prednisone and some Augmentin ABs. Followed by a ten day prescription.
A week or two later I'm feeling better, though far from being right.
A few hippy dippy far from scientifically proven techniques that might help are.
1. Try to breath from your diaphragm before you breathe from your chest. i.e. with everything deflated, stick your tummy out and then in breathe up with your chest, then deflate your chest then deflate your tummy.
2. Finger tapping to the left and right of your sternum, use four fingers and tap at a rate or 1,2,3,4,5....10, do it again and again, 10 times.
3. Get the sputum out of your body, Don't swallow it, spit it out and dispose of it.
SlidingSideways said:
Sarcoidosis is a new one on me, just been having a read of the Sarcoidosis Charity website and will mention it to the doc. As you mention though, it sounds like that should've shown up on the chest x-ray. Will see what comes out with the lung function test.
Hopefully it won't be Sarcoid. I've had it for 10 years and even when they first found it my lungs looked like a bomb had gone off in them so it does seem to be visible to X-Ray.I have to take a CD of my scans with me when I go on holiday as my consultant said if I had an accident of some sort and they X-Rayed me they would immediately think I had late stage Lung cancer.
OP kindly pointed me towards this thread.
My problems seem to be two fold, one lung not working correctly due to diaphram not moving and the lung disease + obstruction.
Like Europa i had a form of IBD (Ulcerative Colitis) never thought this would have anything to do with my lungs though. I'm seeing the consultant tomorrow evening so will post back after.
Pretty bummed out watching the marathon on TV yesterday, running has been a big part of my life for the past 15 years. First child is going to arrive in the next month which makes me think am i going to be able to do all the running around after her, at the moment i'm getting knackered just unloading the dishwasher.
My problems seem to be two fold, one lung not working correctly due to diaphram not moving and the lung disease + obstruction.
Like Europa i had a form of IBD (Ulcerative Colitis) never thought this would have anything to do with my lungs though. I'm seeing the consultant tomorrow evening so will post back after.
Pretty bummed out watching the marathon on TV yesterday, running has been a big part of my life for the past 15 years. First child is going to arrive in the next month which makes me think am i going to be able to do all the running around after her, at the moment i'm getting knackered just unloading the dishwasher.
I have abominable lung function for someone youngish (34) and fit. Apparently could be due to nerve damage from an old neck injury, but it is certainly annoying. It gets better with intense exercise. Does yours, OP? If so, it may be partly mental and/or nerve related. I think the nerve function is inefficient so I need to push hard before I can get the muscles to work properly.
The doctors original theory was that it was caused by the chest muscles being fatigued due to a persistent cough. I also notice that I have a knot in my shoulder when it's at it's worst.
I used to run a couple/three times a week and spent last summer doing 5-10k road and fell races. I'm not the fastest, generally mid field (lower on the fell races as they seem to attract uber fit nutters
). As mentioned previously, my pace hasn't really tailed off during all this. If it has, it's more down to the lack of training as it's hard to want to run when it's at it's worst.
Have finally managed to book a (telephone) appointment on Friday with the GP to discuss the results (face to face wasn't likely to be until the end of May!) so hopefully know a little more after that.
Have also booked an assessment with a sports therapist to see if there's anything going on with my back/shoulder that could be contributing.
I used to run a couple/three times a week and spent last summer doing 5-10k road and fell races. I'm not the fastest, generally mid field (lower on the fell races as they seem to attract uber fit nutters
). As mentioned previously, my pace hasn't really tailed off during all this. If it has, it's more down to the lack of training as it's hard to want to run when it's at it's worst.Have finally managed to book a (telephone) appointment on Friday with the GP to discuss the results (face to face wasn't likely to be until the end of May!) so hopefully know a little more after that.
Have also booked an assessment with a sports therapist to see if there's anything going on with my back/shoulder that could be contributing.
I thought i'd reply back with the findings of various tests.
I've been diagnosed with something called Multi Focal Motor Neuropathy, basically my immune system attacking my bernouse system. It's affecting my right arm , both legs and of course my diaphram.
Consultant is putting me on IVIG , he reckons i should see results after 2 weeks.
Anywhere on here have MMN or know someone with it ?
I've been diagnosed with something called Multi Focal Motor Neuropathy, basically my immune system attacking my bernouse system. It's affecting my right arm , both legs and of course my diaphram.
Consultant is putting me on IVIG , he reckons i should see results after 2 weeks.
Anywhere on here have MMN or know someone with it ?
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff